House Construction Cost in Metro Manila
Metro Manila is the CostCalc PH baseline because labor rates, contractor availability, and supplier access are concentrated in NCR.
Baseline Scenario
120 sqm total two-storey residential house in Metro Manila with standard finish.
Calculator input uses 60 sqm per floor x 2 storeys = 120 sqm total floor area.
Budget Split
Finish-Level Cost Comparison
These estimates use the same area, house type, and region so the table isolates the effect of finish level.
| Finish | Cost per sqm | Estimated total | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic / Bare | ₱15,600 | ₱1,872,000 | Basic structural finish, minimal interior works |
| Standard | ₱24,000 | ₱2,880,000 | Standard residential finish with basic fixtures |
| Semi-Luxury | ₱33,600 | ₱4,032,000 | Above-average finishes with quality fixtures |
| Luxury / High-End | ₱46,800 | ₱5,616,000 | Premium materials and custom finishes throughout |
Assumptions
- Two-storey 120 sqm total floor area, regular urban lot access, normal reinforced concrete structure, and standard residential finish.
- NCR wage and logistics assumptions are used directly from the CostCalc PH regional table.
- The estimate excludes demolition, special traffic permits, parking rental during construction, high-rise condominium fit-out rules, and utility relocation.
Local Cost Notes
- Metro Manila can have strong supplier access, but narrow roads, delivery windows, and limited staging space can raise actual site costs.
- LGU processing, subdivision rules, and neighbor protection works should be validated before final budgeting.
Budget Watchouts
- For NCR projects, contingency should cover logistics friction as much as material price movement.
- A detailed BOQ is especially important when the site has demolition, party-wall, or access constraints.
Plan the Next Decision
A cost-per-sqm estimate is only the first checkpoint. Use the related planning tools to test schedule and financing before converting this budget into a contractor scope.
For Contractors and Developers
If you estimate projects repeatedly, the same cost logic can be turned into quoting, job-costing, and project-control software for your team.
Construction software Philippines
Project dashboards, field reporting, and contractor workflows for Philippine teams.
Construction ERP Philippines
Job costing, progress billing, purchasing, payroll, and equipment tracking in one system.
Construction CRM software
Track inquiries, bid follow-ups, owner updates, and handoffs from sales to project delivery.
Construction safety compliance software
Digitize site inspections, incident reports, Toolbox Meeting records, and compliance logs.
Important Disclaimer
CostCalc PH produces rough-order planning estimates from 2025-2026 Philippine market assumptions. It is not a substitute for a signed design package, site inspection, structural analysis, contractor canvass, or detailed Bill of Quantities prepared by licensed professionals.
Questions About This Estimate
Short answers for common planning decisions before you request a BOQ.
What is the cost per sqm to build a house in Metro Manila?
CostCalc PH uses NCR as the baseline. The cost per sqm depends on house type and finish level, with standard residential two-storey work shown in the table on this page.
Why is Metro Manila construction often more expensive?
Labor rates, access restrictions, staging limitations, hauling, permits, and owner finish expectations can all push NCR projects above a simple material-and-labor estimate.
Can I use this Metro Manila estimate for nearby provinces?
Use the Cavite, Bulacan, or relevant regional page instead. Nearby provinces can have lower wages but different delivery and site logistics.