Cost of Eating in Manila: Daily Meals and Grocery Prices Explained (2025)

Manila, the busy and hectic capital of the Philippines, is a place where one can find a great variety of restaurants and various types of food to eat, at all prices. The food industry in the city is impressive and is accommodating to all individuals, be it a student, a working citizen, or a traveler, with both cheap fast-food restaurants and expensive restaurants. An average individual will have an average spending of between $2-8 on a single meal depending on the kind of dining experience. Groceries are also on the cheaper side and their monthly bill is close to $139. Such information can assist tourists and locals to spend their daily allowances on food reasonably whilst still savoring the delicious tastes of Filipino food.

Daily Food Costs in Manila

In Manila, the food prices depend on the location, type of restaurants and preference. The following is an estimate of the average cost of meals in various restaurants:

Meal TypeAverage Cost (USD)Description
Fast Food Meal$2 – $4A typical combo with rice, chicken, or burger and a drink.
Mid-Range Restaurant$4 – $7A sit-down meal with a drink, often including Filipino or Asian dishes.
High-End Restaurant$8 and abovePremium dining, often including lunch buffets or specialty cuisines.

The majority of residents are a combination of out-of-the-house and in-house food to maintain the balance between quality and price. Jollibee and McDonalds are also still famous among fast-food chains that serve relatively cheap lunches, but local restaurants (so-called carinderias) provide even cheaper meals that are more traditional.

Monthly Grocery Costs

Groceries in Manila are more affordable to those who want to cook their own meal at home than most of the western cities.

Monthly Food expenditure: approximate of $139.

This usually includes rice, vegetables, fruits, meat, dairy products, and other basic domestic supplies of one individual. The overall price can be increased by imported goods or high-quality products, whereas the local purchase and going to the local markets can save money.

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