As an expat planning to move to the Philippines, two areas likely on your shortlist are Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC). These neighboring cities boast vibrant business districts, upscale amenities, and large foreigner populations.
But if you’re deciding between living in Makati vs. BGC, how do they really compare in terms of cost of living? While both cities are relatively pricey for the region, small differences add up substantially over years.
As a 10-year expat resident, let me break down the main lifestyle expenses between Makati and BGC. I’ll share insider knowledge and current statistics so you can determine the right fit based on your budget and priorities.
An Introduction to Makati and Bonifacio Global City
First, a quick primer on both cities for those unfamiliar with Metro Manila.
Makati is the financial capital of the Philippines. As the country’s wealthiest and most populous city, it boasts a dynamic urban environment with top-tier shopping malls, Michelin-starred dining, luxury car dealerships, and the downtown Stock Exchange.
Beyond glitzy office towers and high-rises, Makati also holds quiet suburban neighborhoods and tranquil green spaces like Ayala Triangle Gardens. Established entertainment areas like Poblacion, Burgos Circle, and Jupiter Street offer vibrant nightlife.
In contrast, Bonifacio Global City (BGC) began as a master-planned district in the mid-1990s by property giant Megaworld. Over 20 short years, vacant land transformed into an ultramodern business hub that’s clean, green, and replete with multinational headquarters.
With its orderly grid system and abundance of parks, BGC prides itself on walkability and livability. Districts like Uptown Mall and High Street feel more open-air than enclosed shopping centers. Nightlife revolves around cozy wine bars and craft breweries rather than go-go bars.
Now let’s compare living costs across major spending categories.
Rental Costs: Studios, Apartments, Condos, and Houses
Housing makes up a substantial chunk of any cost of living breakdown. Makati generally sees higher rental rates due to its larger size and greater sprawl. However, BGC—though smaller in area—also commands sky-high prices in prime districts.
Studio and 1-Bedroom Units
According to 2021 statistics*:
- BGC studios: Average rent sits around ₱28,000–₱38,000 ($500-$700) per month. More affordable options start from ₱18,000 ($330).
- Makati studios: Figures range ₱25,000–₱35,000 ($460-$640) monthly. Outside the central business district, rates dip closer to ₱20,000 ($370).
For 1-bedroom units:
- BGC 1 bedroom: Rents span ₱35,000–₱55,000 ($640-$1,000).
- Makati 1 bedroom: Average ₱30,000–₱45,000 ($550-$820) per month.
Sources: Lamudi, Property24, MyProperty
So while macro-data shows similar price points, BGC units skew more expensive on average. Why is that?
Newer architecture comes at a premium. As BGC only developed over the past few decades, even small spaces incorporate modern design aesthetics.
Comparatively, Makati studios equivalent in price are typically larger inside. You gain square footage but sacrifice stylish renovations found across BGC.
2-Bedrooms, Condos, Houses
Scaling up in size, the monthly rental gap continues widening between the two cities:
| Unit Type | BGC Range | Makati Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Bedroom Condo | ₱55k-₱100k | ₱40k-₱70k |
| 3 Bedroom Condo | ₱80k-₱150k | ₱55k-₱100k |
| 2 Bedroom House | ₱60k-₱250k | ₱30k-₱120k |
| 3 Bedroom House | ₱100k-₱300k | ₱50k-₱180k |
Figures in Philippine Peso (₱) displayed as range approximations
The above demonstrates BGC’s steeper prices, especially once you move beyond studio and 1-bedroom apartments. Skyrocketing demand coupled with limited land supply keeps rental rates elevated there.
In contrast, Makati offers greater inventory diversity—from budget to luxury—given its larger footprint. Neighborhoods like San Lorenzo, Urdaneta, Legazpi Village, and Bel-Air offer sprawling houses perfect for families.
Verdict: Makati extends cheaper options overall for larger spaces, although anything modern-constructed and centrally located sees comparable BGC pricing.
Food, Groceries, and Dining Out
Manila is a true foodie’s paradise. With such a vibrant culinary scene, you’ll surely sample different cuisines while living in either Makati or BGC. But how do pure grocery and dining costs weigh up?
Groceries
Stocking your fridge and pantry runs reasonably comparable based on location.
Here’s a comparison across some common grocery items:
| Grocery Item | Makati Price | BGC Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dozen Eggs | ₱180 | ₱200 |
| Loaf of Bread | ₱100 | ₱120 |
| Rice (per kg) | ₱50 | ₱60 |
| Apples (per kg) | ₱200 | ₱240 |
| Bottle of Wine | ₱500+ | ₱600+ |
Prices in Philippine Peso (₱)
You’ll notice slightly elevated costs in BGC for imported and specialty products. But plenty of budget stores like Puregold, Ever Supermarket, or Waltermart offer household basics or local goods affordably across both cities.
Shopping at weekend Salcedo or Legazpi Sunday Markets—packed with small-batch food producers—can net savings in Makati too.
Overall, expect to spend ₱15,000-₱25,000 ($275-$460) per month comfortably feeding one person in either location. Tack on around ₱5,000 more per additional family member.
Dining Out
In Manila—with its 24/7 culture and tendency towards hangouts over house parties—you’ll likely eat out a lot, regardless of residing in Makati or BGC.
The good news? Entry-level dining costs about the same across both cities, although BGC pricing does skew more upscale.
