Cost of Living: Philippines vs Singapore

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Philippines and Singapore.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Philippines is 90.0% cheaper than Singapore. The biggest difference is in Property Prices, where costs are 90.4% lower. This means that for every $100 you spend in Singapore, you would spend about $10 in Philippines for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Property Prices 90.4%

Philippines is 90.4% cheaper

Rent Per Month 90.0%

Philippines is 90.0% cheaper

Salaries And Financing 89.9%

Philippines is 89.9% cheaper

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 90.0%

Philippines is 90.0% cheaper than Singapore

Most Expensive Categories

  • Mobile and Internet +7.2%

Is Philippines cheaper than Singapore?

Yes, Philippines is cheaper than Singapore

Overall, living costs in Philippines are 90.0% lower than in Singapore.

Where Philippines is cheaper:

  • Property Prices 90.4% cheaper
  • Rent Per Month 90.0% cheaper
  • Salaries And Financing 89.9% cheaper

Where Philippines is more expensive:

  • Mobile and Internet 7.2% more expensive

Practical Examples

Basic restaurant meal

Philippines: 4.01 $ Singapore: 10.90 $
63.2% cheaper in Philippines

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Philippines: 319.64 $ Singapore: 3,140.74 $
89.8% cheaper in Philippines

Monthly public transport pass

Philippines: 10.84 $ Singapore: 93.46 $
88.4% cheaper in Philippines

1 liter of milk

Philippines: 1.86 $ Singapore: 3.01 $
38.2% cheaper in Philippines

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, Philippines is indeed cheaper than Singapore. You would save approximately 90.0% on living expenses by choosing Philippines over Singapore. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

90.0%

Philippines is 90.0% cheaper than Singapore

Restaurants

52.8%

Philippines is 52.8% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Markets

66.8%

Philippines is 66.8% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Other Expenses

76.5%

Philippines is 76.5% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Transportation

83.2%

Philippines is 83.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Household Utilities

29.8%

Philippines is 29.8% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Mobile and Internet

7.2%

Philippines is 7.2% more expensive than Singapore in this category

Sports And Leisure

67.5%

Philippines is 67.5% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Childcare

84.2%

Philippines is 84.2% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Clothing And Shoes

40.8%

Philippines is 40.8% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Rent Per Month

90.0%

Philippines is 90.0% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Property Prices

90.4%

Philippines is 90.4% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Salaries And Financing

