Your Expat Community in Manila

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.

Manila, like any large city, comes with its risks, but for most expats, it can be a safe place to live as long as basic precautions are taken. The city has crowded but also secure areas, especially those popular with expats, such as Makati, BGC, and Ortigas. Violent crime is rare in expat-friendly neighborhoods, although it’s always wise to stay alert and avoid poorly lit or unfamiliar areas, mostly at night. Petty theft can happen, so keeping your valuables secure is important. In general, expats living in Manila and going about their daily routines working, dining, and exploring, shouldn’t face more issues than they would in other major cities around the world.

Well, personal preferences and lifestyle choices will ultimately dictate your budget, but according to Numbeo, the world’s largest cost of living database, rent, utilities, dining, and transportation seem more affordable compared to other major cities. To provide a clear breakdown of the cost of living, the table below shows a rough estimate of monthly living costs in Manila.

This also can vary significantly based on the industry and role, according to Salaryexplorer, 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 (around 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 spots like H&J Sports Bar offer an exciting atmosphere for watching live sports, while Handle Bar invites in both locals and expats with its biker-themed vibe and live music nights. 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. For a more relaxed setting, Finders Keepers in Makati offers a homey, non-smoking environment that’s perfect for a relaxed evening.

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.