The REAL Cost of Living in Cebu, Philippines (2025 Update)

I first landed in Cebu with all my belongings in one backpack, high expectations, and a whole lot of questions: How much is rent? Will I get a decent internet connection? Do I risk my stomach on street food? And is it actually possible to live comfortably on $1,000 per month?

Over the years, I’ve gathered enough data, lessons, and tips to fill a library – so this article should do. Here’s everything you need to know about the real cost of living in Cebu in 2025.

Key takeaways

• Cebu’s living costs are increasing, but it remains affordable by Western standards.
• For a simple lifestyle, living in Cebu can be done for around $750/month, if you’re sharing costs.
• Average rental costs for apartments range from $260-$500 plus utilities.
• Food prices are reasonable, especially local products, including cheap street food

The cost of living in the Philippines is still low despite the raging inflation of the past few years. Cebu remains cheaper than other Pinoy cities like country’s capital city, Manila.

Based on my calculations below, the monthly cost of living in Cebu is around $700 per month if you’re sharing cost with another person. If you live alone, I recommend budgeting at least $1,000 per month.

The city remains one of the best destinations for digital nomads, while the country still offers areas where you can live for $750 per month, although it’s no longer on the list of countries to live on $500 per month.

But enough talking. Let’s get in depth and check out the REAL cost of living in Cebu, Philippines!

Cost of Living in Cebu as a foreigner

While the government has instituted price ceilings on various basic goods prices, inflation left its mark and the cost of living in Cebu is higher than ever.

Accommodation costs in Cebu, Philippines

The cheapest option is renting an apartment, while houses are generally pricier. Area matters a lot too. So, let’s check out the estimated monthly rental costs in the city (all rounded up in US Dollars for simplicity)

To keep costs low, renting a room in a shared apartment would start at around $120 per month.

Utilities such as electricity, water, and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) canisters for cooking are usually shared equally at month-end.

When looking for a place to buy, I recommend getting there first and asking around (word of mouth still works well), or looking at the plethora of Facebook groups (although prices there are a bit higher – expat-prices).

IMPORTANT: You can still find very cheap studio apartments (that are more like a hotel room) for around $150 per month, but I didn’t really consider those as an option because I don’t think they are suitable for long term living.

Utility costs in Cebu

Expect to spend around $150 per month if you’re using air conditioning sparingly. An average household with basic appliances (lights, TV, PC, fans, fridge) might see an electric bill of around $100 per month, which includes water and around $20 for cooking gas.

Condo living may require security and garbage fees ranging from $20-$50 monthly. It’s worth checking if your contract covers these or if you pay separately – despite the costs, you will also have various other benefits included, like a gym and pool.

Remember that the weather can be humid most months and you might need an air conditioner which will run the bill higher, especially if you keep it running nonstop like many expats do.

Food costs in Cebu, Philippines

I love the food here: it’s tasty, varied, and easy on the wallet, although your stomach might need some adjusting – at least as far as street food goes. Prices have gone up a lot, despite the government’s interference, but it’s still much cheaper than in the West, overall.

I estimate the monthly food costs in Cebu to be around $200 for a single person, while a couple should expect to spend $375 per month. This includes eating out a lot, but from small, local places that serve those $1.5 meals.

Where you do your groceries and what you buy also matter a lot. If you consume a lot of the local products, most supermarkets will have similarly priced items.

However, if you want imported foods such as cheeses and smoked meats, or other foods that you normally eat back home, those will be expensive.

Drinking water is also one expense you will have to add. Water from the tap is generally okay for cooking and washing but not suitable for drinking. You can opt to buy a filtering system or have drinking water delivered regularly from the numerous shops in the city.

Here is a sample of prices of basic food and home consumables in Cebu:

Now here are some generic restaurant prices for when you’re dining out:

• Meal for 2 – generic, local restaurant: $15
• Meal for 2 – better restaurant: $28
• Beer: $2.50
• Coke: $1.00
• Glass of wine: $5-7
• Cappuccino/Latte: $3.00
• Lemonade: $3.00
• Fresh Juices: $2.50
• Street food: Starting at $1.50 per meal

Street food is not for everybody, but it is generally safe and won’t cause you tummy problems in most cases. Just make sure to eat from the place where you see many people buying.

But if there is one thing that Cebu takes pride in is its perfect mangoes. In season, you can get one kilo for around $3.00. It’s the best mango I have ever eaten – and I am sure you’ll agree after you try one.

Transportation costs in Cebu, Philippines

Cebu City has a different mode of public transportation than most urban enclaves. There are no trains that run through the areas, so visitors and foreigners usually run to the obvious options – taking a taxi or a Grab can, which is the equivalent to Uber.

One trip might set you back $10-20 dollars during non-peak hours. It might seem reasonable but doing this often will end up costing a fortune.

