Cost of living in Cebu

Cebu might move at a slower pace than Manila, but it doesn’t lag behind in charm or opportunity. Known as the Queen City of the South, it’s where city living meets island life. One day you’re at a beach in Mactan, the next you’re grabbing coffee in a sleek IT Park café or exploring the mountains of Busay.

For expats, freelancers, and remote workers, Cebu offers an easy-going lifestyle with lower costs, great connectivity, and the ocean always within reach. The cost of living depends on how you want to experience it. You can choose from a budget apartment near downtown Cebu, a modern condo in IT Park, or a sea-view flat in Mactan are all within reach.

Read also: The best digital nomad jobs in the Philippines

Rent in Cebu

Finding a place to live in Cebu is all about deciding your pace: city energy or coastal calm. The city has grown into one of the Philippines’ most dynamic hubs, blending modern living with easy access to beaches and nature.

Rent varies depending on the area. Modern condos near Cebu IT Park and Lahug are pricier, while more local neighbourhoods around Mandaue or Talamban offer good value. Many properties come fully furnished and include amenities like pools, gyms, and 24-hour security.

Cebu Business Park and IT Park

The heart of modern Cebu. These areas attract professionals and digital nomads with high-speed internet, coworking spaces, cafés, and restaurants. It’s central, convenient, safe, and the most popular choice for expats.

Mactan Island

Perfect for those who love ocean views and resort-style living. Mactan combines city access with beach proximity, making it ideal for expats working remotely.

Lahug and Banilad

This is a balanced option, close to schools, malls, and the city centre but with quieter surroundings. Great for families or long-term expats looking for more space and greenery.

Talamban, Mandaue, and nearby suburbs

Ideal for those on a tighter budget or seeking a more local feel. These areas are farther from the main business districts but offer good transport links and affordable rents.

Transport in Cebu

Cebu is easier to navigate than Manila, but traffic can still surprise you during rush hour — especially around IT Park, Mandaue, and the bridges to Mactan. The city blends island calm with urban bustle, and most expats quickly find their rhythm using a mix of taxis, ride-hailing apps, jeepneys, and motorbikes.

Taxis

Taxis are common in Cebu City and a reliable way to get around. They’re metered, affordable, and safer when booked through apps or hotel desks.

• Cost: Starts around ₱45 ($0.75), with most rides costing ₱120–₱250 ($2–$4.50).
• Tip: Always ask the driver to use the meter. If travelling from the airport, use the official taxi queue to avoid overcharging.

Ride-hailing apps (Grab, Angkas)

Grab is the go-to app for expats and travellers — offering car, taxi, and food delivery services. Angkas (for motorbike rides) is also popular for beating traffic in busy areas.

• Cost: ₱120–₱300 ($2–$5) depending on distance and time of day.
• Tip: Prices can spike during rush hour or rain, so book early or use Angkas for short trips.

Jeepneys

Cebu’s colourful jeepneys are everywhere and remain the cheapest way to get around. Routes cover the whole city, though figuring them out takes a little practice.

• Cost: ₱13–₱25 ($0.25–$0.45) per ride.
• Tip: Have small bills ready and say “Lugar lang” when you want to get off. It’s a fun, authentic way to experience local life.

Buses

Cebu’s bus routes mostly connect the city to neighbouring areas like Mactan, Liloan, and Talisay. Within the city, MyBus and P2P routes are air-conditioned and convenient for daily commutes.

• Cost: ₱30–₱100 ($0.50–$1.75) depending on distance.
• Tip: The MyBus line from SM Seaside or Mactan Airport is reliable and great for travellers or long-distance commuters.

Motorbikes and scooters

Cebu’s compact size makes scooters a favourite for locals and long-stay expats. You can rent, buy, or book a ride through apps like Angkas or JoyRide.

• Cost: ₱100–₱200 ($2–$3.50) per ride, or ₱700–₱1,000/day ($12–$18) for rental.
• Tip: Always wear a helmet and carry your licence — local enforcement is strict.

Car rentals / driving

Driving in Cebu gives you freedom to explore beyond the city — beaches, waterfalls, and mountain spots are just hours away. Traffic can get heavy near bridges and city centres, but roads are generally better than in Manila.

• Cost: ₱1,500–₱2,800/day ($25–$45) for compact cars. Petrol is around ₱70/L (~$1.20).
• Tip: Parking is limited in the city centre; consider staying in areas with private parking.

Ferries and island hopping

One unique perk of Cebu life — you can hop on a ferry and be on another island in an hour. Regular ferries and fast crafts connect Cebu to Bohol, Negros, and nearby islands.

• Cost: ₱300–₱1,000 ($5–$18) depending on destination.
• Tip: Book in advance on weekends or holidays; OceanJet and 2GO are popular operators.

Walking and cycling

Cebu is compact enough for short walks in safe areas like IT Park or Cebu Business Park. Cycling is becoming more common, with new lanes and rental options.

• Cost: Free to walk; bike rentals from ₱300–₱500/day ($5–$9).
• Tip: Best to walk or cycle early in the morning before traffic and heat pick up.

Food prices in Cebu

Cebu is a city that feeds both your appetite and your curiosity — where street stalls, seaside grills, and trendy cafés coexist in perfect balance. The food scene is as diverse as the island itself: Filipino comfort classics, fresh seafood, and international flavours all within reach.

Restaurants

Eating out in Cebu can be as affordable or indulgent as you like. You can grab a plate of lechon or pancit from a local eatery for a few dollars or sit down to a fusion meal overlooking the sea.

