Davao 4 Expats . com

Being the most livable city in the Philippines and one of its pride metropolises, some people would come to think that living in Davao City would cost a fortune. However, what other people seem to think could be far from reality. The fact is, you can live like a King in Davao!

The cost of living in Davao City is far less than the two other major industrial and commercial points in the Philippines—Metro Manila and Cebu City. From housing, food and other conveniences, Davao City offers more for less, which is why it is an ideal place to stay.

In spite of the troubled economy experienced worldwide and the increase in prices of many commodities nationwide, Davao City still ranks as one of the top major cities in the country with low cost of living.

House Rental

Low = 5,000 /mo ; Mid = 10,000 to 30,000 / mo; High = 50,000 / mo and up

Choosing a suitable and comfortable place to stay in the city offers people a variety of choices depending on their need. Of course, houses and condominiums near the city cost more than those in rural areas.

Though it costs a lot to really own a house in places near downtown area, there are houses/ apartments that are for rent which may cost 5,000 to 15, 000 pesos for a month depending on its size. Sometimes, this already include water and electric bill fee. For those who feel comfortable living with other people and can be contented in occupying a single room, dormitories and apartments are available for only PhP 2,000 – PhP 5,000 a month.

If one opts to stay away from the hassle and bustle of the city, many houses are available for rent in subdivisions outside of the city proper. These houses may cost PhP 2,000 – PhP 6,000 pesos per month and are commonly available with two bedrooms, a living and dining room and a comfort room.

Of course, if you really love to live the life of a real King, you want security around your kingdom, plus all the amenities you can touch, you have to be ready to pay the price of such luxury. You can rent a house in high-end communities for a monthly budget of PhP 50,000 up to PhP 300,000. Is your majesty ready for that?

Electricity and Water

Water or Electricity — Low: = 200 (or less) / mo; Mid = 500 to 1,000 / mo; High = 3,000 (or more) / mo

Note: The rate above applies individually to water or electricity. The combine consumption may double the rate.

Power consumption depends on the number of appliances one has and the length in which they are used. For families having a television, DVD player, refrigerator, and washing machine among others, may be charged with PhP 800 – PhP 1,000 pesos a month. While those families who use airconditiners for almost 24 hours a day with a computer set could be charged PhP 2,500 – PhP 3,500 pesos monthly. If one lives alone and stays at home (alone in your studio type condo unit) for some time in a day, the bill could get as low as PhP 200 – PhP 300 pesos.

Water bills could cost from PhP 100 – PhP 500 pesos depending on the number of people using it.

Food

Low = 20 / meal; Mid = 80 to 120 / meal; High = 1,000 (or higher) / meal

Note: Figures above are based on cost of meal on most food outlets and restaurants.

Food prices are low in Davao City compared with other cities in the country, especially agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables. Pork and chicken may cause around PhP 110 – PhP 120 per kilogram or less depending on the season.

There are also restaurants and fast food chains that offer a complete meal that ranges from PhP 80 to as much as PhP 200 to PhP 1,000 when dining in high-end restaurants.

Small scale food stalls along the road may charge PhP 40 – PhP 70 pesos for a complete meal with drinks.

If your girlfriend eats a great deal more than you (more than three times a day is not uncommon), you may factor that into your budget.

Education

Low = 5,000 / year; Mid = 10,000 to 20,000 / year; High = 30,000 (or higher) / year

If you have school-age children, this information is of great help. You are most likely to consider the best for your child when it comes to education. The good news is, the cost of education in prestigious schools is almost the same with one another. Thanks to competition! These educational institutions might cost you some PhP 30,000 or even higher.

For College Education, a lot of factors come into play (projects, clinical fees, laboratory charges, etc), though the tuition rates are almost the same differing only by a few hundreds per subject unit. On the average, it is not unusual to prepare a PhP 50,000 to PhP 200,000 per school year.

The Price of Fun

Enjoying Davao City also costs less. Bar-hoping which is common among teenagers in the city could cost P 1,000 – P 4,000 in a night including wines and spirits plus foods to stuff their your tummies. Sneaking out of the noisy city and taking an escapade on the nearby Island Garden City of Samal or other places would cost from PhP 2,000 to P 10, 000 pesos.

Transportation

Jeep = starts at 7.00; Taxi = starts at 30.00 taxis with A/C

The most common way to travel within the city is by public utility jeepneys (PUJS) which charge a minimum of 7 Pesos for the first 4 kilometers and slowly adds up. Non-airconditioned taxis starts metering at 26 Pesos while air-conditioned ones starts metering at 30 pesos and goes up double than the former.

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This article is contribute by Matt Regis.