Best Locations for Companies in Makati City: Comparing Makati CBD, Salcedo, and Legazpi Village

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Makati City remains the leading business district in the Philippines and one of the top destinations for local and international companies. Businesses looking to establish an office in Metro Manila often choose Makati because of its premium office spaces, strong transport links, high-end commercial centers, and concentration of multinational corporations.
 
However, not all parts of Makati offer the same advantages. The three most popular business locations—Makati CBD, Salcedo Village, and Legazpi Village—serve different business needs, industries, and company sizes.


If you are evaluating where to set up your office, understanding the differences between these areas can help you reduce costs, improve accessibility, attract talent, and strengthen your company image.


Quick Answer: Which Makati Location Is Best for Your Company?
  • Choose Makati CBD if you want maximum visibility, premium office towers, and proximity to major corporations and financial institutions.

  • Choose Salcedo Village if you prefer a quieter, more professional environment ideal for law firms, consultancies, finance companies, and corporate headquarters.

  • Choose Legazpi Village if you want a modern mixed-use area with flexible office spaces, coworking hubs, lifestyle amenities, and easier access to transport.


For most startups, SMEs, and hybrid companies, Legazpi Village offers the best balance of cost and convenience. For large enterprises and multinational firms, Makati CBD remains the strongest choice. For professional service firms, Salcedo Village is often the ideal location.


Key Takeaways
  • Makati CBD is the top choice for multinational corporations, banks, BPOs, and headquarters.

  • Salcedo Village is best for professional firms that need a quieter and more prestigious office environment.

  • Legazpi Village is ideal for startups, coworking spaces, creative agencies, and growing businesses.

  • Office rental rates are usually highest in Makati CBD and more affordable in Salcedo and Legazpi.

  • Companies should compare accessibility, office size, employee commute, parking, and nearby amenities before choosing a location.

  • The best office location depends on your industry, budget, growth plans, and brand positioning.


Why Companies Choose Makati City

Makati is widely recognized as the financial center of the Philippines. It is home to major banks, insurance companies, technology firms, multinational corporations, and regional headquarters.


Businesses choose Makati because it offers:

  • Premium office buildings

  • Strong business credibility

  • Access to highly skilled professionals

  • Proximity to government offices and embassies

  • Easy access to transportation networks

  • A large selection of restaurants, hotels, coworking spaces, and commercial establishments


Companies in Makati also benefit from being located near major roads such as Ayala Avenue, Gil Puyat Avenue, Paseo de Roxas, and EDSA.


Comparison Table: Makati CBD vs Salcedo vs Legazpi Village
FactorMakati CBDSalcedo VillageLegazpi VillageBest For | Large corporations, BPOs, banks, headquarters | Law firms, consultancies, finance, accounting firms | Startups, SMEs, creative firms, coworking users
Office Rental Cost | Highest | Moderate to high | Moderate
Business Image | Premium and corporate | Prestigious and professional | Modern and flexible
Accessibility | Excellent | Good | Excellent
Office Availability | High-rise Grade A offices | Boutique and mid-size offices | Mixed office types and coworking
Work Environment | Busy and fast-paced | Quiet and professional | Vibrant and lifestyle-oriented
Parking Availability | Limited and expensive | Moderate | Better than CBD
Nearby Amenities | Malls, hotels, banks, restaurants | Cafes, parks, restaurants | Shopping malls, gyms, cafes, parks

Makati CBD: The Traditional Business Center

Makati CBD, or the Makati Central Business District, is the most prestigious and recognizable office location in the city. It covers areas around Ayala Avenue, Paseo de Roxas, Dela Rosa Street, and the central commercial district.


Why Companies Choose Makati CBD

Makati CBD is ideal for companies that want:

  • A prestigious business address

  • Proximity to banks and financial institutions

  • Access to premium office towers

  • Better visibility for clients and investors

  • Easy access to corporate partners and business networks


Many multinational companies, BPO firms, investment firms, technology companies, and Fortune 500 businesses establish their Philippine offices here.


