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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Baguio city 2024
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Cost of Living in Baguio city

By Joshua Wood, LPC

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Summary: If you're moving to Baguio city, understanding the the cost of living in Baguio city helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals For a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, the average monthly rent is around PHP 10,000 to PHP 15,000. For the same apartment outside the city center, the rent drops to about PHP 5,000 to PHP 10,000.
Apartment Purchases The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is approximately PHP 60,000 to PHP 80,000. Outside the city center, the price per square meter drops to around PHP 30,000 to PHP 50,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Baguio City is relatively affordable. A one-way ticket on local transport costs around PHP 8 to PHP 15. For those who prefer driving, the average price of gasoline is around PHP 50 to PHP 60 per liter.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Baguio City is reasonable. For example, a liter of milk costs around PHP 80 to PHP 120, a loaf of bread is about PHP 50 to PHP 60, and a dozen eggs cost around PHP 60 to PHP 80. Fruits and vegetables are also quite affordable, especially in the local markets.
Restaurants A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around PHP 100 to PHP 200. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs around PHP 700 to PHP 1,000. Fast food combo meals are typically priced at around PHP 150 to PHP 200.
Utilities Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, cost around PHP 3,000 to PHP 5,000 per month. Internet connection (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) costs around PHP 1,500 to PHP 2,500 per month.
Private School Tuition Private school tuition varies greatly depending on the school. For preschool, the annual tuition fee ranges from PHP 30,000 to PHP 50,000. For elementary school, the annual tuition fee ranges from PHP 50,000 to PHP 100,000. For middle school and high school, the annual tuition fee ranges from PHP 80,000 to PHP 150,000.
Please note that these are average costs and actual prices may vary. The cost of living in Baguio City is generally lower compared to other major cities in the Philippines like Manila and Cebu. However, it's always a good idea to do your own research and budgeting based on your personal lifestyle and preferences.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Baguio city

"The cost of living in Baguio City, Philippines is considered to be relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the country. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is quite reasonable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also quite low. When it comes to groceries, local markets offer fresh produce at very affordable prices. Eating out in inexpensive restaurants is also quite cheap, while a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant is moderately priced. Public transportation in Baguio City is also very affordable, with a one-way ticket on local transport costing very little. Taxis are also reasonably priced, especially for short distances. Healthcare in Baguio City is also quite affordable, with a visit to a private doctor costing a modest amount. Fitness club memberships are also reasonably priced. Overall, the cost of living in Baguio City is quite low, making it an attractive place for both locals and expats," said one expat living in Baguio city.

Can I live in Baguio city on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Baguio City, Philippines for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make a few sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants every day or live in the most luxurious neighborhoods. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. The cost of living in Bagio City is relatively low compared to many Western countries. You can rent a decent apartment in a good neighborhood for around $300 to $400 a month. Some of the affordable neighborhoods I would recommend are Camp Allen, Trancoville, and Aurora Hill. These areas are safe, have good access to public transportation, and are close to markets, shops, and restaurants. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Outlook Drive, Leonard Wood, and South Drive are more upscale and expensive. You might want to avoid these if you're on a tight budget. Groceries can cost you around $200 to $300 a month, depending on your eating habits. Local markets are a great place to buy fresh produce at a lower cost. Eating out at local restaurants is also quite affordable, with meals costing around $2 to $5. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, can cost around $100 to $150 a month. Public transportation is also cheap, with jeepney rides costing less than a dollar. Healthcare is another factor to consider. While healthcare in the Philippines is generally affordable, it's a good idea to have health insurance for any unexpected medical expenses. As for entertainment, there are plenty of affordable or free activities to do in Baguio City. You can visit the beautiful parks, museums, and art galleries, or explore the local markets and festivals. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to give up certain luxuries like having a car or a large, spacious apartment. You might also have to adjust to the local lifestyle and culture, which can be a bit different from what you're used to. But overall, I believe that living in Baguio City on $1,500 a month is not only feasible, but can also offer a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle," commented an expat living in Baguio city.

Can I live in Baguio city on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Baguio City for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $3,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For instance, you can rent a nice two-bedroom apartment in a decent neighborhood for around $300 to $400 a month. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like Camp John Hay or South Drive, you might have to pay a bit more, maybe around $600 to $800, but that's still quite affordable considering your budget. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are also relatively cheap. You might spend around $100 to $150 a month for all of these. Food is also inexpensive. You can eat out at a nice restaurant for less than $10, and if you cook at home, you can cut your food expenses even more. Transportation is also very affordable. You can get around the city by jeepney for less than a dollar, and taxis are also quite cheap. If you want to buy a car, you can find a decent second-hand car for a few thousand dollars. However, there are a few sacrifices you might have to make. First, while healthcare in the Philippines is generally affordable, the quality of healthcare might not be up to the standards you're used to. There are good hospitals and doctors in Baguio, but for more serious health issues, you might have to travel to Manila. Second, while Baguio is a relatively safe city, crime can be an issue, especially in certain neighborhoods. It's important to choose your neighborhood carefully and take precautions to protect your home and belongings. Lastly, while many people in Baguio speak English, there can still be a language barrier, especially with older people or in more rural areas. It can be helpful to learn some basic Tagalog or Ilocano, the local languages. But overall, I think you'll find that living in Baguio on $3,000 a month is not only feasible, but can provide a comfortable and enjoyable lifestyle," said one expat living in Baguio city.

Can I live in Baguio city on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Baguio City for a few years now and I can tell you that $5,000 a month is more than enough to live comfortably here, even with a taste for modern amenities. The cost of living in the Philippines is generally lower compared to Western countries. For instance, you can rent a nice, fully furnished condo in a good neighborhood for around $500 to $700 a month. Some of the affordable neighborhoods I would recommend are Camp Allen and Trancoville. They are centrally located, safe, and have easy access to public transportation, supermarkets, and restaurants. On the other hand, neighborhoods like Outlook Drive and Leonard Wood are a bit more upscale and therefore more expensive. But even then, the cost is still reasonable compared to what you'd pay in the West. For utilities like electricity, water, and internet, you're looking at around $100 to $150 a month, depending on your usage. Groceries would probably cost you around $200 to $300 a month. Eating out is also quite affordable here. A meal at a mid-range restaurant would cost you around $5 to $10. Transportation is also cheap. You can get around the city for less than a dollar by jeepney, which is the most common form of public transportation here. If you prefer to drive, gasoline costs around $1 per liter. As for healthcare, the Philippines has both public and private hospitals. Private hospitals offer better facilities and shorter waiting times, and a consultation with a specialist would cost you around $10 to $20. In terms of entertainment, there's plenty to do in Baguio City. There are shopping malls, cinemas, parks, and festivals. A movie ticket costs around $3 to $4. There are also plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and visiting the beach, which are either free or very cheap. The only sacrifice you might have to make is adjusting to the local culture and way of life. But in my experience, Filipinos are very friendly and welcoming to foreigners, and it's easy to feel at home here. Plus, English is widely spoken, so there's no language barrier to worry about. In conclusion, living in Baguio City on $5,000 a month is not only doable, but you can live quite comfortably. You can enjoy modern amenities and a good quality of life without breaking the bank," commented an expat living in Baguio city.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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