• Street food / local eateries: Expect to spend ₱100–₱200 ($1.75–$3.50) for rice meals, grilled meat or fish, and soft drinks. Local favourites include lechon, sinuglaw, and silog combos.
• Mid-range restaurants: In Cebu IT Park, Lahug, or Ayala Center, a sit-down meal costs ₱350–₱800 ($6–$14) per person, with generous portions and modern ambience.
• Fine dining / resort restaurants: Dinner for two at upscale venues in Mactan or Cebu Business Park ranges from ₱2,500–₱5,000 ($45–$90), not including drinks.

Cafés are a big part of Cebu life — perfect for remote work or weekend brunches. Expect to pay ₱200–₱350 ($3.50–$6) for a latte and pastry in popular spots like IT Park or Banilad.

Supermarkets and markets

Groceries in Cebu are affordable, especially if you mix shopping between supermarkets and palengkes (wet markets). Imported goods are pricier, but local produce, meat, and seafood are fresh and inexpensive.

Many expats in Cebu do a mix: buying seafood and fruit at local markets, then stocking up on pantry items and imported food at Landers or SM. The city’s coastal location means seafood — tuna, shrimp, and squid — is often fresher and cheaper than in Manila.

Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown in USD:

For one person

• Groceries (mix of markets and supermarkets): $50–80 per week (~$200–320 per month)
• Eating out (casual meals, cafés, or occasional dinners): $30–60 per week (~$120–240 per month)

Total monthly food budget: $320–560

Enough to cook most meals at home, dine out a few times a week, and still enjoy Cebu’s food scene — from lechon stalls to seaside cafés.

For a couple or small family

• Groceries: $100–150 per week (~$400–600 per month)
• Eating out: $60–100 per week (~$240–400 per month)

Total monthly food budget: $640–1,000

That covers a nice mix of home cooking, local dining, and the occasional weekend splurge at a resort or high-end restaurant in Mactan.

Utilities costs in Cebu

Cebu’s utility costs are similar to Manila’s, though slightly lower in some areas. Electricity remains the biggest expense, especially if you rely on air conditioning to get through the humid months. Most modern condos include basic amenities like water and internet, but it’s always worth confirming what’s covered in your rent.

Electricity

Electricity costs in Cebu can vary depending on the building and how much you use the AC. The local provider, Visayan Electric (VECO), charges rates comparable to those in Metro Manila.

• Average monthly cost for a 1–2 bedroom apartment: $50–100
• Tip: Use fans when possible and turn off appliances when not in use — AC and water heaters are the main energy drivers. Many landlords allow online bill payment or include utilities in rent for short-term stays.

Water

Water is generally affordable and provided by the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD). Most condos and apartments charge minimal monthly rates, though houses may have separate billing.

• Average monthly cost: $8–20
• Tip: Check if water is included in your rent. Tap water is safe for washing, but it’s best to use bottled or filtered water for drinking.

Gas

Most households in Cebu use LPG tanks for cooking. These are easy to order from local suppliers and usually delivered within the day.

• Cost: Around $10–15 per month (depending on cooking habits)
• Tip: Keep a backup tank since deliveries can be slower during holidays or weekends.

Internet

Internet in Cebu is reliable, with fibre connections widely available in urban areas. It’s fast enough for remote work, video calls, and streaming.

• Average monthly cost: $25–50 for fibre (up to 200–300 Mbps)
• Tip: PLDT, Globe, and Converge are the main providers. Installation typically takes 3–7 days depending on your area.

Mobile/Cell phone

Mobile data is affordable and widely used. Most expats choose prepaid SIM cards, which are simple to top up online or through convenience stores.

• Average monthly cost: $8–18 for 10–20 GB data
• Tip: Globe and Smart have strong coverage across Cebu City and the surrounding islands.

Healthcare in Cebu

Cebu’s healthcare system offers a balance between affordability and quality, with a good mix of public hospitals and private facilities that cater to both locals and expats. The city is known for its reliable medical infrastructure, modern private hospitals, and English-speaking healthcare professionals.

Public healthcare

Public healthcare in Cebu is managed under the national system of the Department of Health (DOH) and supported by PhilHealth, the government’s health insurance programme. Public hospitals are inexpensive and accessible but often busy, especially during peak hours.

• Cost: Low or free for residents; small fees for procedures and medication
• Pros: Affordable and widely available
• Cons: Long queues, basic facilities, and limited equipment in smaller hospitals

Public healthcare is a decent option for minor illnesses or emergencies, but most expats prefer private hospitals for better service, shorter waiting times, and modern facilities.

Private healthcare and insurance

Cebu has several excellent private hospitals offering international-quality care at affordable prices compared to Western standards. Facilities such as Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital, Chong Hua Hospital, and Perpetual Succour Hospital are well regarded for their modern equipment, specialised departments, and English-speaking staff.

• Basic consultation (without insurance): $20–$40
• Specialist visit: $40–$80
• Hospital stay (per night, private room): $100–$200

Private health insurance is recommended for expats, digital nomads, and long-term residents. Both local and international providers offer a range of plans suitable for healthcare in Cebu and nationwide. Leading insurers include AXA Philippines, Pacific Cross, Allianz, and Cigna Global.

Average living costs in Cebu

Cebu blends the rhythm of city life with the calm of island living. It’s more relaxed than Manila but just as dynamic, with coworking cafés, mountain getaways, and beaches never too far away. The cost of living is slightly lower than in the capital, making it an appealing choice for expats, freelancers, and remote workers looking for balance.

You can live comfortably in Cebu for around $1,000–1,600 per month, depending on your lifestyle and location. Local markets, affordable dining, and easy access to nature make it easy to live well without overspending.

Seamless money management with Grey

Cebu proves that living well doesn’t have to cost a fortune. From affordable apartments to delicious meals, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without stretching your wallet.

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Sign up or download the Grey app today to make life in Cebu simpler and stress-free.

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