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Taguig City Wages: Living the High Life or Just Surviving?

@Hugo Barrett2/8/2026blog
Taguig City Wages: Living the High Life or Just Surviving?

so here's the deal with taguig city: it's not your average metro spot. the average salary here hovers around 25,000 to 35,000 pesos a month, but lemme tell ya, rent alone can swallow half of that. a decent one-bedroom in bonifacio global city? you're looking at 20,000 to 35,000 pesos monthly. yeah, it's a vibe, but your wallet might disagree.

i'm talking as a freelance photographer here, so my income's all over the place. some months i'm swimming in projects, other months i'm eating instant noodles and questioning life choices. taguig's got that glossy, business-district energy, but the cost of living is no joke. groceries, utilities, and that daily coffee fix? they add up fast.

*weather* here is classic tropical-hot, humid, and occasionally dramatic with sudden rain showers. it's like the sky can't decide if it wants to be your friend or ruin your plans. and if you ever need a change of scenery, makati and mandaluyong are just a short drive away-perfect for when taguig starts feeling too intense.

now, let's talk safety. taguig's generally safe, especially in bgc, but like any city, you gotta stay sharp. locals say the streets are well-lit and patrolled, but don't go flashing your gear late at night-trust me, i've heard stories.

here's a quick breakdown of the cost of living:

ExpenseMonthly Cost (PHP)
Rent (1BR)20,000 - 35,000
Utilities3,000 - 5,000
Groceries5,000 - 8,000
Transport2,000 - 4,000
Leisure/Extras3,000 - 6,000


overheard from a local barista: "taguig's great if you're earning six figures. otherwise, it's a hustle." and honestly? that's the vibe. it's a city of contrasts-luxury condos next to street vendors, high-end malls beside humble eateries.

if you're thinking of moving here, check out tripadvisor for neighborhood reviews or yelp for affordable eats. and don't forget to peek at local subreddits for real talk from residents.

a view of a bridge over a river in a city

grayscale photo of cat on grass field


taguig's got potential, but it's not for the faint of heart-or wallet. if you're ready to hustle, it might just be worth it. otherwise, maybe keep it as a weekend destination.


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About the author: Hugo Barrett

Just a human trying to be helpful on the internet.

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