Where is the best place for startups to rent an office in Manila? It’s a question founders often ask. In today’s competitive landscape, securing the right base of operations—one that balances prestige, accessibility, and cost—can make or break early momentum. As Metro Manila’s startup scene accelerates, having the right office can serve as both a brand signal and a practical enabler of growth.
In this guide, we’ll explore three prominent central business districts (CBDs)—Makati, BGC, and Ortigas—as well as emerging alternatives, to help you find affordable office space that suits a lean startup.
Best Office Spaces for Startups
Over the past decade, Metro Manila has seen a surge in startups—from fintechs to creative agencies to tech-enabled services. As founders juggle product development, team hiring, and fundraising, one constant question persists: Where should we locate our office?
Location matters. A well-placed address near clients, talent, and transport hubs can unlock easier operations, better recruitment, and stronger credibility. Simultaneously, affordability is critical: early-stage startups cannot afford to sink most of their runway into high rent.
Makati: The Established Business Capital
“Is Makati too expensive for startups?” is a common refrain.
Makati is long seen as the financial heart of Metro Manila. It houses banks, multinational headquarters, major law firms, and countless agencies. Its prestige and address recognition continue to attract businesses large and small.
Pros
- Prestige & branding: Being based in Makati signals you’re seriously invested.
- Networking & ecosystems: Many clients, VCs, and business events congregate here.
- Amenities & infrastructure: Finance, dining, transit, all readily available.
Cons
- High rental rates: According to market benchmarks, Makati’s office rents hover around PHP 1,000–1,500 per sqm/month, higher than many other districts.
- Congestion & commuting: Traffic, limited parking, and long commutes may burden your team.
- Cost of operations: Daily living (meals, utilities, services) tends to be priced at a premium.
For a small startup of 20–30 staff, the overhead in Makati can erode your financial margin. But for certain businesses—financial services, legal firms, consultancy—Makati’s branding can still justify it.
Bonifacio Global City (BGC): Modern and Innovative
If you’re building something fresh, BGC is often considered the “cool kid” among Manila’s business districts.
Pros
- Sleek, modern infrastructure and green spaces make it attractive to younger professionals.
- Strong startup culture with co-events, incubators, and tech meetups nearby.
- High walkability and amenity density (cafés, gyms, retail).
Cons
- Rental rates are often even higher than Makati—expect premium pricing.
- Lifestyle costs (housing, food) trend higher, too.
- The relatively newer district sometimes means fewer deep discounts or legacy supply.
Many startups opt for coworking space for startups in BGC (shared, flexible setups) rather than full long-term leases, precisely for this cost premium.
Ortigas: The Balanced Choice
“Is Ortigas the most affordable CBD for office space?” It’s a strong contender—and one we believe deserves top consideration for startups. Situated roughly between Makati and Quezon City, Ortigas offers central access without the top-tier price tag of the other CBDs.
Why Ortigas shines for startups
- Lower rental rates: Office spaces in Ortigas often fall in PHP 700–1,100 per sqm/month, notably lower than Makati’s 1,000–1,500 band.
- Growing SME & startup community: Many smaller tech firms, agencies, and service businesses choose Ortigas, making networking viable.
- Good transport links: MRT-3, public jeepney, and bus lines intersect here.
- Value options: You’ll find affordable office space in serviced offices, shared setups, and smaller fitted units.
Factors Startups Should Weigh Before Renting
Finding a cheap office is not enough—you want smart real estate decisions. Here are key factors:
- Budget allocation vs. growth runway: Set a cap (e.g., ≤ 10–15% of your monthly burn) for rent + utilities. Don’t let the office drain too much runway.
- Accessibility for employees & clients: Even an affordable office is costly if commuting kills morale or client meetings suffer.
- Lease flexibility & scalability: Prefer spaces that allow short-term renewals, expansion (or contraction) clauses, or the ability to shift between shared and private setups.
- Amenities & inclusions: Look for inclusive deals that cover internet, furniture, security, utilities, and maintenance. These reduce hidden variable costs.
- Condition & handover scope: Fully fitted or turnkey offices save upfront fit-out costs, but “warm shell” or “gray shell” spaces give you more control over layout.
- Community & branding opportunities: In coworking or serviced spaces, being near similar startups or hosting events can yield network effects and visibility.
Final Verdict
When your startup is fighting for every peso of runway, where you lay its foundations matters. While Makati and BGC offer prestige and vibrancy, their costs often outweigh the benefits for early-stage teams. Ortigas presents a compelling middle ground—central, well-connected, and more affordable.
By choosing office space for rent in Ortigas Pasig—especially through a flexible coworking or serviced provider like M Spaces—you can achieve professionalism, scalability, and cost discipline. If you’re ready to tour spaces that align with lean budgets, check out our rates and services. You can also email us at info@mspacesph.com or contact us at +63 967 521 2824 or (02) 5328 5300.
