Cost of Living in Dumaguete - Updated Prices & Insights

37.12
Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $561 (excluding rent), and $864 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,288 (excluding rent), and $1,807 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$3.13 ₱174
$2.09 ₱116
$5.21 ₱290
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$14.39 ₱801
$12.6 ₱701
$27.47 ₱1,529
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$4.44 ₱247
$3.91 ₱218
$4.88 ₱272
Cappuccino
$2.31 ₱128
$0.9 ₱50.3
$2.82 ₱157
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.78 ₱43.66
$0.46 ₱25.61
$1.58 ₱87.9
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.39 ₱21.8
$0.36 ₱20.08
$0.55 ₱30.4
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.03 ₱57.4
$0.87 ₱48.2
$2.5 ₱139
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.12 ₱118
$2.12 ₱118
$2.64 ₱147
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.73 ₱96.1
$1.34 ₱74.8
$1.97 ₱110
White Bread (500g)
$1.46 ₱81.4
$1.16 ₱64.5
$1.89 ₱105
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.95 ₱53
$0.79 ₱43.93
$1.11 ₱61.6
Eggs
$1.99 ₱111
$1.79 ₱99.9
$2.81 ₱156
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.69 ₱539
$8.97 ₱499
$10.41 ₱579
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$5.13 ₱286
$3.88 ₱216
$5.15 ₱287
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.79 ₱434
$6.32 ₱352
$8.78 ₱489
Apples (1kg)
$1.72 ₱95.6
$1.72 ₱95.6
$1.72 ₱95.6
Banana (1kg)
$1.4 ₱77.8
$1.04 ₱58.1
$1.74 ₱97
Oranges (1kg)
$4.07 ₱226
$2.71 ₱151
$5.42 ₱302
Tomato (1kg)
$1.43 ₱79.7
$1.07 ₱59.5
$1.78 ₱99.3
Potato (1kg)
$2.38 ₱132
$1.39 ₱77.6
$3.13 ₱174
Onion (1kg)
$2.49 ₱139
$1.38 ₱76.8
$4.3 ₱239
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.86 ₱47.64
$0.56 ₱31.05
$1.7 ₱94.8
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.64 ₱35.86
$0.36 ₱20.24
$0.92 ₱51.5
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.61 ₱146
$2.53 ₱141
$2.61 ₱146
Wine (Bottle)
$8.48 ₱472
$4.87 ₱271
$10.45 ₱582
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.21 ₱67.4
$0.72 ₱39.9
$1.79 ₱99.5
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.03 ₱113
$1.43 ₱79.9
$2.69 ₱150
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.48 ₱26.53
$0.34 ₱18.95
$0.69 ₱38.44
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$9.11 ₱507
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.77 ₱43.12
$0.69 ₱38.27
$0.86 ₱47.97
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.25 ₱13.91
$0.16 ₱9.09
$0.33 ₱18.19
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$0.9 ₱50.2
$0.9 ₱50.2
$3.59 ₱200
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.15 ₱64
$1.06 ₱58.8
$1.27 ₱70.8
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$23K ₱1.3M
$23K ₱1.3M
$23K ₱1.3M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$39.5K ₱2.2M
$19.7K ₱1.1M
$39.5K ₱2.2M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$73.1 ₱4,067
$66.7 ₱3,711
$107 ₱5,938
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$43.62 ₱2,429
$6.98 ₱389
$43.62 ₱2,429
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$28.69 ₱1,597
$24.53 ₱1,366
$35.04 ₱1,951
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$23.84 ₱1,328
$14.44 ₱804
$63.2 ₱3,518
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$3.45 ₱192
-
Cinema Ticket
$6.41 ₱357
$4.69 ₱261
$8.13 ₱452
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$71.7 ₱3,990
$47.13 ₱2,624
$106 ₱5,903
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$1,864 ₱103.8K
$1,065 ₱59.3K
$2,663 ₱148.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$107 ₱5,946
$8.9 ₱495
$107 ₱5,946
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$35.34 ₱1,968
$8.83 ₱492
$53 ₱2,952
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$110 ₱6,117
$87.9 ₱4,894
$132 ₱7,341
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$82.8 ₱4,610
$43.57 ₱2,426
$122 ₱6,794
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$238 ₱13.3K
$209 ₱11.6K
$279 ₱15.5K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$209 ₱11.6K
$174 ₱9,692
$261 ₱14.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$429 ₱23.9K
$263 ₱14.6K
$525 ₱29.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$428 ₱23.9K
$324 ₱18K
$540 ₱30.1K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$315 ₱17.5K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.5
4.5
8.5
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Dumaguete - Frequently Asked Questions
How does affordability in Dumaguete compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Compared with bigger Philippine cities, Dumaguete offers a friendly balance of affordability and everyday comfort. The Cost of Living in Dumaguete, Philippines tends to be lower for housing, groceries, and local services, while you still enjoy reliable Wi‑Fi in many cafes and a walkable downtown. For travelers, expats, and digital nomads, the city rewards a slower pace, shorter commutes, and a tighter expat scene around the university and seafront. Mix local meals with occasional treats from nearby markets to keep budgets predictable, and choose a central neighborhood for easy errands. Tip: Explore short-term stays near Rizal Boulevard to test fit before longer leases.
What does daily life look like in Dumaguete for housing, food, transport, and errands?
Daily life in Dumaguete blends small-city charm with practical convenience. Housing ranges from compact studios near Rizal Boulevard to larger furnished units in quieter neighborhoods, with leases that suit short or longer stays. For food, local markets, carinderias, and seaside eateries deliver fresh produce and budget-friendly meals, while cafes with reliable wifi support remote work. Getting around is simple: walkable streets, trikes, and ferries to nearby islands make errands manageable. Dumaguete, Philippines living cost stays predictable enough to plan weekly meals and transport without stress. Tip: Map a couple of favorite markets and a coworking cafe to streamline your routine.
What are the best budgeting frameworks and neighborhood fits for quality of life, considering seasonality and saving ideas?
Quality of life in Dumaguete often comes from a neighborhood that fits your pace and social needs. Start with a simple budgeting framework: prioritize housing close to work or study, allocate funds for groceries and dining, and reserve a modest buffer for activities and travel. For saving, choose pre-paid internet plans, compare nearby co-working options, and take advantage of local markets for groceries. Seasonality affects outdoor plans – the dry season offers more beach days, while the rainy season invites indoor hobbies and cafe work. A good fit tends to be areas near Rizal Boulevard or San Pedro, where safety, walkability, and access to services make daily life smoother. Tip: Build a routine that favors short trips to nearby islands to maximize downtime.
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