Manila, Philippines
Manila, Philippines is an Asia base for digital nomads with a typical solo monthly cost around $1250, average internet around 90 Mbps, and a safety score of 5/10. In our dataset the friendliest months are Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, while rainy months to plan around are Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep. Place feel leans urban with vibes tagged party, workhub, foodie. Visa: Up to 30 days for most nationalities. Time zone UTC+8.
Key stats for digital nomads
- Cost of living (solo / month): $1250
- Long-term monthly estimate: $938
- Median Airbnb (night): $57 (estimate)
- Internet: 90 Mbps (reliability 7/10 (estimate))
- Power grid stability: 7/10 (estimate)
- Coworking density: Med
- Safety: 5/10 (female safety 4/10)
- Visa: Up to 30 days for most nationalities.
- Timezone: UTC+8
- Language: Filipino
- Region: Asia
- Best months: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
- Rainy months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
- Avg temperature: 28°C
Vibe tags
- party
- workhub
- foodie
Landscape
- urban
Why go
- English speaking
- Cheap
- Energetic
Trade-offs
- Traffic
- Pollution
- Safety concerns
Quick answers
How much does it cost to live in Manila as a digital nomad?
About $1250 a month for a solo nomad, based on Nomad Spin's data. For longer stays, our long-term monthly estimate is $938. The median Airbnb estimate is $57 a night, which matters most if you book short stays instead of a monthly rental.
Is the internet in Manila good enough for video calls?
Usually, but keep a backup. Nomad Spin lists average speeds around 90 Mbps with estimated reliability 7/10 and power grid stability 7/10. Coworking density is Medium, so shortlist a coworking space early. Test your own apartment's connection before a long stay.
How long can I stay in Philippines as a digital nomad?
Up to 30 days on the Tourist Visa, per Nomad Spin's data. Eligibility depends on your passport. Verify current rules on official Philippines government pages. Rules change, so read the official page again before you travel.
When is the best time to live in Manila?
December to April are the best months in Nomad Spin's data. The rainy months to plan around are June to September, and the average temperature is about 28 C. Other months carry no weather flag in our data.
Is Manila safe for solo female travelers?
Take extra care. Manila scores 5/10 for overall safety and 4/10 for female safety in Nomad Spin's data. LGBTQ+ friendliness scores 6/10. Use normal city precautions and check recent local advice for the area you book. Listed trade-offs: safety concerns.
Who should skip Manila as a nomad base?
Skip Manila if these listed trade-offs are dealbreakers: traffic, pollution and safety concerns. Its listed strengths are english speaking, cheap and energetic. Female safety scores 4/10 in our data. Expect about $1250 a month in our data.
Find your next base
Compare Manila against your budget, internet, and safety floors, then spin the globe for a match, or browse more nomad guides.