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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Iloilo City 2024
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Cost of Living in Iloilo City

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Iloilo City helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom in City Center) Approximately PHP 10,000 - PHP 15,000 per month
Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom Outside of Center) Approximately PHP 5,000 - PHP 10,000 per month
Apartment Purchase Price (City Center) Approximately PHP 60,000 - PHP 100,000 per square meter
Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of Center) Approximately PHP 30,000 - PHP 50,000 per square meter
Transportation (Monthly Pass) Approximately PHP 500 - PHP 1,000
Transportation (Taxi Start) Approximately PHP 40 - PHP 50
Transportation (Taxi 1km) Approximately PHP 13 - PHP 20
Groceries (Milk, 1 liter) Approximately PHP 70 - PHP 90
Groceries (Bread, 500g) Approximately PHP 30 - PHP 60
Groceries (Rice, 1kg) Approximately PHP 40 - PHP 60
Groceries (Chicken Breasts, 1kg) Approximately PHP 150 - PHP 200
Restaurants (Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant) Approximately PHP 100 - PHP 200
Restaurants (Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course) Approximately PHP 500 - PHP 1,000
Utilities (Basic for 85m2 Apartment) Approximately PHP 2,000 - PHP 4,000 per month
Private School Tuition (Preschool) Approximately PHP 30,000 - PHP 50,000 per year
Private School Tuition (Elementary School) Approximately PHP 50,000 - PHP 100,000 per year
Private School Tuition (Middle School) Approximately PHP 60,000 - PHP 120,000 per year
Private School Tuition (High School) Approximately PHP 70,000 - PHP 150,000 per year
Please note that these are approximate costs and can vary based on various factors such as location, quality, and personal lifestyle. The cost of living in Iloilo 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 a personal assessment of your expenses based on your lifestyle and needs.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Iloilo City

"The cost of living in Iloilo City 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, water, and garbage is also quite low. Groceries in Iloilo City are also affordable, with local markets and supermarkets offering a wide range of products at reasonable prices. Eating out in inexpensive restaurants is also quite cheap, while a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant is moderately priced. Public transportation in Iloilo City is very affordable, with options including jeepneys, buses, and taxis. The cost of gasoline is also relatively low. Healthcare in Iloilo City is also reasonably priced, with both public and private hospitals offering services at affordable rates. Overall, the cost of living in Iloilo City is quite low, making it an attractive place for both locals and expatriates," said one expat living in Iloilo City.

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

"I've been living in Iloilo City 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'll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. For instance, you might not be able to dine out at high-end restaurants or go on expensive trips every weekend. But, you can still enjoy a good quality of life. The cost of living here is relatively low compared to many Western countries. You can rent a decent apartment in a good neighborhood for around $200 to $300 a month. Some of the affordable neighborhoods I would recommend are Mandurriao, Jaro, and La Paz. These areas are safe, have good access to public transportation, and are close to markets, malls, and other amenities. On the other hand, areas like Iloilo Business Park and Smallville Complex are more upscale and expensive. You might want to avoid these if you're on a tight budget. Groceries will probably cost you around $200 a month, depending on your eating habits. Local food is cheap and fresh, especially if you buy from local markets. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, will likely cost you around $100 to $150 a month. Transportation is also cheap. You can get around the city by jeepney or taxi for a few dollars a day. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car for around $300 a month. Healthcare is affordable too. You can get a consultation with a doctor for around $10 to $20. Medicines are also reasonably priced. Entertainment and leisure activities are where you might have to make some sacrifices. While there are plenty of free or cheap things to do, like going to the beach or hiking, activities like going to the cinema, gym, or spa can add up. Overall, I'd say that living in Iloilo City on $1,500 a month is doable. You just have to be mindful of your spending and make some lifestyle adjustments. But, in return, you get to live in a beautiful city with friendly people, rich culture, and a laid-back lifestyle," commented an expat living in Iloilo City.

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

"I've been living in Iloilo City for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For instance, you can rent a decent apartment in a good neighborhood for around $200 to $400 a month. If you're looking for more upscale accommodations, you might want to check out areas like Jaro or Mandurriao. These are some of the more expensive neighborhoods, but even there, you can find a nice place for around $500 to $700 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking to save money, you might want to consider neighborhoods like La Paz or Arevalo. These areas are a bit more affordable, but still safe and relatively close to the city center. As for other expenses, food is quite cheap, especially if you eat local cuisine. You can have a decent meal for around $1 to $2. If you prefer Western food, it's also available, but it's a bit more expensive. Transportation is also very affordable. You can get around the city by jeepney for less than $1. If you prefer to drive, gasoline is around $1 per liter. As for sacrifices, you might have to adjust to the local culture and lifestyle. For instance, while most people speak English, the primary language is Hiligaynon. Also, while the city has modern amenities, it's not as developed as some Western cities. For instance, traffic can be quite heavy during rush hour and power outages are not uncommon. However, I've found that these are minor inconveniences compared to the benefits of living here. The people are friendly, the weather is warm all year round, and there's a rich cultural heritage to explore. Plus, the cost of living is so low that you can afford to travel and experience all that the Philippines has to offer," said one expat living in Iloilo City.

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

"I've been living in Iloilo City for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 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, modern apartment in a good neighborhood for around $500 to $700 a month. Some of the affordable neighborhoods I would recommend are Jaro and Mandurriao. They are both safe, have good amenities, and are close to the city center. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to consider areas like Iloilo Business Park or Smallville Complex. These are more expensive neighborhoods, with rents often exceeding $1,000 a month, so they might not be the best choice if you're trying to stick to a budget. When it comes to food, local markets and supermarkets are quite affordable. You can get fresh produce, meat, and fish for a fraction of what you would pay back home. Eating out is also relatively cheap, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $10 to $15. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, will probably set you back around $100 to $150 a month, depending on your usage. Transportation is also quite cheap, with a one-way ticket on local transportation costing less than a dollar. However, there are a few things you might need to adjust to. For one, while most people in the city speak English, it's not the primary language, so there might be a bit of a language barrier. Also, while the city has modern amenities, it's not as developed as some Western cities, so there might be occasional power outages or internet disruptions. But overall, I've found that living in Iloilo City on $5,000 a month is quite comfortable. You can afford a nice place to live, eat well, and still have plenty left over for entertainment and savings. Just be mindful of your spending, especially in the more upscale neighborhoods, and you should be fine," commented an expat living in Iloilo 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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