Manila Unveiled: What to Expect as an Expat in the City
With over a million residents, Manila can seem overwhelming at first, the city blends historic charm with modern amenities and offers convenient travel, thanks to its well-connected airport. While Manila may not be the first place many imagine for expat life in the Philippines, it stands out for its accessibility and lively atmosphere. This guide will help you navigate the basics, essentials for expat life and lifestyle tips. Read on to discover how to make the most of living in Manila.
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Jacques Paillard
All expatriates in my company joined InterNations because it really helped me get accustomed to my new life in Manila.
Adriana Rodrigues Zon
The idea of getting to know other expats in Manila was very appealing to me, and I've greatly expanded my network in the Philippines.
Why you'll love InterNations in Manila
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
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Living in Manila: Pros & Cons
For many, the extent of their knowledge about Manila might only stretch to the legendary Thrilla in Manila or a certain type of brown envelope. Neither of these tells you much about life in this city. Life in Manila is full of contrasts and surprises, there’s always something happening, day or night. Expats can quickly feel at home here, but like any major city, Manila has its own set of quirks and challenges. Since it’s handy to have information for various needs accessible in one place when navigating a new city, we’ve gathered the key pros and cons of living and working in Manila, based on our 2023 Expat Insider survey, one of the world’s most comprehensive reports on expat life.
Pros of living in Manila
Friendly Locals & Easy Settling In: Manila is known for its welcoming vibe, with 84% of expats finding it easy to connect with locals and 80% feeling at home shortly after arrival. It’s one of the easiest cities for expats to settle into globally.
Affordable Housing: While maintaining a Western lifestyle can increase expenses, 61% of expats find housing in Manila more affordable than in many global cities, offering good value for money in day-to-day living.
English-Friendly & Networking Opportunities: English is widely spoken, making communication easy. Manila also serves as a networking hub with business districts like BGC and Makati offering opportunities for both professional and social connections.
Pet-Friendly: Manila is surprisingly pet-friendly, allowing pets in malls and public buildings, and even offering designated areas for pet care.
24/7 City Life: The city never sleeps. Many restaurants, shops, and even public transport operate 24 hours, giving expats round-the-clock convenience.
Cons of living in Manila
Healthcare Quality: 46% of expats are satisfied with the healthcare system, highlighting concerns about public healthcare facilities being under-resourced and overcrowded, though private hospitals provide better care.
Air Pollution: Manila’s pollution levels are a notable drawback compared to the global average of 66%.
Traffic & Transport Issues: Traffic congestion is a daily challenge, and public transportation is not as developed as in other major cities, making commuting a challenge for many.
Higher Costs for Western Lifestyles & Foreigner “Skin Tax”: While Manila can be affordable, those seeking a Western standard of living may find costs comparable to other global cities. Expats also need to stay alert to potential overcharging in markets and tourist spots, aka foreign “skin” tax.
Littering is another noticeable issue outside the well-maintained gated communities, some streets and neighborhoods are often littered, showing a lack of concern for keeping them clean.
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Join our exciting events in Manila
For expats living in Manila, it may take a while to familiarize yourself and adjust to the locals. While you’re at it, there’s a group of expats just like you waiting to network and connect at many of our expat events in Manila. Our events range from casual social gatherings to workshops that offer practical advice on settling in Manila. We know for a fact that the expat journey can be an exciting adventure, but it’s always helpful to have a community that understands the challenges that come with it.
By joining some or all of our events, you will find a supportive circle of people who have walked in your shoes and know exactly what it’s like to start fresh in a new city. Beyond networking, our events are about creating a sense of belonging in your new home away from home. You’ll meet people from different walks of life who share your interests and experiences, making your time in Manila more enjoyable.
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Frequently asked questions about living in Manila as an expat
Your most pressing questions about moving to Manila are answered in this section. From pre-move knowledge about visas to day-to-day essentials like cost of living, healthcare, safety, accommodation, and transportation, we cover it all. And we even have tips on how to make friends!
Expats in Manila often choose neighborhoods that offer a mix of convenience, safety, and lifestyle amenities. Ortigas Center is popular for its prime location between major business hubs and access to shopping malls and nightlife.
