Cost of Living in Davao

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Davao

"For Air conditioning, internet, phone, cable TV, water, tax, transportation, pharmacy, food and hardware, and all extras cost me $1200 Canadian dollars a month," said one expat living in Prudential Village, Daliao, Davao City.

"The cost of living in Davao is generally considered to be quite affordable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively inexpensive, and the cost of housing is also quite reasonable. Eating out is also quite affordable, with a variety of restaurants offering meals at reasonable prices. Overall, Davao is a great place to live for those looking for a low cost of living," wrote a member in Davao.

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

"I've been living in Davao 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 some sacrifices to make it work. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants as often as you'd like, or you might have to cut back on some of your entertainment expenses.When it comes to housing, there are some affordable neighborhoods that you should consider. One of them is Buhangin, which is a bit farther from the city center but offers more affordable housing options. Another option is Matina, which is closer to the city center and has a good mix of residential and commercial establishments. Both of these neighborhoods have access to public transportation, so getting around shouldn't be a problem.On the other hand, there are some more expensive neighborhoods that you might want to avoid if you're trying to stick to a $1,500 budget. These include Lanang, which is known for its high-end subdivisions and upscale malls, and Ma-a, which is another upscale residential area. Living in these neighborhoods might put a strain on your budget, especially if you're trying to maintain a certain lifestyle.In terms of utilities and other expenses, you can expect to pay around $50 to $100 for electricity, depending on your usage, and around $10 to $20 for water. Internet and cable TV packages can range from $20 to $50 per month, depending on the provider and the plan you choose. Groceries can be quite affordable, especially if you shop at local markets and buy fresh produce. Eating out at local restaurants can also be budget-friendly, with meals costing around $2 to $5 per person.Overall, living in Davao on a $1,500 budget is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood and cutting back on some non-essential expenses, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while still maintaining access to modern amenities," commented an expat living in Davao.

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

"I've been living in Davao for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there might be some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.First, let's talk about housing. There are several affordable neighborhoods in Davao where you can find decent apartments or houses for rent. Some of the more budget-friendly areas include Buhangin, Matina, and Mintal. You can find a nice two-bedroom apartment in these areas for around $300 to $400 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for more upscale neighborhoods, you might want to check out Lanang, Ma-a, or Ecoland. However, keep in mind that rents in these areas can be significantly higher, so you might have to cut back on other expenses if you choose to live there.When it comes to transportation, public transportation is quite affordable in Davao. Jeepneys and tricycles are the most common modes of transportation, and fares are usually less than a dollar. However, if you prefer to drive, you'll need to factor in the cost of a car, gas, and maintenance. Traffic can be quite heavy during rush hours, so you might want to consider living close to your workplace to save on transportation costs.As for food, eating out at local restaurants is generally inexpensive, with meals costing around $2 to $5. However, if you prefer dining at more upscale restaurants or international chains, you can expect to pay more. Groceries are also relatively affordable, especially if you shop at local markets and buy fresh produce. If you prefer imported goods, you'll find them at supermarkets, but they can be more expensive.In terms of entertainment, there are plenty of affordable options in Davao. You can catch a movie for around $3 to $4, and there are numerous parks, malls, and recreational facilities where you can spend your free time without breaking the bank. However, if you're into high-end clubs or bars, you might have to limit your nights out to stay within your budget.Overall, living in Davao on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and being conscious of your spending on food and entertainment, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this beautiful city," said one expat living in Davao.

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

"I've been living in Davao for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might even find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living here than you would in many Western countries.One of the first things you'll need to consider is where you want to live. There are plenty of affordable neighborhoods in Davao, but some of the more popular ones for expats include Buhangin, Matina, and Maa. These areas have a good mix of local and international restaurants, shopping centers, and other amenities that you might be used to. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Lanang and Damosa, as these areas tend to have higher rental prices and can be quite pricey overall.In terms of housing, you can find a nice apartment or even a small house for around $300 to $500 a month, depending on the location and size. If you're looking for something more luxurious, you can find high-end condos and houses for around $1,000 to $2,000 a month. Keep in mind that utilities like electricity and water can be a bit more expensive than you might be used to, but it's still quite manageable within your budget.When it comes to transportation, you have a few options. You can either buy a car, which can be a bit expensive due to import taxes, or you can rely on public transportation like jeepneys and taxis. Personally, I find that using Grab (similar to Uber) is the most convenient and affordable way to get around the city.As for food, you'll find that eating out is quite affordable in Davao. You can enjoy a meal at a local restaurant for around $2 to $5, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant will cost you around $10 to $20. If you prefer to cook at home, groceries are also quite affordable, especially if you shop at local markets.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there's plenty to do in Davao without breaking the bank. You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, beach trips, and exploring nearby islands for a relatively low cost. There are also plenty of malls, movie theaters, and other entertainment options that are quite affordable.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Davao on a $5,000 a month budget is not only possible but also quite comfortable. You might have to make a few adjustments in terms of your lifestyle, but I believe you'll find that the lower cost of living and the friendly local culture more than make up for any sacrifices you might have to make," commented an expat living in Davao.