Flagging a white taxi can be reasonable but beware of operators who do not start the meter and demand a fixed rate for the ride. You can report the vehicle to any police officer for this.

Another thing to watch out for is when a taxi driver doesn’t stop the meter from a previous ride which will bloat your bill in the end.

These practices made the app-based transport Grab rake in more customers since they skip all this hassle.

You can opt to get a monthly rental if you are regularly commuting for work or if you are brave enough, you can take the local transport called “jeepneys” which is covered pick-up-type vehicle that has routes that ply all over the city. Fare is a mere $.30 per ride.

Have in mind that traffic throughout the Philippines is, just like in all countries in the region, pretty chaotic. Traffic rules are actually considered guidelines there and motorbikes are the main means of transportation. You can rent one yourself for around $80-$100 per month.

This is why it’s important to rent a place as close as possible to the places you will spend most of your time in order to avoid having to travel too much each day.

Connectivity and Communication

Prepaid cellphone rates in Cebu vary depending on your usage. If you have a network of friends, it is best to get a sim card from the same telecoms provider as they usually give fixed rates for unlimited call minutes within the same network.

Coverage strength may vary in different areas. Surviving on mobile internet may be a challenge (very low, unreliable speed!) but you can get around 30GB of mobile data for around $10 valid for 30 days.

Internet connectivity at home is a different story. There are areas where fiber optic cables are available but they are usually near the IT and business districts.

Otherwise, you can get connected through ADSL. Make sure your residence has a working landline!

Monthly ADSL fees on average are around $25-$70 per month depending on your preferred speed, but overall internet speed is just acceptable in most areas of the city.

Other Things to Consider About the Cost of Living in Cebu, Philippines

As a foreigner, you will have other expenses that many people who share cost of living articles or videos “forget” to write about. Let’s check them out because they’re an important part of any budget!

1. Health Insurance

If you are planning to live long term in the Philippines, come in with a health care package from your home country that has an accredited hospital in Cebu.

Most fees, however, like doctor’s consultations, inoculations for kids, and medicines are out-of-pocket expenses that are paid in cash.

It is best to have a cash bulk set aside for emergencies. Should they be covered, they are usually reimbursable, so you still have to fork out money upfront.

Cebu has several reputable hospitals like Chong Hua Hospital, Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital, and Perpetual Succour Hospital. They’re generally well-equipped and accustomed to treating expats.

You’ll also find plenty of local pharmacies (Mercury Drug, Watsons) and private clinics. Many medicines are over-the-counter here, so you can skip the doctor’s visit for minor issues.

2. Shopping

Cebu is as tropical as the Philippines can get, so you will only be needing summer clothes and some raingear.

$100 will get you far for a full outfit if you purchase regionally produced shoes and clothing.

Brands and imported chains like H&M are available but are considerably pricier. It all depends on where you want to shop and what you buy.

3. Banking and Money Matters

Many people don’t take banking and especially ATM fees into account – which they should. Major malls and supermarkets take credit cards, but small eateries, street vendors, and neighborhood stores are usually cash-only.

Expect around $5 per withdrawal when using a foreign card. Frequent withdrawals can add up, so consider opening a local account if you’ll be around for a while or use modern banking options (like Wise) that offer better rates and no or lower fees.

Local Banks: BDO, BPI, and Metrobank are the best known in the country. However, it won’t be easy to open an account, as they sometimes might as for an Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR).

Can You Live in Cebu for $1,000/Month?

Reasonable living in Cebu is possible for around $1,000/month on a simple lifestyle, as long as you go towards the outskirts and live a relatively modest life.

Everyone speaks English so getting around would not be a problem. Buy local and learn what is available.

There are plenty of ways to save. Team up with a friend’s family to buy in bulk and discounts will be significant.

Let’s see, for example, a monthly budget for two, which will cover all the basics and allow you to live a decent (but not luxurious) life in Cebu:

• Rent price: $400
• Utilities (including internet): $200
• Transportation: $150
• Health insurance: $150
• Food: $395
• Entertainment: $200
• TOTAL: $1,495/month for 2 people

In other words, if you are not living alone, you can definitely live in Cebu with a budget well under $1,000/month – just under $750/month in this case.

As you can see, my basic calculations above show it’s possible on around $730/month per person.

If you are living solo, you might consider opting for smaller studio apartments or taking a room in a shared place. This will cut down a lot on rent and utilities and still let you live a nice life on less than $1,000 per month.

$1000 is the average monthly income of Cebuano households and with this, locals can live, learn, and enjoy. The key is to get your boots on the ground like a local and learn the secrets to budget living in Cebu.

Cebu isn’t the bargain it was a decade ago, but it’s still a solid choice if you crave warm weather, friendly people, and a lower cost of living than many Western cities.

As they say locally, Tara na sa Cebu, Bai! Let’s go to Cebu, my friend!