Let’s be honest — the cost of living in the Philippines in 2025 feels like a whole new challenge for families, especially moms who handle most of the budgeting. Every time I open the refrigerator or refill the rice dispenser, I swear I can almost hear my wallet whisper, “Good luck.”
But here’s the thing: we moms always find a way.
Just last week, I was helping Twinkle prepare her ingredients for Young Chef Society (they made sandwich on a stick — ang cute!), and as we were slicing fruit, she asked:
“Mommy, bakit parang lagi kang nagco-compute?”
I laughed… because it’s true. Whether we’re at the supermarket, paying bills, or simply planning meals, everything in 2025 requires a little calculation, a little stretching, and a whole lot of creativity.
So today, I’m breaking down the real cost of living in the Philippines in 2025, based on our own household and the stories of fellow moms I talk to — para the numbers feel less scary and more manageable.
1. Groceries: The Biggest, Sneakiest Expense
If you ask any mom where most of the budget goes, the answer is the same: groceries.
A typical family of 3–4 now spends around:
₱6,000–₱10,000 per week
(depends on city and brand choices)
Breakdown looks like:
- Rice: ₱55–₱80/kg
- Eggs: ₱160–₱180 per tray
- Chicken: ₱180–₱240/kg
- Pork: ₱240–₱320/kg
- Veggies: ₱30–₱120 per item
- Milk + snacks: ₱800–₱1,200 per week (lalo na kapag may bata!)
One time, I went out with only ₱1,000 to test myself — and ended up with one bag that was suspiciously light.
Food is truly more expensive now, but meal planning saves us so much:
- Cook ulam na pang-two meals
- Add veggies to stretch meat
- Replace biscuits with fruits
- Save leftovers for “pang-baon”
Mom hacks to survive 2025!
2. Utilities: The Bills We Can’t Escape
When the Meralco bill arrives, time stops for 3 seconds.
Electricity cost in 2025 for a small to medium household:
₱3,000–₱7,000/month, depending on AC use.
Water bill: ₱300–₱800/month
WiFi: ₱1,099–₱1,799/month
And yes — kids doing online submissions, streaming cartoons, and us doing online work… WiFi is now non-negotiable.
3. School Expenses: The Yearly Heart Attack
Even if your child is in a private school with moderate fees:
- Tuition: ₱25,000–₱70,000/year
- School supplies: ₱1,000–₱3,000
- Projects + clubs (like Twinkle’s Young Chef Society!): ₱500–₱1,500 per quarter
- Baon: ₱50–₱150/day, depending on the child’s appetite
I still remember Twinkle’s face when she joined Young Chef Society — she was so excited to bring ingredients each week. And honestly, kahit dagdag gastos, seeing her happy made it worth every peso.
4. Transportation: Gas or Commute, Parehong Mahirap
Gas prices in 2025:
₱58–₱75 per liter
If you commute:
- Jeepneys: ₱13–₱25
- Buses: ₱25–₱50
- Transport apps: ₱150–₱300 per ride (minimum during rush hour)
Family who goes out weekends?
Add ₱300–₱800 easily to expenses.
5. Rent or Housing: The Biggest Monthly Commitment
If renting in or near Manila:
- Condo studio: ₱10,000–₱18,000
- 1BR: ₱15,000–₱25,000
- Small house: ₱8,000–₱15,000
Outside Manila:
₱4,000–₱9,000 on average.
A friend in Laguna pays ₱7,500 for a cute two-bedroom with a small garden — she said it was her “best mom move” because she grows calamansi, sili, and kamatis to save on grocery costs.
6. “Mom Cost of Living”: The Hidden Expenses
Because real talk…
The real cost of living includes things that don’t appear on spreadsheets:
- Yaya/house help (if applicable)
- Medicine for the whole family
- Quarterly school events
- Birthday gifts
- Emergency takeout
- Coffee for energy and survival
- Hobby items for kids
- Pet food (if you have fur babies!)
- A little treat for yourself (because we deserve it)
These tiny expenses?
They add up — but they’re also the things that make life feel warm, fun, and human.
The cost of living in the Philippines in 2025 is undeniably heavier — but somehow, we moms manage to carry it with grace, humor, and a few budgeting tricks hidden in our aprons.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about numbers.
It’s about raising our kids with love, comfort, and stability… kahit minsan tight ang budget.
We do our best — and that is more than enough.
