Makati, Philippines
Asia · Tropical
Makati, a major financial hub in the Philippines, has become a popular destination for digital nomads. With its modern infrastructure, rich culture, and affordable cost of living, Makati offers an ideal balance for remote workers. The city boasts fast internet speeds, coworking spaces, and a vibrant lifestyle. However, like any destination, Makati has its strengths and weaknesses. In this guide, we'll explore what makes Makati an attractive destination for digital nomads and what to expect when living and working there.
At a Glance — Makati
City Personality
Makati is a fast-paced, urban destination with a blend of modern and traditional culture.
Best For
- remote workers
- digital entrepreneurs
- expats
Less Suitable For
- those seeking a relaxed pace
- families with young children
Internet Speed in Makati
Makati offers fast and reliable internet speeds, with mobile download speeds of up to 25 Mbps and fixed download speeds of up to 50 Mbps. The available bandwidth comfortably supports video conferencing, cloud development, and transferring large files, making it suitable for most remote professions. However, reliable local data for mobile latency and fixed latency is currently unavailable.
Fixed Broadband
Fiber, cable, or DSL in your apartment
Mobile Data
4G/5G cellular network
Remote Work Readiness
Cost of Living in Makati
Makati has a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in Asia. The monthly budget without rent is around $528, with a 1-bedroom apartment costing around $745. Food prices are also reasonable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $40. However, housing costs can add up, making it essential to factor this into your budget.
Cost Comparison: Cities in Philippines
Visa Options for Makati, Philippines
Philippines does not currently offer a specific Digital Nomad Visa, but several tourist visa options are available.
The Philippines offers various visa options, but a specific digital nomad visa is not available. Remote workers may need to explore other visa options, such as a tourist visa or a work visa. It's essential to research and understand the requirements and limitations of each visa type.
See what visa you need for Makati based on your passport
Is Makati Safe?
Makati is generally considered a safe city, with a safety index of 62.06. However, petty crime and corruption can be a concern. Remote workers should take necessary precautions to stay safe, such as being aware of their surroundings and avoiding walking alone at night.
What Residents Worry About
Crime Severity
Safety Tips for Makati
- Keep valuables out of sight in crowded areas and avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
- Choose accommodation with secure building access, and consider portable door alarms.
- Avoid leaving belongings unattended in public spaces and use lockers for laptops and cameras.
- Research which districts have higher crime rates and plan your route accordingly, especially at night.
Makati Climate & Weather
Makati has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The best months to visit are from November to April, when the weather is cooler and drier. Remote workers should be prepared for the hot and humid climate.
Makati has a Tropical climate.Warm all year with a short rainy season.
Average Daily Temperature
Daylight Hours
Real Estate Market in Makati
Makati offers a range of property options, from affordable apartments to luxury condos. The price-to-income ratio is 40.05, making it severely unaffordable for locals to buy property. Remote workers can find affordable rent options, but buying property may be challenging.
Overview
Buy vs Rent
Rental Yields & Returns
Apartment Prices
City Centre
Outside Centre
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Buying property requires 40.0 years of salary — renting is more practical for nomads.
- Mortgage costs take up 387.1% of income — renting offers more flexibility.
- Loan affordability is low — plan for upfront cash payments if considering property.
Healthcare Quality in Makati
Makati has excellent healthcare facilities, with a healthcare index of 84.97. Remote workers can access high-quality medical care, but may want to consider additional insurance for peace of mind.
Quality Scores
Satisfaction Scores
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Makati has strong healthcare infrastructure — digital nomads can expect reliable medical support for routine needs.
Power Grid in Philippines
Makati has a reliable grid infrastructure, with a grid access of 98%. The city also has a growing renewable energy sector, with 28% of its energy coming from renewable sources.
Energy Mix
Traffic & Commute in Makati
Makati has moderate traffic conditions, with a traffic index of 133.96. Remote workers can expect to spend around 33 minutes on commute, with a range of transportation options available.
Overview
Traffic Indexes
Commute Mode Split
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Traffic congestion is significant — consider accommodation close to co-working spaces or use public transit.
Pollution & Environment in Makati
Makati has poor air quality, with an air quality index of 34.09. Remote workers may want to take precautions to minimize their exposure to pollution.
Overview
Pollution Levels — Lower is better
Quality Metrics — Higher is better
Livability
What This Means for Digital Nomads
- Consider an air purifier for your apartment, especially during high-pollution months.
- Look for accommodation on quiet streets or higher floors to escape noise and light pollution.
- Avoid swimming in local rivers or lakes — water pollution levels are elevated.
- Some areas may be less tidy — research neighborhoods before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Makati
- Is Makati a good destination for digital nomads?
- Yes, Makati offers a blend of modern infrastructure and local culture, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads.
- What is the cost of living in Makati?
- The cost of living in Makati is relatively affordable, with a monthly budget without rent of around $528.
- What are the visa options for digital nomads in Makati?
- The Philippines offers various visa options, but a specific digital nomad visa is not available.
- Is Makati a safe city?
- Makati is generally considered a safe city, with a safety index of 62.06.
- What is the climate like in Makati?
- Makati has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year.
- What are the healthcare facilities like in Makati?
- Makati has excellent healthcare facilities, with a healthcare index of 84.97.
- What are the transportation options like in Makati?
- Makati has a range of transportation options, including a moderate traffic index of 133.96.
- Is Makati a good destination for remote workers who value a fast-paced lifestyle?
- Yes, Makati is a fast-paced urban destination with a blend of modern and traditional culture.
- What are the nearby places to explore in Makati?
- Makati is close to other major cities in the Philippines, such as Manila and Quezon City.
- What are the coworking spaces like in Makati?
- Unfortunately, there are no coworking spaces listed in Makati. Remote workers often rely on cafes, business centers, or home offices.
Key Takeaways
Quick insights for each category
Key Takeaways
Quick insights for each category
Makati's internet infrastructure supports most remote work needs.
Remote workers may need to explore alternative workspaces.
Makati offers an affordable cost of living, but housing costs can be a significant expense.
Digital nomads may need to explore alternative visa options.
Makati is generally safe, but remote workers should take precautions.
Makati's tropical climate can be challenging for some remote workers.
Makati offers a range of property options, but affordability can be a challenge.
Makati offers high-quality healthcare facilities.
Makati's grid infrastructure supports remote work.
Makati's traffic conditions can be a challenge, but remote workers can adapt.
Makati's air quality can be a concern for remote workers.
Makati is a great base for exploring the region.