Advantages of Makati CBD

Strong Corporate Image

An office in Makati CBD can improve a company’s brand reputation. Businesses located in premium towers along Ayala Avenue are often perceived as more established and trustworthy.


Access to Major Business Infrastructure

The district contains:

  • Grade A office buildings

  • Business hotels

  • Conference venues

  • Luxury shopping centers

  • Corporate banks

  • High-speed internet and telecom infrastructure


Excellent Transportation Access

Makati CBD is connected to:

  • MRT Ayala Station

  • Major bus routes

  • EDSA

  • Skyway

  • Ninoy Aquino International Airport


This makes it convenient for both employees and clients.


Challenges of Makati CBD

Despite its advantages, Makati CBD also has disadvantages:

  • Higher office rental rates

  • More traffic congestion

  • Expensive parking fees

  • Limited office flexibility for small businesses


For startups and small companies, Makati CBD may be too expensive compared to other areas.


Salcedo Village: Best for Professional and Corporate Services

Salcedo Village is located west of Ayala Avenue and is known for its quieter, more refined business environment. It is popular among law firms, accounting firms, consulting companies, financial advisors, and boutique corporate offices.


Why Salcedo Village Appeals to Companies

Salcedo Village offers a more relaxed and professional atmosphere compared to the busy streets of Makati CBD.


Companies choose Salcedo because it provides:

  • A prestigious office address

  • Less traffic and noise

  • Smaller office buildings suitable for professional firms

  • Proximity to restaurants, parks, and executive residences


Key Benefits of Salcedo Village

Ideal for Client-Facing Businesses

Professional firms often need a location that feels upscale but not overly crowded. Salcedo Village provides a polished environment for client meetings and business consultations.


Better Work-Life Balance

Employees in Salcedo Village often enjoy:

  • More walkable streets

  • Nearby cafes and restaurants

  • Access to parks and open spaces

  • Less stressful surroundings


The Salcedo Weekend Market also makes the area more attractive for employees and visiting clients.


Moderate Rental Costs

Compared to Makati CBD, office space in Salcedo Village can be slightly more affordable while still maintaining a premium image.


Drawbacks of Salcedo Village

Salcedo Village may not be the best option for:

  • Large BPO operations

  • Businesses needing very large office floors

  • Companies requiring direct access to MRT stations


Office inventory is smaller, so growing companies may eventually need to relocate.


Legazpi Village: Best for Startups and Flexible Businesses

Legazpi Village is located south of Ayala Avenue and near Greenbelt, Washington SyCip Park, and key transportation routes. It has become one of the fastest-growing business areas in Makati.


Legazpi Village is especially popular among:

  • Startups

  • Freelancers

  • Digital agencies

  • Tech companies

  • Coworking users

  • SMEs


Why Legazpi Village Stands Out

Legazpi Village combines office buildings, residential towers, coworking spaces, retail stores, and lifestyle establishments in one walkable neighborhood.


It is ideal for businesses that want:

  • Flexible office arrangements

  • More affordable rental options

  • Access to coworking spaces

  • A modern, creative work environment


Main Advantages of Legazpi Village

Wide Range of Office Options

Unlike Makati CBD, Legazpi Village offers:

  • Traditional office spaces

  • Serviced offices

  • Coworking spaces

  • Hybrid office setups

  • Smaller office suites for startups


This flexibility makes it easier for companies to scale.


Better Lifestyle Amenities

Legazpi Village is near:

  • Greenbelt Mall

  • Glorietta

  • Parks

  • Fitness centers

  • Restaurants and cafes


This can improve employee satisfaction and help businesses attract younger talent.


More Affordable for Growing Companies

Legazpi Village often provides lower rental rates than Makati CBD while still offering a strong Makati business address.


