14/12/2025
Pork Affordability: Philippines vs. Japan
Pork Price:
Philippines: PHP 240–300/kg (USD 4.40–5.50)
Japan: JPY 1,200–1,500/kg (USD 8.00–10.00)
Pork in Japan is around 3–4× more expensive than in the Philippines.
Daily Wage (Average):
Philippines: PHP 614/day (USD 11.20)
Japan: JPY 10,000–12,000/day (USD 65–80)
Japanese daily wages are about 6–8× higher than in the Philippines.
How Much of a Day’s Wage is Spent on 1 kg of Pork?
Philippines: ~40–50%
Japan: ~10–15%
Analysis: Even though pork costs more in Japan, higher wages make it more affordable.
In the Philippines, a worker needs to spend nearly half of a day’s wage to buy 1 kg of pork.
In Japan, pork only takes a small portion of daily income.
What this shows:
Higher wages in Japan offset higher food prices
Lower wages in the Philippines make basic goods feel expensive
Purchasing power is much stronger in Japan
Conclusion:
Pork is cheaper in price in the Philippines, but more affordable in Japan when income is considered.
