Cheapest Cities To Live Philippines 2024

What are the cheapest cities to live in the Philippines? The great thing about living in the Philippines is that there is an excellent diversity of low-cost accommodations and high-end living across the country, so no matter your budget or lifestyle, you can find the perfect city to suit you.

Today we are going to look into three of the cheapest cities in the Philippines. Before we begin, a tip is to look at some new city regions to find how expensive or cheap it is. We have included these areas in the article below; however, for your reference, here are the most critical areas to investigate;

Transportation Cost
Gym Memberships

Utility Bills
Food / Drink Costs
Childcare Costs

Average Location Salary
Housing Costs

If you are looking for a more specific breakdown of costs, fear not because the below sources can provide you with this information.

Expatistan.com

The great thing about Expatistan is that at the bottom of the page, there have comparisons of different cities so you can compare your current city with the city you would like to visit or move to. In addition, this site is the fullest we have found regarding data as it highlights prices for everyday items such as coffee, fruit, cigarettes, Wi-Fi, toothpaste, jeans, shoes, maid services, bread, etc.

Numbeo.com

Numbeo is very similar to Expatistan though it has a few additional features. One feature is the comments at the bottom of the page. This is incredibly convenient because many members who comment have lived in the area before or currently do, so they have shared their knowledge on this site, some of which can’t always be found online. Visitors can also see extra data about the city, from pollution to crime.

Table of Contents

Cheapest Cities In The Philippines

3. Cheap Living In Iloilo City Philippines

Iloilo city is known occasionally for its Spanish churches and its old houses, but it’s often overlooked when it comes to ‘go-to’ cities in the Philippines. From research, it is suggested that during early 2019 the lowest food prices on average were found in this city! After a visit to Boracay, I stayed here for six weeks, and I found that the most noticeable difference in price for me was the food (compared to other cities). I found food in local supermarkets and markets to be inexpensive compared to other cities.

House prices in the area are also relatively lower than elsewhere. Compared to similar houses in other cities, research shows that house prices can be up to 8% cheaper on average. In addition, rental prices range from 5-10% on average cheaper.

Why Is Iloilo One Of The Cheapest Cities In The Philippines?

Lower food costs than other cities
Lower costs on rental & house prices

2. Live cheaply Bacolod

When it comes to Bacolod, there is incomplete information and statistics gathered about this growing city. Still, from investigation externally, we have found that Bacolod is incredibly economical for long-term living.

We have found that the fruit & veg market costs are at the lowest points here. The low price also extends to some leisure activities and gym memberships. The rental costs in this area remain low; however, as new developments are happening, the rental costs are slightly increasing but remain one of the lowest in the region.

Why Is Bacolod One Of the Cheapest Cities In The Philippines

Low cost for leisure activities
The cheapest costs we found for local market prices
Currently low rental costs (May rise in the future)

1. Philippines safest city – Davao

If the question is the cheapest city to live in, in the Philippines, Davao would surely make the top 3 rankings every time. Davao city is known for many reasons. One of the most known reasons is the safety of the city. In recent years, this has caused a growth in tourism, which is excellent for the local economy.

I lived in Davao City for seven months and found the prices to be lower than anywhere else. Still, the most noticeable price difference was in rental costs. I saved ₱10,000 on rental each month compared to the same type of accommodation in other cities. Davao is also a growing city with an expat community.

Why Is Davao City One Of The Cheapest Cities In The Philippines?

A highly regulated city which has resulted in less unregulated overcharging of services
One of the lowest costs for condominium rental in the county

On average, one of the lowest cities for utility costs

How Much Is The Minimum Cost Of Living In The Philippines?

Based on the latest data and first-hand reports, the minimum cost of living in the Philippines is around P10,000 ($210 USD) for locals and around P40,000 ($830 USD) for foreigners.

This amount changes depending on the individual, area, and overall lifestyle. For instance, foreigners living in the Philippines are more likely to live in major cities such as Cebu & Manila, pushing their overall costs up compared to locals who are more likely to live with family or friends, resulting in overall lower household costs.

List of cities: Philippines

Alaminos

Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod

Bacoor
Bago
Baguio

Bais
Balanga
Batac

Batangas City
Bayawan
Baybay

Bayugan
Biñan
Bislig

Bogo
Borongan
Butuan

Cabadbaran
Cabanatuan
Cabuyao

Cadiz
Cagayan de Oro
Calamba

Calapan
Calbayog
Caloocan

Candon
Canlaon
Carcar

Catbalogan
Cauayan
Cavite City

Cebu City
Cotabato City
Dagupan

Danao
Dapitan
Dasmariñas

Davao City
Digos
Dipolog

Dumaguete
El Salvador
Escalante

Gapan
General Santos
General Trias

Gingoog
Guihulngan
Himamaylan

Ilagan
Iligan
Iloilo City

Imus
Iriga
Isabela

Kabankalan
Kidapawan
Koronadal

La Carlota
Lamitan
Laoag

Lapu-Lapu City
Las Piñas
Legazpi

Ligao
Lipa
Lucena

Maasin
Mabalacat
Makati

Malabon
Malaybalay
Malolos

Mandaluyong
Mandaue
Manila

Marawi
Marikina
Masbate City

Mati
Meycauayan
Muñoz

Muntinlupa
Naga
Naga

Navotas
Olongapo
Ormoc

Oroquieta
Ozamiz
Pagadian

Palayan
Panabo
Parañaque

Pasay
Pasig
Passi

Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
Roxas

Sagay
Samal
San Carlos

San Carlos
San Fernando
San Fernando

San Jose
San Jose del Monte
San Juan

San Pablo
San Pedro
Santa Rosa
Santo Tomas
Santiago
Silay
Sipalay
Sorsogon City
Surigao City
Tabaco
Tabuk
Tacloban
Tacurong
Tagaytay
Tagbilaran
Taguig
Tagum
Talisay
Talisay
Tanauan
Tandag
Tangub
Tanjay
Tarlac City
Tayabas
Toledo
Trece Martires
Tuguegarao
Urdaneta
Valencia
Valenzuela
Victorias
Vigan
Zamboanga City

Cheapest Cities In The Philippines: Take Away

We hope we helped you find the cheapest cities to live in in the Philippines found of mostly the two most significant factors that affected the score were rental prices and food prices. Other influences that increased the price were if the areas were heavily influenced by tourism & If large head offices of corporations were set up in the area.

Each city on the list has its unique feature, and depending on your lifestyle and where you spend your money, you may find one city better suited to you.