Last update: Oct 2026 Philippines 86.4K

Cost of Living in Tagbilaran City

For one person, living costs in Tagbilaran City are estimated at $624 a month, including rent and utilities – 17% below the national average. Rent and utilities take about a third of the total.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Tagbilaran City

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Tagbilaran City actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $624 monthly including rent, or $404 excluding housing.

$624 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $1,001 with rent, or $681 without housing.

$1,001 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $1,378 including rent, or $958 for daily expenses alone.

$1,378 /mo

Tagbilaran City sits 51–54% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are well below average (41% lower) – one of the most affordable options in the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$2.98 ₱187
$1.57 ₱98.7
$7.85 ₱494
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$17.24 ₱1,086
$10.97 ₱691
$34.32 ₱2,162
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$2.89 ₱182
$2.89 ₱182
$5.14 ₱324
Cappuccino
$2.47 ₱156
$1.32 ₱83.4
$3.90 ₱246
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.94 ₱58.9
$0.47 ₱29.45
$2.33 ₱147
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.46 ₱29.06
$0.34 ₱21.13
$1.01 ₱63.4
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.83 ₱52.1
$0.83 ₱52.1
$2.72 ₱171
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.18 ₱137
$1.40 ₱88.1
$3.12 ₱197
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.55 ₱97.5
$1.55 ₱97.5
$4.19 ₱264
White Bread (500g)
$1.06 ₱66.9
$1.06 ₱66.9
$4.07 ₱256
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.90 ₱56.7
$0.84 ₱53.1
$1.06 ₱67.0
Eggs
$1.75 ₱110
$1.14 ₱72.0
$2.58 ₱163
Local Cheese (1kg)
$9.33 ₱588
$7.14 ₱450
$18.65 ₱1,175
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.37 ₱275
$3.11 ₱196
$5.42 ₱342
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.55 ₱476
$6.35 ₱400
$8.90 ₱560
Apples (1kg)
$2.86 ₱180
$2.80 ₱176
$6.34 ₱399
Banana (1kg)
$1.35 ₱85.3
$0.98 ₱61.6
$2.76 ₱174
Oranges (1kg)
$2.41 ₱152
$1.30 ₱82.1
$4.90 ₱309
Tomato (1kg)
$1.52 ₱95.8
$0.48 ₱30.44
$1.92 ₱121
Potato (1kg)
$2.42 ₱152
$0.97 ₱61.1
$2.98 ₱188
Onion (1kg)
$1.97 ₱124
$1.61 ₱102
$4.44 ₱280
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.65 ₱40.91
$0.59 ₱37.30
$1.30 ₱81.8
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.46 ₱29.17
$0.39 ₱24.31
$0.93 ₱58.3
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.38 ₱150
$2.38 ₱150
$3.18 ₱200
Wine (Bottle)
$6.11 ₱385
$3.92 ₱247
$8.62 ₱543
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.90 ₱56.9
$0.90 ₱56.9
$1.53 ₱96.2
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.07 ₱67.3
$1.07 ₱67.3
$1.96 ₱124
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.47 ₱29.40
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.77 ₱48.54
$0.65 ₱40.88
$0.81 ₱51.1
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.23 ₱14.51
$0.23 ₱14.51
$0.23 ₱14.51
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$4.38 ₱276
$4.38 ₱276
$4.38 ₱276
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.04 ₱65.5
$0.90 ₱56.8
$1.45 ₱91.1
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$21.0K ₱1.3M
$21.0K ₱1.3M
$21.0K ₱1.3M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$19.6K ₱1.2M
$19.6K ₱1.2M
$19.6K ₱1.2M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$80.8 ₱5,088
$56.5 ₱3,561
$194 ₱12.2K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$14.28 ₱899
$6.43 ₱405
$24.08 ₱1,517
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$25.27 ₱1,592
$23.71 ₱1,493
$31.60 ₱1,991
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$11.21 ₱706
-
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$3.35 ₱211
$3.24 ₱204
$3.47 ₱219
Cinema Ticket
$3.62 ₱228
$3.23 ₱203
$7.26 ₱457
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$281 ₱17.7K
$101 ₱6,367
$592 ₱37.3K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$8,018 ₱505.0K
$3,987 ₱251.1K
$22.3K ₱1.4M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$37.11 ₱2,337
$37.11 ₱2,337
$91.6 ₱5,768
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$17.96 ₱1,132
$15.90 ₱1,001
$39.74 ₱2,503
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$64.0 ₱4,033
$54.7 ₱3,443
$93.7 ₱5,902
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$57.0 ₱3,592
$46.98 ₱2,959
$70.5 ₱4,439
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$194 ₱12.2K
$129 ₱8,133
$242 ₱15.2K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$139 ₱8,779
$96.5 ₱6,077
$161 ₱10.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$477 ₱30.1K
$477 ₱30.1K
$477 ₱30.1K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$339 ₱21.3K
$313 ₱19.7K
$391 ₱24.6K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$785 ₱49.4K
-
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$470 ₱29.6K
-
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$178 ₱11.2K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
7.2
4.5
10

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

Last update: October 10, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Tagbilaran City $624
Groceries & Markets
$187
Accommodation & Living
$139
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$120
Clothing & Footwear
$79
Eating Out
$76
Sport & Entertainment
$18
Getting Around
$3.8 *

Categories marked with * are only partly priced – their share counts the items that do have prices.

