City Guide 2026
Philippines
Living in Makati
Everything you need to know about cost of living, visas, taxes, climate, and lifestyle in Makati, Philippines.
Monthly Cost (Solo)
$1,645
Rent + groceries + bills
Safety Score
55/100
Moderate
Avg Temperature
28°C
82°F average
Tourist Visa
30 days
No DN visa
Internet Speed
85 Mbps
Good
Cost of Living in Makati
Rent Prices (USD/month)
| Apartment | City Center | Outside Center |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1,050 | $683 |
| 3 Bedroom | $3,500 | $2,275 |
Source: Numbeo, crowd-sourced data.
Groceries
$275/month
Healthcare
$150/month
Utilities
$120/month
Transport
$50/month
Climate in Makati
Monthly Average Temperature (°C)
Jan
26.1°
Feb
26.8°
Mar
28.1°
Apr
29.5°
May
29.8°
Jun
29.1°
Jul
28.3°
Aug
28.1°
Sep
28°
Oct
27.8°
Nov
27.3°
Dec
26.5°
Air Quality (AQI)
72
Moderate
Avg Rain Days/mo
13
days per month
Beach Distance
55 km
to nearest coast
Mountains
35 km
to nearest range
Lifestyle in Makati
Walkability
60/100
Internet Speed
85 Mbps
Cultural Score
65/100
Nightlife
50/100
Outdoor Activities
48/100
English Proficiency
80/100
Expat Community
large
Transit Quality
good
Coworking Spaces
3+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
moderate
Visa & Immigration in Philippines
| Visa Type | Status | Duration | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | Available | 30 days | Standard passport |
| Digital Nomad Visa | N/A | Not available | — |
| Investment Visa | Available | Available | Min $75,000 investment |
Residency Pathway
Typically 1-2 years for processing.
Tax Overview in Philippines
Tax System
Worldwide (taxes global income)
Tax residency threshold: 183 days/year · Treaty network: excellent
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Capital Gains (Long-term) | 6% |
| Capital Gains (Short-term) | 15% |
| Dividend Tax | 6% |
| Interest Income | 6% |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Crypto Gains | 35% |
| Exit Tax | No |
| Estate Tax | No |
Special Regime: Regional Operating Headquarters (ROHQ) / RHQ
Tax rates are estimates. Consult a qualified tax advisor for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Makati?
A comfortable solo lifestyle in Makati costs approximately $1,645-2,632/month for a single person or couple, covering housing in the city center, groceries, healthcare, utilities, and transport. Rent for a 1-bedroom in the center averages $1,050/month.
Is Makati safe for expats?
Makati has a safety index of 55/100 (higher is safer). Makati has moderate safety levels. Standard precautions are recommended, especially at night in less-trafficked areas. Healthcare quality is rated 66/100.
What is the weather like in Makati?
Makati has an average annual temperature of 28°C (82°F). The warmest months reach 29.8°C and the coolest drop to 26.1°C. Air quality is moderate with an average AQI of 72.
What is the internet speed in Makati?
Average internet speed in Makati is 85 Mbps, which is good enough for most remote work needs. There are 3+ coworking spaces available.
What taxes will I pay living in Philippines?
Philippines uses a worldwide tax system. Capital gains are taxed at 6% (long-term) and dividends at 6%. There is no wealth tax. Tax residency kicks in after 183 days/year. A special regime (Regional Operating Headquarters (ROHQ) / RHQ) may offer reduced rates.
Can I get a visa to live in Makati long-term?
Philippines does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Tourist stays are allowed for 30 days. The typical residency pathway is: Typically 1-2 years for processing..
Is Makati good for digital nomads?
Makati has decent internet at 85 Mbps, a large expat community, and 3+ coworking spaces. English proficiency is high at 80/100. The cost of living index is 41/100 (NYC = 100), making it moderately priced for remote workers.
Compare Makati with other cities
See what your money actually buys across housing, food, healthcare, and more with our lifestyle purchasing power tool.