| 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 |
| Restaurants (Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant) | Approximately PHP 100 – PHP 200 |
| Restaurants (Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course) | Approximately PHP 500 – PHP 1,000 |
| Utilities (Monthly for 1 person) | Approximately PHP 2,000 – PHP 4,000 |
| Private School Tuition (Preschool) | Approximately PHP 20,000 – PHP 40,000 per year |
| Private School Tuition (Elementary School) | Approximately PHP 30,000 – PHP 60,000 per year |
| Private School Tuition (Middle School) | Approximately PHP 40,000 – PHP 80,000 per year |
| Private School Tuition (High School) | Approximately PHP 50,000 – PHP 100,000 per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Dumaguete City
“The cost of living in Dumaguete City is considered relatively low compared to other cities in the country. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is quite affordable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also quite low. Groceries are also affordable, with local markets offering fresh produce at reasonable prices. Eating out at inexpensive restaurants is also quite cheap, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is moderately priced. Public transportation in Dumaguete City is also quite affordable, with the cost of a one-way ticket on local transport being very low. Taxis are also reasonably priced, especially for short trips around the city. Healthcare in Dumaguete City is also relatively affordable, with private hospitals and clinics offering services at lower prices compared to other cities. Overall, the cost of living in Dumaguete City is quite low, making it an attractive place for both locals and expats,” said one expat living in Dumaguete City.
Can I live in Dumaguete City on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Dumaguete 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’ll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every night or live in a luxury condo. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to Western countries. You can rent a decent apartment in a good neighborhood for around $200 to $300 a month. Some of the affordable neighborhoods I would recommend are Daro, Taclobo, and Bantayan. These areas are safe, peaceful, and close to the city center. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Piapi and Rizal Boulevard. The rents in these areas can go up to $500 or more a month. When it comes to food, local markets and grocery stores offer fresh produce at very affordable prices. You can get a week’s worth of groceries for around $50. Eating out at local restaurants is also quite cheap, with meals costing around $2 to $5. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are also reasonably priced. You can expect to pay around $100 to $150 a month for all these. Transportation is another area where you can save a lot. Public transportation like jeepneys and tricycles are very cheap. You can get around the city for less than a dollar. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a motorcycle for around $60 a month. However, you might have to cut back on some luxuries. For instance, imported goods, especially Western brands, are quite expensive here. So, you might have to switch to local brands or limit your purchases of imported items. Healthcare is another area where you might have to make some adjustments. While the cost of healthcare is relatively low, the quality of services might not be up to the standards you’re used to. However, there are some good hospitals and clinics in the city, like the Silliman University Medical Center. Overall, living in Dumaguete City on $1,500 a month is doable and you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. You just have to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments,” commented an expat living in Dumaguete City.
Can I live in Dumaguete City on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Dumaguete City for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For instance, you can rent a decent two-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood for around $300 to $500 a month. The Piapi and Bantayan areas are quite affordable and they’re close to the city center, so you’ll have easy access to shops, restaurants, and other amenities. If you prefer a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to consider Valencia, which is a bit more expensive but still affordable compared to Western standards. However, keep in mind that the cost of utilities like electricity and internet can be higher than you’re used to, especially if you use air conditioning a lot. As for food, local produce and seafood are quite cheap, especially if you buy them at the local markets. Eating out at local restaurants is also very affordable. However, if you prefer to eat Western food all the time or dine at high-end restaurants, your food budget will obviously be higher. Transportation is also very cheap. You can get around the city by tricycle for less than a dollar. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for around $300 a month. As for healthcare, the cost is significantly lower than in the West, but the quality of care can vary. There are good hospitals and clinics in the city, but for more serious conditions, you might need to go to Cebu City or Manila. Overall, I’d say that living in Dumaguete City on $3,000 a month is quite doable, but you might need to adjust your lifestyle a bit. For instance, you might need to use air conditioning sparingly, eat local food more often, and be prepared for the occasional power outage or slow internet connection. But in return, you’ll get to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in a beautiful tropical city with friendly locals and a vibrant expat community,” said one expat living in Dumaguete City.
Can I live in Dumaguete City on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Dumaguete 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 apartment in a good neighborhood for around $500 a month. Some of the affordable neighborhoods I would recommend are Daro, Taclobo, and Bantayan. They are safe, peaceful, and close to the city center. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Piapi and Mangnao-Canal can be a bit pricier, so you might want to avoid those if you’re on a budget. When it comes to utilities, expect to pay around $100 a month for electricity, water, and internet. Food is also quite cheap here. You can eat out at a decent restaurant for around $10 per meal, and if you choose to cook at home, groceries for a week would cost you around $50. Transportation is also very affordable. You can get around the city by tricycle for less than a dollar per ride, or you can rent a motorcycle for about $60 a month. Healthcare is another area where you can save a lot. A visit to a doctor would cost you around $10, and medicines are also quite cheap. However, there are a few sacrifices you might have to make. For one, while the city has modern amenities, they might not be up to the standard you’re used to. For instance, internet speed can be slow at times, and power outages are not uncommon. Also, while the city is generally safe, petty crimes like pickpocketing can happen, so you need to be cautious. But overall, I would say that living in Dumaguete City on $5,000 a month is quite doable and comfortable. You can enjoy a good quality of life, with plenty of opportunities for leisure and entertainment. The city has a vibrant expat community, beautiful beaches, and it’s close to many tourist spots. Plus, the locals are very friendly and welcoming,” commented an expat living in Dumaguete City.
