Relocating to Manila: Salary Expectations and Cost of Living Comparison

As an Indian based in Pune with an annual salary of 17 LPA (Lakh Per Annum), you are considering a relocation to Manila, Philippines. Determining the ideal salary in PHP (Philippine Peso) to maintain a similar standard of living is crucial. This article will provide a detailed analysis based on current exchange rates and cost of living comparisons.

Current Salary and Exchange Rate

Your current annual salary in Pune is 17 LPA or 1,700,000 Indian Rupees (INR). To get a monthly perspective, divide your annual salary by 12:

Monthly Salary: 1,700,000 INR / 12 ≈ 141,667 INR

As of August 2023, the exchange rate is approximately 1 INR ≈ 0.67 PHP. This can vary, so always check the latest exchange rates.

Conversion to PHP:

Monthly Salary in PHP: 141,667 INR * 0.67 ≈ 94,990 PHP

Annual Salary in PHP: 1,700,000 INR * 0.67 ≈ 1,139,000 PHP

Cost of Living Comparison

The cost of living in Manila is generally higher compared to Pune. Here are some key points to consider:

Housing

Rent can be significantly higher in Manila. For instance, a modest one-bedroom rental in Pune might cost around 15,000 INR per month, while the same in Manila could easily cost 70,000 PHP or more.

Utilities

Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are also more expensive in Manila. Monthly utility bills in Pune might be around 4,000 INR, whereas in Manila, you might be looking at 15,000 PHP or more.

Transportation

Public transport is available but can be less convenient or more expensive in Manila. A monthly public transport pass in Pune could be around 3,000 INR, whereas in Manila, it might cost 12,000 PHP or more.

Recommended Salary Adjustment

To maintain a similar standard of living in Manila, you might want to increase your salary by about 20-30% to account for the higher costs. Here’s a breakdown:

20% Increase: 1,139,000 PHP * 1.20 ≈ 1,366,800 PHP or about 113,900 PHP/month

30% Increase: 1,139,000 PHP * 1.30 ≈ 1,480,700 PHP or about 123,400 PHP/month

Conclusion

Based on these calculations, you should ideally be looking for a salary in the range of 113,900 PHP to 123,400 PHP per month. However, the specific salaries can vary based on your personal expenses and housing preferences. It is advisable to research specific costs in Manila related to your lifestyle, housing, and any other personal expenses you anticipate.

A 17 LPA in Pune converts to approximately 1.3 million PHP per annum with the 13th month pay, which is about 100,000 PHP per month. Considering the higher cost of living in Manila, your target salary should be at least 200,000 PHP to 300,000 PHP per month. The lower end of the scale is recommended if your company covers housing expenses.

Note: Manila is significantly more expensive and less pleasant than Pune. If the Manila offer is not at least double your current compensation, it might not be worthwhile unless you are eager for the international experience.