Are you considering a move to Cebu, Philippines, and wondering about the cost of living? Cebu is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Cebu and help you understand whether $1486 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $327.26.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
3.61 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
22.83 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
3.61 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
1.49 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.07 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
2.51 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
0.76 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
0.51 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.83 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
1.26 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
0.96 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
2.03 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
9.76 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
5.42 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
7.55 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
3.46 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.28 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
4.5 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
2.0 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
2.17 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
3.85 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.01 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.74 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
7.23 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.26 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
2.62 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
2.71 $ |
|
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
0.25 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
15.36 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
0.72 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
0.26 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
2.71 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.33 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
30718.63 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
19126.87 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
107.32 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
36.73 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
31.02 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
6.55 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
4.52 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
108.04 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
2394.25 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
45.95 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
24.7 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
72.28 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
64.75 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
503.37 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
231.29 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
632.44 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
456.91 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
3567.11 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1271.58 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
327.26 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
7.67 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Cebu come to a total of approximately $1486. This includes an average monthly rent of around $503 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $125 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $526 per month.
Living in Cebu appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $327.26. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Cebu, you would likely need an income exceeding $327.26.
In Cebu, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $327.26, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Cebu is approximately $503. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $231.29 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Cebu can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $473 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in Philippines can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Philippines.
In spight of the huge poverty of the city, it's still pretty safe here and foreigners won't have any problems if they just apply common sense.
Be wary of everyone and anyone (and their hands) sitting next to you on public transport and cover with your hands all pockets on backpacks and bags you're carrying.
Your biggest concern should be pickpockets and snatchers, most of whom are young children as Philippine law exempts them from jail time. Always leave your valuables home and keep an eye out for everything around you.
Cebu City is susceptible to many natural disasters. It survives about 20 tropical storms each year and has active seismic faults where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.
Despite the poverty in this city and the liberal gun laws, Cebu City is a relatively safe city by Western standards where violent crime towards foreigners is rare. Still, apply caution and avoid poorly lit and deserted areas.
There have been numerous terrorist attacks in the Philippines' recent history. Explosions occurred in the Quiapo area of Manila on 28 April and 6 May 2017, with many fatalities. The motive for these attacks is still unclear. It is best to remain vigilant at all times.
Always carry small bills with you. Vendors will try and make you buy more things by saying they have no change for large bills. Apart from that, be wary of people lurking around ATMs or anyone trying to distract you. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride.
Even though many women haven't had any problem in Cebu City, it is advised that women avoid walking alone after dark. Apply all precaution measures at all times and avoid dark and empty streets and locations.
U.S. residents do not need a visa for any stays shorter than 90 days. All other nationals will need to acquire a visa to enter the Philippines. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Philippine embassy for more details.
The Philippine peso is the official currency in Cebu City. Tourists are advised to exchange their money at the official establishments such as the Bank of the Philippine Islands or Banco De Oro.
The climate in Cebu City is tropical, with the hottest season lasting from March to May. The rainy season lasts from June to October and during this season you can expect strong typhoons. The coolest months are from November to February,
Mactan–Cebu International Airport is the second busiest international airport in the Philippines that serves Cebu City. The airport is located in Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan Island, a part of Metro Cebu.
Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Cebu City, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 85°F | 86°F | 87°F | 89°F | 90°F | 89°F | 88°F | 88°F | 88°F | 87°F | 87°F | 86°F |
| Temp | 80°F | 80°F | 82°F | 84°F | 84°F | 83°F | 82°F | 82°F | 82°F | 82°F | 82°F | 81°F |
| Low | 76°F | 76°F | 77°F | 78°F | 79°F | 78°F | 77°F | 77°F | 77°F | 77°F | 77°F | 76°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 29°C | 30°C | 30°C | 31°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 31°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C |
| Temp | 26°C | 26°C | 27°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C |
| Low | 24°C | 24°C | 25°C | 25°C | 26°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 25°C | 24°C |