Manila is the shopping capital of the Philippines. It offers a wide array of goods to choose from: clothes, bags, shoes, books, jewelry and just about anything there is to find.
Cost of Living
The Philippines is one of the countries with the cheapest cost of living. However, as the country's capital, Manila is still quite expensive compared to other parts of the Philippines.
Estimates on cost of living in Manila:
- Monthly rent (1 bedroom apartment in city center): PHP 15000-30000
- Monthly rent (1 bedroom apartment outside of city center): PHP 5000-15000
- Weekly grocery bill (food and toiletries for two people): PHP 1500-2000
- Restaurant meal for two: PHP 300-1000
- Beer (1 bottle): PHP 75-150
- Movie: PHP 200-300
- Gas (1 liter): PHP 35-45
- Monthly electric bill: PHP 1000-3000
- Monthly DSL internet subscription: PHP 1500-4000
- A pair of jeans: PHP 1500-PHP3000
- A pair of men's leather shoes: PHP 2000-5000
Shopping Malls
Shopping malls are open from 10am to 10pm and extend their hours on weekends.
- SM Supermalls - the country's largest shopping center operator with branches all over the Philippines and in different parts of Manila including SM North EDSA, SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia
- Ayala Malls - they are the next largest shopping center operator with different malls in Manila including Trinoma, Greenbelt and Glorietta
- Bonifacio High Street - a lifestyle mall located in the upscale district of Bonifacio Global City
- Greenhills Shopping Center - a bargain mall which offers a variety of export and Class A items at discounted prices
- 168 Shopping Mall - another bargain mail which offers goods at low prices
Markets
- Farmers Market - one of the cleanest and largest public markets in Manila. This market has fresh produce like fruits, vegetables, meat and seafood. It is located in Cubao, Quezon City.
- Mercato Centrale - a weekend night market for foodies located in Bonifacio Global City. Opening hours are from 6pm to 3am.
- Salcedo Saturday Market - located at Salcedo Village in Makati City and open only on Saturdays from 7am to 2pm. This market has a variety of fresh produce, specialty food items and ready-to-eat meals.
- Legazpi Sunday Market - located at Legazpi Village in Makati City and open only on Sundays from 7am to 2pm. This market has some good food finds and artisanal crafts.
- Greenfield Weekend Market - a Saturday night market located at Greenfield District in Mandaluyong City. Opening hours are from 4pm to 12 midnight.
Supermarkets
Supermarkets are generally open from 9am to 9pm.
- SM Markets - one of the largest supermarket chains in the Philippines with different markets to choose from (Hypermarket, MarketPlace, SaveMore)
- The Landmark Supermarkets
- Puregold
- Walter Mart
- Rustan's Supermarket
- Robinsons Supermarket
- S&R Membership Shopping - requires you to sign up for a membership before shopping in their branches. They offer imported goods and other items not usually available in local supermarkets.
Update 9/06/2016
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