DumagueteInfo Archives

Cost of Living | Dumaguete Info

If you are thinking about moving to Dumaguete it is important to find accommodations that will suite your needs. If you only plan on staying short term your best bet is to rent a hotel, beach resort or apartment complex that caters to short term stays. For information on short term stays you can check out our recommendations. For longer stays we recommend that you check out our forum and visit the classifieds section.

While many things in the Philippines are cheaper, many are surprised at just how expensive life can be here. The honest truth is, if you wish to maintain the same quality of life you have likely become accustomed to in your home country it will end up costing you about the same, if not more, in the Philippines.

We have gathered some basic information on what things cost in Dumaguete. Please note that prices can be a little less or a bit more depending on who you are talking to, where you are doing your shopping and just how “Western” you need your accommodations to be. The prices below are a “fair” price that you should expect to find in Dumaguete and still maintain a comfortable lifestyle.

Accommodation

Price

Hotel

P200-P2,000/Night

Beach Resort

P800+/Night

Studio Apartment

P6000-12,000/Month

Three Bedroom Apartment

P12,000-20,000/Month

House

P15,000-30,000/Month

Utilities can be rather expensive in comparison to an expat’s home country. If you must run air-conditioning 247 then expect a very high electricity bill. It is not unusual for those running two air-conditioners to cool the entire house to have an electric bill upwards of P12,000 a month. There is no such thing as “central air” in the Philippines.

Utility

Price

Internet

P1000/Month

Electricity

P1,500+/Month

Water

P20-500/Month

Cable TV

P600/Month

Cell Phone

P7/Minute - P1/SMS

The basic food items below might seem like fair prices but be warned, many times these items are not to the standard and quality most expats have come to expect. You should also expect to pay a premium for imported goods.

Groceries

Price

Eggs (Dozen)

P72

Milk 1L

P100

Rice 1KG

P50

Bread 1 Loaf

P30

Whole Chicken

P120

Pork 1KG

P180

Beef 1KG

P175

Eating out is usually right on par, or a bit cheaper, when compared to western prices. Remember that Filipino are notorious for having a sweet tooth. It is not unusual to find pizza or spaghetti that has sugar as one of the main ingredients (this is usually noted on the menu as “Filipino Style”).

Eating Out

Price

Burger

P100-250

Coke

P20

Pizza

P150-375

Coffee

P20

Fine Dining (Meal)

P250-1500

Driving and using public transportation in the Philippines is a unique experience. Keep your head on a swivel and stay safe!

Transportation

Price

Trike

P10 first KM - P1 each additional KM *

Jeepney

P15/10km (estimate)

Gasoline

P55/Liter

*Trike prices vary greatly depending on time, location, driver and special trips.

Do you have a question about Dumaguete? We have an answer. Check out our forum.