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $194 for a central one-bedroom, or $139 outside the center. At 109% of the average salary ($178), rent is manageable but leaves limited room for savings.

Average take-home pay sits at $178, while typical expenses reach $624. The gap means tight budgeting for locals, though expats with foreign income can live comfortably.

Expect to spend about $187 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $17.00 for two – well below the Asian average of $36.00.

Cost Highlights

Imported beer is cheaper than 99% of cities in Asia

Local beer is cheaper than 97% of cities in Asia

Gym membership is cheaper than 93% of cities in Asia

Good to know
🕒 Local time
21:13 9:13 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
86,411
💱 Currency
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Philippine Peso exchange rates as of October 17, 2026: 1 USD = 62.99 PHP (100 PHP = 1.59 USD). 1 EUR = 70.82 PHP (100 PHP = 1.41 EUR).

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Tagbilaran City Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Tagbilaran City - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tagbilaran City a good value choice for travelers, expats, and digital nomads seeking an affordable, balanced lifestyle?
Here, costs scale with your choices: you’ll find affordable street meals, fresh markets, and reasonably priced housing compared with bigger metro areas in the region. Public transport and ride-hailing are practical, and many services cater to short- and long-term stays. Cost of Living in Tagbilaran City, Philippines tends to support slower-paced routines without sacrificing access to beaches, nature, and daily conveniences. You’ll also notice quiet, walkable neighborhoods paired with easy day trips to Panglao or inland sights. Tip: start with a short-term rental in a central neighborhood to gauge internet, noise, and convenience before committing.
What does daily life look like in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
Begin with a two-step housing search: stay a short time in a central neighborhood to feel out noise and utilities, then compare rents and building upkeep before signing. For groceries and dining, local markets offer fresh produce at accessible prices, and there are affordable options for breakfast and dinner. Transport is practical, with jeepneys, trikes, and some taxis, plus easy access to ferries for day trips to Panglao. Consider the Tagbilaran City, Philippines living cost when planning groceries, housing, and transport, since seasonal demand can shift pricing around holidays. Tip: map transit routes and set a weekly errand route to save time.
What factors influence your quality of life here, and how can you budget effectively across seasons and neighborhoods?
Quality of life centers on choosing a neighborhood that fits your pace and access to essentials. Use a simple budgeting framework: categorize needs, temporary wants, and savings, then adjust as you experience prices in markets, utilities, and leisure. Expect seasonal shifts in activity, with holidays driving crowds and prices up in peak months, while the off-season offers calmer days and easier bookings for transport or coworking. For lifestyle, balance beachfront access with reliable internet and quiet work zones; Dampol, Cogon, and areas near markets are common options. Tip: pair a long-term stay with flexible weekend trips to keep routines fresh and costs predictable.
Is Tagbilaran City a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
Your money goes further in Tagbilaran City than in most cities its size. Expect to spend roughly $624 per month with housing included – groceries, transport, and eating out are all priced well below what you'd pay in comparable urban centers.
Is housing affordable on a local salary in Tagbilaran City?
About 109% of the average paycheck in Tagbilaran City goes to rent, which is fairly typical worldwide. It's not dirt cheap, but most residents manage housing costs alongside everyday expenses without major sacrifices.
What income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Tagbilaran City?
Earning $937 monthly in Tagbilaran City means you're living well – a one-bedroom, regular groceries, transport, and some entertainment without stress. That's the threshold where most residents feel genuinely comfortable rather than just getting by.
What is the rental price range for apartments in Tagbilaran City?
Rents for a 1-bedroom flat in Tagbilaran City range from $139 to $194, depending on location and condition. Central apartments sit at the top of that range; outer neighborhoods and suburbs deliver noticeably better value per square meter.
How expensive is preschool in Tagbilaran City per month?
Childcare averages $281 monthly at a private kindergarten in Tagbilaran City. For many families, this single cost rivals rent, so it's essential to factor in before making a move.
What is a typical monthly grocery bill in Tagbilaran City?
Groceries in Tagbilaran City cost around $187 monthly – well below what you'd pay in most cities. Fresh produce, staples, and locally made goods are all well-priced, so eating well on a budget is straightforward here.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in Tagbilaran City?
$1,200 stretches far in Tagbilaran City – all-in monthly costs average only $624. The surplus means you can build savings, travel a bit, and live above the local average without much effort.
What are the pros and cons of living in Tagbilaran City?
Tagbilaran City offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, and at around $624 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.
How much can you save per month in Tagbilaran City?
Monthly expenses in Tagbilaran City run around $624, so putting money aside takes more than $937 in income. Keeping housing costs low and avoiding lifestyle creep are the keys to building a decent savings rate here.
How much does a backpacker need per day in Tagbilaran City?
Budget travelers love Tagbilaran City – low prices across accommodation, food, and transport make it one of the most backpacker-friendly cities around. Long-stay costs come to just $624 monthly; short-term visitors can get by on even less with hostels and local food.

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