Data updated Oct 8, 2026
Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 82)
Banking, finance, and multinational corporations drive Makati's economy, with the Philippine Stock Exchange and headquarters of major banks like BDO and Metrobank anchoring the central business district. The city hosts regional offices for companies like Procter & Gamble, Unilever, and Shell, creating white-collar jobs in finance, consulting, and corporate services. With the Philippines' highest GDP per capita at ₱1.78 million ($31,800), locals work primarily in banking, real estate, retail management, and professional services, though income inequality remains stark between corporate executives and service workers.
Expect to pay $950+ monthly for a decent 1BR in the city center, with luxury condos reaching $2,000+. The MRT connects you to other Metro Manila districts for ₱15-30 per ride, though rush hour crowds are brutal and trains break down regularly. Healthcare is solid with top-tier hospitals like Makati Medical Center, but consultations run $30-80. English is widely spoken in business districts, making daily life manageable, though government bureaucracy still requires patience and multiple trips for permits or visas.
Year-round heat and humidity hit 32°C+ with heavy monsoon rains June through November that flood streets regularly. The food scene spans from ₱50 street food to high-end restaurants in Greenbelt and Glorietta malls, while rooftop bars and clubs cater to the expat finance crowd. Weekends mean mall-hopping, island day trips to Batangas, or escaping to Tagaytay's cooler mountains. This city works best for corporate professionals who prioritize career opportunities over cost savings and don't mind trading tropical charm for urban convenience.
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Makati at the budget tier comes to about $831 a month for one adult, with $423 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $94.00 on groceries, $26.00 on dining out, $28.00 on entertainment and lifestyle, $203 on utilities and connectivity and $57.00 on transport.
Rent
$423/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$94.00/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$26.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$28.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$203/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$57.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Makati at the mid-range tier comes to about $973 a month for one adult, with $423 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $125 on groceries, $64.00 on dining out, $101 on entertainment and lifestyle, $203 on utilities and connectivity and $57.00 on transport.
Rent
$423/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$125/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$64.00/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$101/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$203/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$57.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Makati at the comfortable tier comes to about $1,549 a month for one adult, with $820 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $175 on groceries, $158 on dining out, $136 on entertainment and lifestyle, $203 on utilities and connectivity and $57.00 on transport.
Rent
$820/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$175/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$158/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$136/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$203/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Transport
$57.00/mo
Monthly pass
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $819.67/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Makati's cost of living compares with Marawi
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Makati is the safest major district in Metro Manila and feels noticeably secure compared to surrounding areas. Well-lit streets, heavy security presence, and affluent neighborhoods create a comfortable day-to-day environment. Night walking is generally safe in central business and residential zones, though most expats use ride-sharing apps after dark as a precaution rather than necessity. The city's reputation as a financial hub attracts professional expats who report feeling at ease.
Petty theft and pickpocketing occur in crowded areas and public transport, particularly targeting tourists and visibly wealthy individuals. Scams involving fake taxis, overpriced services, and online fraud targeting expats are documented. Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or electronics. Solo female travelers report feeling safer here than in other Philippine cities, though standard urban caution applies. Certain peripheral areas and informal settlements warrant avoidance, but main expat zones (Makati CBD, Salcedo Village, Legaspi Village) are well-patrolled.
The Philippines has low political instability compared to regional peers, and Makati specifically benefits from strong corporate security infrastructure and police presence. Corruption exists but rarely affects expat daily life directly. Police are generally responsive in this district. The main risk is petty crime rather than systemic danger. For Americans aged 30–65 considering relocation, Makati ranks among the Philippines' most livable and secure options, suitable for remote work and retirement with standard urban precautions.
See how Makati's healthcare compares with Marawi
Makati has a tropical climate with hot, humid conditions year-round, a wet monsoon season from June to October, and a drier season from November to May.
Makati is a bustling business district with numerous coworking options.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Clock In | Clock In offers a modern and professional coworking environment in Makati. With multiple locations, it provides flexible workspace solutions, high-speed internet, and meeting rooms, making it ideal for digital nomads seeking a productive workspace. |
| WeWork RCBC Plaza | Located in the heart of Makati's business district, WeWork RCBC Plaza provides a premium coworking experience. It features stylish workspaces, networking opportunities, and a vibrant community, perfect for expats looking to connect with other professionals. |
| Acceler8 | Acceler8 offers a sophisticated coworking space in Makati, designed to foster collaboration and innovation. With ergonomic furniture, high-speed internet, and a central location, it's a great option for remote workers seeking a professional and comfortable environment. |
| The Office Project | The Office Project provides a creative and collaborative coworking space in Salcedo Village, Makati. It offers flexible workspace options, meeting rooms, and a supportive community, making it suitable for digital nomads looking for a vibrant and inspiring workspace. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Makati long-term? Philippines SEZ Remote Work Visa (PEZA Zone) lets remote workers live legally.
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See how Makati's digital nomad life compares with Marawi
The primary corporate and expat hub of the Philippines, offering a highly developed lifestyle and world-class dining.
Areas of Makati that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Upscale, quiet, residential village
Bel-Air is a gated community known for its large houses and peaceful atmosphere. It's popular with affluent families and expats seeking a quieter environment. While primarily residential, it's close to the Makati CBD and offers good security, but requires transportation for most errands.
Business district meets residential
Salcedo Village is a mix of office buildings and residential condominiums. It's very walkable, especially during the week, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and the Salcedo Saturday Market. Expect higher prices and some noise from traffic and construction.
Green spaces, upscale dining
Legazpi Village is similar to Salcedo but generally considered more relaxed and green, thanks to Legazpi Active Park. It boasts high-end restaurants, boutique shops, and art galleries. Rent is on the higher side, but the area is very walkable and safe.
Nightlife, vibrant, backpacker haven
Poblacion is Makati's old downtown and now the city's main nightlife hub. It's filled with bars, restaurants, and hostels, attracting a younger crowd and budget travelers. While convenient and lively, it can be noisy and crowded, especially on weekends. Increasing development is pushing prices up.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $820/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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