89.9%

Philippines is 89.9% cheaper than Singapore in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Philippines Singapore Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 4.01 $ 10.90 $ 63.2%
Philippines is 63.2% cheaper
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 21.67 $ 77.88 $ 72.2%
Philippines is 72.2% cheaper
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 3.61 $ 7.79 $ 53.7%
Philippines is 53.7% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 2.40 $ 4.88 $ 50.8%
Philippines is 50.8% cheaper
Soft Drink (330ml) 0.76 $ 1.68 $ 54.8%
Philippines is 54.8% cheaper
Bottled Water (330ml) 0.41 $ 1.22 $ 66.4%
Philippines is 66.4% cheaper
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.74 $ 1.52 $ 51.3%
Philippines is 51.3% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml) 4.75 $ 2.00 $ 137.5%
Philippines is 137.5% more expensive
Imported Beer (330ml) 2.71 $ 2.49 $ 8.8%
Philippines is 8.8% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 15.73 $ 10.00 $ 57.3%
Philippines is 57.3% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml bottle) ? 2.21 $ N/A
Milk (1L) 1.86 $ 3.01 $ 38.2%
Philippines is 38.2% cheaper
Fresh Bread (500g) 1.31 $ 2.35 $ 44.3%
Philippines is 44.3% cheaper
White Rice (1kg) 0.99 $ 2.92 $ 66.1%
Philippines is 66.1% cheaper
Eggs (12 pack) 2.12 $ 3.35 $ 36.7%
Philippines is 36.7% cheaper
Local Cheese (1kg) 8.00 $ 19.37 $ 58.7%
Philippines is 58.7% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 4.47 $ 11.15 $ 59.9%
Philippines is 59.9% cheaper
Beef (1kg) 12.19 $ 15.21 $ 19.9%
Philippines is 19.9% cheaper
Apples (1kg) 3.04 $ 4.57 $ 33.5%
Philippines is 33.5% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 1.50 $ 2.97 $ 49.5%
Philippines is 49.5% cheaper
Oranges (1kg) 2.76 $ 4.51 $ 38.8%
Philippines is 38.8% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 1.63 $ 2.71 $ 39.9%
Philippines is 39.9% cheaper
Potatoes (1kg) 2.29 $ 2.39 $ 4.2%
Philippines is 4.2% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 2.68 $ 2.20 $ 21.8%
Philippines is 21.8% more expensive
Lettuce (1 head) 1.45 $ 1.86 $ 22.0%
Philippines is 22.0% cheaper
Monthly Transit Pass 10.84 $ 93.46 $ 88.4%
Philippines is 88.4% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 3.07 $ 13.05 $ 76.5%
Philippines is 76.5% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 0.27 $ 1.56 $ 82.7%
Philippines is 82.7% cheaper
Taxi Base Fare 0.81 $ 3.58 $ 77.4%
Philippines is 77.4% cheaper
Taxi per Kilometer 0.27 $ 0.78 $ 65.4%
Philippines is 65.4% cheaper
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 2.71 $ 16.28 $ 83.4%
Philippines is 83.4% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.17 $ 2.22 $ 47.3%
Philippines is 47.3% cheaper
New Economy Car 23,479.48 $ 140,192.38 $ 83.3%
Philippines is 83.3% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 21,690.28 $ 128,887.54 $ 83.2%
Philippines is 83.2% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 111.06 $ 158.22 $ 29.8%
Philippines is 29.8% cheaper
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 29.68 $ 18.54 $ 60.1%
Philippines is 60.1% more expensive
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 30.90 $ 37.95 $ 18.6%
Philippines is 18.6% cheaper
Gym Membership 33.34 $ 115.77 $ 71.2%
Philippines is 71.2% cheaper
Tennis Court (Weekend) 5.68 $ 12.22 $ 53.5%
Philippines is 53.5% cheaper
Movie Ticket 6.32 $ 11.68 $ 45.9%
Philippines is 45.9% cheaper
Private Preschool (Full Day) 108.33 $ 1,272.43 $ 91.5%
Philippines is 91.5% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 4,807.86 $ 29,780.50 $ 83.9%
Philippines is 83.9% cheaper
1 Pair of Jeans 45.80 $ 80.91 $ 43.4%
Philippines is 43.4% cheaper
1 Summer Dress 25.70 $ 42.93 $ 40.1%
Philippines is 40.1% cheaper
1 Pair of Running Shoes 74.73 $ 105.33 $ 29.1%
Philippines is 29.1% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 64.11 $ 126.28 $ 49.2%
Philippines is 49.2% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 319.64 $ 3,140.74 $ 89.8%
Philippines is 89.8% cheaper
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 182.51 $ 2,267.71 $ 92.0%
Philippines is 92.0% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 676.03 $ 6,205.41 $ 89.1%
Philippines is 89.1% cheaper
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 360.65 $ 3,723.55 $ 90.3%
Philippines is 90.3% cheaper
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 2,465.73 $ 22,697.92 $ 89.1%
Philippines is 89.1% cheaper
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 1,144.07 $ 15,076.91 $ 92.4%
Philippines is 92.4% cheaper
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 410.57 $ 4,151.48 $ 90.1%
Philippines is 90.1% cheaper
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 7.21 3.17 127.4%
Philippines is 127.4% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to Singapore. Enter your monthly expenses in Philippines to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Philippines and Singapore goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Philippines vs Singapore

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Philippines

Singapore

  • Lower grocery costs suggest different shopping and consumption patterns.
  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Philippines Cost of living in Singapore

Related comparisons