Is Makati (CBD) Expensive?

Manila, Philippines

+28% vs Manila avg

Living in Makati (CBD), Manila

Makati (CBD) is the most expensive area in Manila, with a cost of living index of 34.3 — that is +28% compared to the Manila average. Only the top 1 of 20 neighborhoods cost more. Estimated rent for a one-bedroom apartment here is around ₱35,904/month, compared to a range of ₱20,196 in Valenzuela to ₱35,904 in Makati (CBD).

Monthly Budget Breakdown

For a typical resident of Makati (CBD), housing takes up roughly 46% of monthly expenses. Food and groceries account for about 18%, while transportation costs around 10%. To live comfortably here — meaning rent stays at or below 30% of gross income — you would need an annual salary of approximately ₱1,436,145 before tax.

Typical Salaries in Makati (CBD)

Salaries in Makati (CBD) reflect the local cost of living. Based on the neighborhood COLI of 34.3:

After tax and deductions of 23.2% in Philippines, take-home pay for someone earning ₱1,436,145 would be roughly ₱1,102,959/year. Use the salary converter to calculate an exact figure for your situation, including expat-specific tax adjustments.

Key Stats

34.3
COLI Index
1.28x
vs City Avg
₱35,904
Est. 1BR Rent
#1
of 20 Areas
23.2%
Total Deductions

Tax & Deductions in Makati (CBD)

Estimated annual deductions on a ₱1,443,157 salary in Makati (CBD), Manila (local employee).

Income Tax
18%
SSS + PhilHealth + Pag-IBIG
5.0%
Total Deductions: 23.2%
Est. Take-Home: ₱1,107,710/yr

Rates shown are for a local employee. Use the salary converter for expat calculations.

Salary Equivalents

What a $75,000 USD salary in Makati (CBD) would need to be elsewhere:

City Currency Equivalent
New York USD $25,725
London GBP £22,139
Dubai AED AED 128,722

Other Neighborhoods in Manila

Neighborhood COLI Multiplier vs Avg
BGC (Taguig) 33.5 1.25x +25%
Rockwell 32.7 1.22x +22%
Alabang 29.5 1.10x +10%
Ortigas 28.9 1.08x +8%
Greenhills 28.1 1.05x +5%

View all 20 neighborhoods in Manila →

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Compare Makati (CBD)

Makati (CBD) vs Rockwell Makati (CBD) vs Valenzuela Makati (CBD) vs Muntinlupa Makati (CBD) vs BGC (Taguig)

Similar Neighborhoods Worldwide

Neighborhoods with a similar cost of living to Makati (CBD):

District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Kadriorg, Tallinn Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires Boavista, Porto Clérigos, Porto Constantia, Cape Town

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Makati (CBD) expensive in Manila?

Yes, Makati (CBD) is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Manila. It costs about +28% more than the city average, ranking #1 out of 20 neighborhoods.

How does Makati (CBD) compare to the Manila average?

The cost of living in Makati (CBD) is significantly above the Manila average. With a multiplier of 1.28x, everyday expenses including rent, food, and transportation are +28% compared to the city baseline.

Data Sources: Cost of living indices based on crowd-sourced price data and official statistics. Tax calculations follow 2026 rates. Sources include OECD Better Life Index. Figures are estimates and may vary based on individual circumstances.