Philippines

UN & international careers in Philippines.

Philippines at a Glance Compare with

Considering a career with the UN or another international organization in Philippines? This profile covers cost of living and purchasing power, the ICSC hardship classification and human development — so you know what living there really means. For pay by grade, see the Salary & Benefits tab.

Capital
Manila
Currency
Peso (PHP)
Region
Asia
Languages
Tagalog, English, Filipino, CEB, TGL
Area
300,000 km²
Calling code
+63
Cost of Living & Purchasing Power
36 / 100 (US = 100)
local spending goes
2.8× as far as in the US

This is the World Bank price-level index: a whole-economy, national average of consumer prices benchmarked against the United States as a whole (US = 100), from the International Comparison Program. It is a country-level figure — it isn't tied to a specific city or measured against New York. At about 36, everyday prices in Philippines are roughly 36% of US levels, so local-currency spending goes about 2.8× as far. (World Bank, 2026.)

How this relates to your UN pay. For internationally-recruited (P / D) staff, the UN's post adjustment — set per duty station against New York, not the US average — is what actually governs your purchasing power. It already prices in local costs (here about 37%), so it isn't added on top of the saving above. For locally-recruited (GS / NO) staff — paid in local currency with no post adjustment — this national index is the more useful lifestyle guide.
How this is measured (World Bank ICP)
Human Development & Quality of Life
High Human Development
0.720 HDI rank #117 of 193
70
Life expectancy (yrs)
$10,731
GNI / capita
10
Mean yrs schooling
12.8
Expected yrs schooling

The UNDP Human Development Index combines health, education and income. Philippines is in the high band — a useful signal of living conditions, services and schooling for staff and accompanying family. UNDP data

What a UN posting pays here

See what each grade earns in Philippines — post adjustment, hardship and danger pay.

Salary & Benefits by grade
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