Challenges of Legazpi Village

Potential drawbacks include:

  • Less prestige than Makati CBD

  • Smaller office towers

  • Heavy traffic during peak hours

  • Higher competition for parking spaces near malls


However, many businesses view these trade-offs as acceptable because of the area’s flexibility and lower costs.


Which Location Is Best Based on Your Business Type?

Best for Multinational Companies and Large Enterprises

Choose Makati CBD if your company:

  • Needs a premium headquarters

  • Wants proximity to banks and investors

  • Requires large office floors

  • Frequently hosts international clients


Best for Law Firms, Consultants, and Financial Services

Choose Salcedo Village if your business:

  • Depends on client meetings

  • Prefers a quieter environment

  • Wants a prestigious but less crowded location

  • Needs a more professional setting


Best for Startups, SMEs, and Hybrid Teams

Choose Legazpi Village if your company:

  • Needs flexible office space

  • Wants lower costs

  • Uses coworking or hybrid work arrangements

  • Prioritizes employee lifestyle and convenience


Expert Tip: Evaluate Employee Commute Before Signing a Lease

Many companies choose an office based only on rental price or appearance. However, employee commute is often the most important factor.


Before selecting an office location, review:

  • Where your employees live

  • Proximity to MRT, buses, and main roads

  • Parking availability

  • Travel time during rush hour

  • Nearby residential areas


A slightly more expensive office in a more accessible area can reduce employee turnover and improve productivity.


Common Mistakes When Choosing an Office in Makati

Focusing Only on Rental Cost

The cheapest office is not always the best choice. Hidden costs such as parking, maintenance, transportation, and employee travel time can significantly increase expenses.


Ignoring Future Growth

Companies often lease an office that becomes too small within one or two years. Choose a location that can support future expansion.


Overlooking Internet and Infrastructure

Reliable internet connectivity and backup power are essential, especially for BPOs, tech companies, and hybrid teams.


Choosing Prestige Over Practicality

Some businesses rent an expensive office in Makati CBD even when a more practical location in Salcedo or Legazpi would better fit their needs.


Best Practices for Choosing the Right Makati Office Location
  1. Define your budget, including rent, utilities, and parking.

  2. Consider your target clients and preferred business image.

  3. Evaluate employee accessibility and commute times.

  4. Compare office sizes, lease terms, and expansion options.

  5. Visit each area in person during different times of the day.

  6. Review nearby amenities such as banks, restaurants, and transportation.

  7. Work with a local commercial real estate broker to compare available office spaces.


Final Thoughts

The best location for companies in Makati depends on your business priorities.


Makati CBD remains the top choice for companies that want prestige, visibility, and direct access to the country’s financial center. Salcedo Village is ideal for professional firms seeking a quieter and more refined environment. Legazpi Village provides the best balance of affordability, flexibility, and employee-friendly amenities.


Businesses that carefully compare these three areas can make a smarter office investment and position themselves for long-term growth in Makati City.

Ready to grow your business with a flexible office solution? Discover how SalesRain can help you find the right workspace, virtual office, or scalable office setup for your needs.
Contact the team today to explore your options and get started.
 
Frequently Asked Questions

Is Makati CBD more expensive than Salcedo and Legazpi Village?

Yes. Makati CBD usually has the highest office rental rates because of its premium location and concentration of multinational companies.


Which Makati area is best for startups?

Legazpi Village is generally the best option for startups because it offers coworking spaces, flexible offices, and lower costs.


What types of companies are usually located in Salcedo Village?

Salcedo Village is popular among law firms, accounting firms, financial advisors, consulting companies, and executive offices.


Is Legazpi Village good for hybrid work setups?

Yes. Legazpi Village has many coworking spaces, serviced offices, and flexible lease options that support hybrid work.


Which location has the best transportation access?

Makati CBD has the best access to MRT stations, buses, and major roads, although Legazpi Village also has strong connectivity.


Should small businesses choose Makati CBD?

Small businesses can choose Makati CBD if budget is not a concern. However, many SMEs find better value in Legazpi Village or Salcedo Village.
 
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