Cost of Living in General Santos - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $463 (excluding rent), and $721 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $941 (excluding rent), and $1,451 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$4.55 ₱265

$2.73 ₱159

$9.09 ₱531

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$10.61 ₱619

$9.72 ₱567

$48.63 ₱2,838

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$2.83 ₱165

$2.62 ₱153

$4.79 ₱280

Cappuccino

$2.14 ₱125

$0.91 ₱53.2

$3.63 ₱212

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.35 ₱20.67

$0.33 ₱19.45

$1.39 ₱80.9

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.32 ₱18.95

$0.28 ₱16.5

$1.85 ₱108

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.13 ₱66

$1.04 ₱60.8

$3.94 ₱230

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.87 ₱51.1

$2 ₱117

Milk (1 liter)

$1.39 ₱80.9

$1.9 ₱111

White Bread (500g)

$0.93 ₱54.5

$1.52 ₱88.8

Rice (white) (1kg)

$0.85 ₱49.84

$0.77 ₱44.8

$1.06 ₱61.6

Eggs

$1.98 ₱115

$1.45 ₱84.7

$2.67 ₱156

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.2 ₱362

$4.55 ₱266

$9.1 ₱531

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3 ₱175

$5.46 ₱319

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$6.21 ₱362

$15.27 ₱891

Apples (1kg)

$2.87 ₱167

$2.14 ₱125

$3.48 ₱203

Banana (1kg)

$1.15 ₱67.1

$0.7 ₱41.07

$1.51 ₱87.9

Oranges (1kg)

$2.31 ₱135

$0.7 ₱40.75

$3.49 ₱204

Tomato (1kg)

$0.46 ₱26.8

$1.85 ₱108

Potato (1kg)

$0.87 ₱50.6

$3.46 ₱202

Onion (1kg)

$3.19 ₱186

$1.82 ₱106

$4.56 ₱266

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.08 ₱62.8

$0.45 ₱26.09

$1.8 ₱105

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.6 ₱35.13

$0.46 ₱26.65

$0.92 ₱53.9

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.19 ₱128

$2.8 ₱163

Wine (Bottle)

$8.1 ₱472

$6.14 ₱358

$10.23 ₱597

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.09 ₱63.6

$0.75 ₱43.97

$2.17 ₱127

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.51 ₱88

$1.27 ₱74.2

$2.62 ₱153

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.34 ₱19.76

$0.13 ₱7.34

$0.51 ₱29.92

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$8.72 ₱509

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.82 ₱47.63

$0.69 ₱40.25

$0.86 ₱50.5

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.15 ₱8.93

$0.23 ₱13.65

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$1.34 ₱78.2

$0.9 ₱52.3

$2.15 ₱125

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.15 ₱67.3

$0.92 ₱53.5

$1.46 ₱85.4

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$20.4K ₱1.2M

$17.7K ₱1M

$23K ₱1.3M

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$20.8K ₱1.2M

$17.6K ₱1M

$28.2K ₱1.6M

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$75.4 ₱4,402

$71 ₱4,143

$133 ₱7,768

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$33.68 ₱1,965

$8.82 ₱515

$44.12 ₱2,575

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$35.97 ₱2,099

$29.97 ₱1,749

$52.9 ₱3,086

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$33.64 ₱1,964

$14.06 ₱821

$39.55 ₱2,309

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$1.8 ₱105

Cinema Ticket

$3.13 ₱183

$7.84 ₱458

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$60 ₱3,504

$180 ₱10.5K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$1,432 ₱83.6K

$8,952 ₱522.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$45.5 ₱2,655

$8.8 ₱514

$70.4 ₱4,111

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$15.93 ₱930

$53.7 ₱3,133

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$71.4 ₱4,169

$53.6 ₱3,127

$100 ₱5,837

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$69.5 ₱4,057

$41.26 ₱2,408

$108 ₱6,282

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$265 ₱15.5K

$150 ₱8,775

$354 ₱20.6K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$178 ₱10.4K

$103 ₱6,008

$224 ₱13.1K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$585 ₱34.2K

$265 ₱15.5K

$766 ₱44.7K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$399 ₱23.3K

$215 ₱12.6K

$493 ₱28.8K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.5

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

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Cost of Living in General Santos - Frequently Asked Questions

General Santos offers a friendly balance of value and comfort. For many, Cost of Living in General Santos is comparatively favorable versus larger metro areas, with mid-range housing and accessible daily needs. You’ll find a range of accommodation – from simple studios to larger apartments – often with longer lease options that can reduce monthly costs. Local eateries offer inexpensive meals, and supermarkets carry familiar items alongside regional produce. Transport is practical, with jeepneys, tricycles, and shared rides that connect neighborhoods efficiently. Tip: Start with a short stay in a central area, compare a few co-working spots, and map transit routes to gauge value before committing long-term.

Daily life here blends value with convenience. Housing search tends to reward longer leases in central, walkable districts, but you can also find short-term options near coworking hubs and markets. Food choices range from affordable local eateries to international cafés, with plenty of fresh produce at markets. For transport, expect a mix of jeepneys, tricycles, and ride-hailing apps; most errands are doable on a budget with some planning. If you work remotely, identify reliable internet spots and flexible cafes. General Santos living cost remains practical when you prioritize neighborhood access and seasonal shopping. Tip: Map 2–3 favorite grocery routes and 1–2 coworking spaces to start your routine.

Quality of life here leans on balance and pace. Build a simple budgeting framework – allocate housing, groceries, transport, and discretionary spend, with a cushion for seasonal shifts like heavier rain or local holidays. Neighborhood fit matters: downtown-centred living offers short walks to markets and cafes, while coastal or suburban areas may cut commute times to beaches or coworking hubs. Save by cooking at home with fresh produce, batching meals, and using public transit or shared rides. Tap into local communities or coworking groups to find reliable wifi and social networks. Tip: test a few routine routes for errands and create a flexible weekly plan that scales with your work load.