City, Philippines
Cost of living in Cebu
How much a month costs in Cebu
For one person, including rent. A comfortable month costs about $958–1,520 (₱60,000–95,000).
Prices in Cebu
Typical 2026 ranges in PHP, rounded. US$ at the 03 Oct 2026 exchange rate.
| Item | PHP | US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| 1-bedroom apartment, center (month) | ₱20,000–40,000 | $319–639 |
| 1-bedroom apartment, outside center (month) | ₱12,000–22,000 | $192–351 |
| Hostel dorm bed (night) | ₱450–900 | $7.2–14.4 |
| Mid-range hotel room (night) | ₱2,000–4,500 | $32–72 |
| Food and drink | ||
| Local meal or street food | ₱80–180 | $1.3–2.9 |
| Mid-range restaurant, per person | ₱400–1,000 | $6.4–16.0 |
| Cappuccino | ₱130–220 | $2.1–3.5 |
| Local beer, 0.5 l in a bar | ₱80–150 | $1.3–2.4 |
| Getting around | ||
| Public transport, one ride | ₱12–30 | $0.19–0.48 |
| Ride-hailing or taxi, about 5 km | ₱120–250 | $1.9–4.0 |
| Work and life | ||
| Coworking day pass | ₱400–900 | $6.4–14.4 |
| Gym membership (month) | ₱1,500–4,000 | $24–64 |
| Mobile data, 20–50 GB (month) | ₱400–1,000 | $6.4–16.0 |
Value for money: 67/100
A value score of 67/100 means Cebu gives more quality of life per dollar than 66% of the 1,319 places we cover. Quality here scores 55/100. It's the 23rd most affordable of 27 places we cover in Philippines.
| Quality factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Safety | |
| Air quality | |
| Internet | |
| Healthcare | |
| Weather | |
| Friendly locals | |
| English |
Cost of living across Philippines
One person, comfortable lifestyle, including rent.
| Place | Comfortable month | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Sagada | $447–719 | 99/100 |
| Banaue | $447–719 | 99/100 |
| Vigan | $479–767 | 98/100 |
| Siquijor | $559–878 | 96/100 |
| Bantayan | $607–926 | 95/100 |
| Dumaguete | $607–958 | 95/100 |
| Port Barton | $607–958 | 95/100 |
| Iloilo | $639–990 | 95/100 |
| Moalboal | $639–1,040 | 93/100 |
| La Union | $639–1,040 | 92/100 |
| Puerto Galera | $639–1,040 | 92/100 |
| Malapascua | $639–1,040 | 92/100 |
| Baguio | $671–1,120 | 93/100 |
| Davao | $719–1,120 | 89/100 |
| Tagaytay | $719–1,120 | 90/100 |
| Angeles City | $719–1,120 | 85/100 |
| Bohol | $719–1,200 | 89/100 |
| Coron | $799–1,280 | 87/100 |
| Panglao | $799–1,280 | 86/100 |
| Palawan | $799–1,360 | 85/100 |
| El Nido | $799–1,360 | 85/100 |
| Siargao | $799–1,360 | 80/100 |
| Cebu | $958–1,520 | 67/100 |
| Boracay | $1,040–1,600 | 74/100 |
| Manila | $1,280–2,080 | 40/100 |
| Makati | $1,440–2,240 | 48/100 |
| BGC | $1,440–2,240 | 42/100 |
Cheaper alternatives to Cebu
Similar safety, lower cost, in Southeast Asia.
| Place | Country | Comfortable month |
|---|---|---|
| Hue | Vietnam | $578–963 |
| Phong Nha | Vietnam | $539–848 |
| Sukhothai | Thailand | $656–1,040 |
| Ninh Binh | Vietnam | $539–925 |
| Mount Bromo | Indonesia | $503–783 |
Quick answers
How much money do you need per month in Cebu?
About $479–671 on a lean budget, $958–1,520 for a comfortable month and $2,240–3,670 for a luxury one, rent included.
How much is rent in Cebu?
A furnished 1-bedroom apartment costs ₱20,000–40,000 ($319–639) a month in the center and ₱12,000–22,000 ($192–351) outside it.
How much does food cost in Cebu?
A local meal is ₱80–180 ($1.3–2.9); a mid-range restaurant is ₱400–1,000 ($6.4–16.0) per person.
Is Philippines expensive?
Prices in Philippines are about 33% of US price levels (World Bank PPP).
More about Cebu
Going to Cebu solo?
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Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- World Bank: PPP conversion factor
- Mactan-Cebu International Airport (GMR Megawide)
- Grab Philippines
- Department of Tourism
Prices are SoloSquare estimates for 2026, reviewed against official and operator prices where available. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.