Here’s a snapshot of average restaurant meal costs:
- Inexpensive/Street food meal: ₱150-₱250 in Makati and BGC
- Mid-range meal for one: ₱400 in Makati, ₱600+ in BGC
- Higher-end dinner for two: ₱2,500+ in Makati, ₱4,000+ in BGC
While the above shows sizable differences once you hit finer establishments, cheaper café fare remains on par between locations.
Plus, Makati’s broad span—encompassing premier Ayala Center through humble West Rembo—means more budget options in traditional Filipino, Asian, and international restaurants.
Verdict: For cooking at home, grocery prices stay similar. Dining out nightly? Greater high-end choice exists in BGC but far more budget diversity across sprawling Makati.
Getting Around: Traffic, Transport, and Car Costs
Navigating Metro Manila’s congested roads makes most ditch vehicles for rides or public transport. Does that hold true comparing transit-friendly BGC vs. traffic-clogged Makati?
Traffic and Transport Options
Makati unquestionably faces worse gridlock, given greater population density and arterial choke points. BGC’s orderly grid, pedestrian underpasses, and bike lanes increase mobility.
Both locations offer plentiful public transportation, whether modern rail lines like MRT or traditional jeepneys. But proximity and access makes daily transit use far simpler in compact BGC.
For taxis or rideshares, base fares match but distances—thus costs—are typically shorter within BGC. Most key spots sit walkable distances apart too.
Verdict: Makati accommodates cars but ensuring parking slots and battling traffic often defeats utility. BGC’s smaller size and top-notch walkability win for transport.
Lifestyle Factors: Recreation, Nightlife, Healthcare
Beyond base living costs, choosing where to settle also means comparing lifestyle perks. For recreation, entertainment, and wellness access, Makati and BGC both deliver plenty yet in different ways.
Recreation
Greenspace defines BGC, with pocket parks dotting many blocks. Spots like Track 30th, BGC Greenway, and lawn fields offer open-air recess throughout bustling business environs.
Comparatively, Makati recreation veers more metropolitan—like jogging around Ayala Triangle Garden’s clipped hedges or playing streetball at Legaspi Active Park.
Nearby mountain havens like Antipolo offer nature escapes under an hour out for all Manila residents too.
Verdict: For regular outdoor activity without leaving city limits, BGC clinches as a recreation haven with greenspace galore.
Nightlife
Makati is the country’s nightlife epicenter… or rather, a constellation of party hotspots connected by cacauan late-night food stalls. Splitting riverside hangouts from red light Rumor Bars or local joints along Poblacion, the options dazzle.
BGC nightlife shines brighter, not harder. Craft breweries like The Perfect Pint or Museum of Beer often set evening agendas. Or wine/dine elegantly at San Marco’s al fresco tables before strolling between wine bars or cafes.
Verdict: Makati fits virtually endless after-dark tastes while BGC channels more refined, close-knit revelry.
Healthcare
With so many malls come equal medical offerings. Top hospitals like Makati Medical Center, Asian Hospital, and St. Luke’s situate conveniently in both cities alongside specialty clinics.
Makati’s greater density does position more facilities within a given radius though. BGC ranks well too but you’ll likely transit between its different development zones for care options.
Verdict: Healthcare access differs little between Makati vs. BGC although Makati pips it for proximity choice in surrounding neighborhoods.
Additional Cost Considerations
Beyond the above, additional cost factors like taxes, utilities, telecoms and other aspects determine total expenditure differences between the two cities.
Taxes
As financial hubs, both BGC and Makati levy higher tax rates, whether on consumption (12% VAT added to purchases), property (up to 3% depending on building), and more.
But Makati adds a business permit tax for all—from enterprises to freelancers to even online sellers—varying by company size and gross sales. BGC has no equivalent formal tax at present.
Verdict: Tax implications run Broadly similar, although Makati‘s extra business levy adds upfront overhead for entrepreneurs.
Utilities and Internet
Standard electricity, water, gas prices don’t fluctuate between cities. Average monthly costs span:
- Electricity – ₱3,000+
- Water – ₱1,000+
- Gas (LPG) – ₱600+
FiberX, PLDT, Globe, ConvergeICT provide internet plans with similar speed tiers and rates between locations too.
Verdict: Parity exists for utility and telecom costs in Makati vs. BGC. Choose providers fitting speed and reliability needs.
The Final Verdict: Weighing Total Cost Differences
If you made it this far comparing major costs between Makati and Bonifacio Global CIty—from rental rates through recreation access and everything between—which location really offers better overall value?
For budget-minded expats or remote workers, Makati extends more affordable diversity in housing options while still guaranteeing walkable convenience for urbanites.
Mid to high-end renters may gain newer construction in BGC for similar rents but square footage and amenities can fall shorter than comparable Makati units.
For families though, roomier dwellings with yards proliferate in Makati more than currently compact BGC. Think established neighborhoods like Palm Village, Dasmarinas Village, Corinthian Gardens.
On balance, Makati squeezes out a win for total liveability thanks to greater variety in rentals, dining, and proximity across vibrant districts.
Yet BGC continues maturing exponentially too—with new developments slated to launch adding recreation and residential scope.
So while Makati offers the most holistic habitat now, BGC’s ongoing progress stands to reshape Metro Manila residential comparing in a few short years.
I hope this transparent cost comparison for Makati vs. Bonifacio Global City helps you make the right lifestyle decision selecting a home in Metro Manila. Feel free to reach out with any other questions!