| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom in City Center) | Approximately PHP 10,000 – PHP 15,000 per month |
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom Outside of City Center) | Approximately PHP 5,000 – PHP 10,000 per month |
| Apartment Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately PHP 30,000 – PHP 50,000 per square meter |
| Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of City Center) | Approximately PHP 20,000 – PHP 30,000 per square meter |
| Transportation (Monthly Pass) | Approximately PHP 500 – PHP 1,000 |
| Transportation (Taxi Start) | Approximately PHP 40 |
| Transportation (Taxi 1km) | Approximately PHP 13 – PHP 20 |
| Groceries (Milk, 1 liter) | Approximately PHP 85 – PHP 120 |
| Groceries (Bread, 500g) | Approximately PHP 50 – PHP 70 |
| Groceries (Rice, 1kg) | Approximately PHP 40 – PHP 60 |
| Groceries (Chicken Breasts, 1kg) | Approximately PHP 150 – PHP 200 |
| Restaurants (Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant) | Approximately PHP 100 – PHP 200 |
| Restaurants (Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course) | Approximately PHP 700 – PHP 1,000 |
| Utilities (Monthly, Basic for Small Apartment) | Approximately PHP 2,000 – PHP 3,500 |
| Private School Tuition (Preschool) | Approximately PHP 30,000 – PHP 50,000 per year |
| Private School Tuition (Elementary School) | Approximately PHP 50,000 – PHP 80,000 per year |
| Private School Tuition (Middle School) | Approximately PHP 60,000 – PHP 100,000 per year |
| Private School Tuition (High School) | Approximately PHP 70,000 – PHP 120,000 per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Bacolod City
“The cost of living in Bacolod City is considered relatively low compared to other major cities in the country. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is affordable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also quite low. Groceries in Bacolod City are reasonably priced. Local markets offer fresh produce, meat, and fish at lower prices than supermarkets. Eating out in Bacolod City is also inexpensive, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing very little. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is also affordable.Public transportation in Bacolod City is cheap, with a one-way ticket on local transport costing very little. Taxis are also reasonably priced. The cost of gasoline is also low compared to other countries.Healthcare in Bacolod City is affordable, with a short visit to a private doctor costing a small amount. Fitness club and gym memberships are also reasonably priced.Overall, the cost of living in Bacolod City is low, making it an attractive place for both locals and expats,” said one expat living in Bacolod City.
Can I live in Bacolod City on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Bacolod City for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious neighborhoods. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. Bacolod City is known for its affordable cost of living. You can rent a decent apartment in a good neighborhood for around $200 to $300 a month. Some of the affordable neighborhoods that I would recommend are Mandalagan, Bata, and Villamonte. These areas are safe, have good access to public transportation, and are close to markets, malls, and other amenities. On the other hand, if you’re looking at neighborhoods like Ayala North Point or Forbes Hill, you might find the rent a bit steep. These are upscale neighborhoods with high-end houses and condos, and the rent can go up to $1,000 a month or more. When it comes to food, local Filipino food is quite cheap and you can eat out at a local restaurant for less than $5. If you prefer cooking at home, groceries are also reasonably priced. However, if you’re used to eating a lot of imported food, you might find that a bit expensive here. Transportation is also quite cheap. You can get around the city by jeepney or tricycle for less than a dollar. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for around $300 a month. As for utilities like electricity, water, and internet, you can expect to pay around $100 to $150 a month. The internet speed is decent, but it might not be as fast as what you’re used to in the US or Europe. In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options. You can go to the cinema for less than $5, or enjoy the local festivals and events that are often free. Overall, living in Bacolod City on $1,500 a month is doable and you can live comfortably. However, you might have to adjust your lifestyle a bit and make some sacrifices. But in return, you get to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle, warm weather, and friendly people of the Philippines,” commented an expat living in Bacolod City.
Can I live in Bacolod City on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Bacolod City for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $3,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For example, you can rent a nice, modern apartment in a good area for around $500 a month. If you’re looking for more affordable neighborhoods, I’d recommend areas like Mandalagan or Bata. They’re safe, have good amenities, and are a bit cheaper than the city center. On the other hand, if you’re looking to splurge a bit, the Villamonte or Capitol Heights areas are more upscale, but the rent can go up to $1,000 a month or more. Food is also quite affordable here. You can eat out at a decent restaurant for around $10 per meal, and if you cook at home, it’s even cheaper. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are also reasonably priced, usually costing around $100-$150 a month in total. Transportation is another area where you can save a lot. Public transportation is very cheap, with jeepney rides costing less than a dollar. If you prefer to drive, gasoline prices are also lower than in many Western countries. However, there are a few things you might need to adjust to. While Bacolod City is quite modern, it’s still a developing city. You might experience occasional power outages or slow internet speeds. Also, while healthcare is affordable, the quality might not be up to the standards you’re used to. But overall, I’ve found that living in Bacolod City on $3,000 a month is quite comfortable. You can enjoy a good quality of life, with modern amenities, without breaking the bank,” said one expat living in Bacolod City.
Can I live in Bacolod City on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Bacolod City for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For instance, you can rent a nice, fully furnished, two-bedroom condo in a good neighborhood for around $500 a month. If you prefer to live in a house, you can find a decent one for around $700 to $1,000 a month. The most expensive neighborhoods are probably in the city center, like Bacolod Downtown area, where the rent can go up to $1,500 a month for a luxury condo. But honestly, there’s no need to live in the most expensive areas. There are plenty of affordable and safe neighborhoods like Mandalagan and Bata where you can find good housing for much less. When it comes to utilities, you can expect to pay around $100 a month for electricity, water, and internet. Food is also quite cheap. You can eat out at a local restaurant for less than $10, and if you cook at home, you can spend around $200 a month on groceries. Transportation is also very affordable. You can get around the city by jeepney or tricycle for less than a dollar. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for around $300 a month. Healthcare is also affordable. You can get a health insurance plan for around $100 a month, and the quality of healthcare is quite good. There are several good hospitals in the city, like the Riverside Medical Center and the Doctor’s Hospital. As for entertainment, there are plenty of things to do in Bacolod. You can go to the cinema for less than $5, visit the local museums and art galleries, or enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife. There are also several beautiful beaches and nature spots nearby, like the Mambukal Mountain Resort and the Sipalay Beach. The only sacrifice you might have to make is adjusting to the local culture and lifestyle. The pace of life is slower here compared to big cities, and while most people speak English, the local language is Hiligaynon. But in my experience, the locals are very friendly and welcoming, and it’s easy to make friends. In conclusion, living in Bacodol on $5,000 a month is not only feasible, but you can live a comfortable and enjoyable life. You just need to choose the right neighborhood, manage your budget wisely, and be open to the local culture and lifestyle,” commented an expat living in Bacolod City.