Ermita attracts those who love being near cultural landmarks and fun nightlife, though safety precautions are important. Eastwood City is ideal for expats working in tech or BPO industries, offering a modern, urban touch.
For those who prefer a quieter, upscale environment, Bel-Air Village and Legazpi Village in Makati are highly sought after for their exclusivity, security, and proximity to business districts.
Lastly, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) stands out for its trendy, green spaces, and active expat community, making it a top choice for professionals and families alike. Each area offers something unique, catering to different preferences and needs.
Like any large city, Manila has its risks, but for most expats, it can be a safe place to live with basic precautions. The city is crowded, yet many areas especially expat favorites like Makati, BGC, and Ortigas are secure. Violent crime is rare in these neighborhoods, though it’s still wise to stay alert and avoid poorly lit or unfamiliar areas, especially at night. Petty theft can occur, so keep your valuables secure. Overall, expats who follow safety practices generally face no more issues in Manila than in other major cities worldwide.
To provide a clear breakdown of the cost of living, the table below shows a rough estimate of monthly living costs in Manila.
| USD (approx.) | Local currency | |
Rent (1-bedroom within the city) | 810 USD | 45800 PHP |
Rent (1-bedroom outside city center) | 370 USD | 21000 PHP |
Utilities (915 sq ft) | 145 USD | 8000 PHP |
Internet | 45 USD | 2500 PHP |
Meal at restaurant | 6–30 USD | 300–1,800 PHP |
Public Transport (One-way ticket) | 1 USD | 35 PHP |
Gym Membership | 42 USD | 2300 PHP |
The expat average salary is between PHP 50,000 to PHP 150,000 (900 USD – 2700 USD) per month, depending on their expertise. Higher-paying fields such as finance, technology, and business development can offer monthly salaries upwards of PHP 140,000 (approx. USD 2,500 and above). For roles like software engineers or data scientists, salaries typically range from PHP 50,000 to PHP 140,000. Expats in top management positions or specialized fields generally earn the much higher salaries.
The social scene varies depending on your taste and what you’re after, a good number of expats often gather in neighborhoods like Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC), known for their upbeat social scenes
In Makati, popular hotspots include:
- H&J Sports Bar: Great for watching live sports in a lively setting
- Handle Bar: Biker-themed with live music, popular with locals and expats
- Finders Keepers: Homey, non-smoking, perfect for a relaxed evening
BGC on the other hand is home to stylish venues like 12 Monkeys Music Hall, where live bands and an outgoing crowd make for great nights out.
No, you don't need to speak Tagalog to live in Manila as an expat. English is one of the two official languages in the Philippines, and it's widely spoken, especially in Manila. Most locals, particularly those in urban areas and younger generations, are fluent in English. This makes day-to-day communication, business transactions, and navigating the city relatively easy for English-speaking expats.
However, learning some basic Tagalog phrases can be useful and appreciated by locals, helping you integrate yourself in the culture. Still, you can comfortably get by with just English in most social and professional settings.
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Connect with Like-Minded Expatriates in Manila
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Our Global Partners
Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends
In addition to our events, InterNations Manila offers a variety of interest-based groups to help you connect with like-minded expats, including:
- Hash House Runners Group for those who want to stay fit while socializing
- Professional Networking Group for those who wish to expand your business circle and exchange ideas with career-focused expats
- DinnerNations Group offers a chance to explore Manila’s food scene while getting to know other expats in a laid-back setting
- Brunch & Coffee Groups for those who want to start the day with good company and conversation over a leisurely meal
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Enjoy the international experience with InterNations
We’re not just in Manila! InterNations also has a lively community in Cebu City.
But that’s not all: If you’re in the mood for a nice night out while traveling further abroad, InterNations is your go-to platform. As an InterNations member, you’re always welcome to join events in any of our communities in over 420 cities worldwide. You can find the full list here: Browse all InterNations Communities worldwide.
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Other Communities in Philippines
Like-Minded Expatriates in Manila
Philippines Guide Topics
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