Cost Of Living in Davao 2024

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Davao

Whether you're living in Davao or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

85,000 PHP

per month
$1,500

6,500 PHP   $120
$15,000   850,000 PHP

Single

59,000 PHP

per month
$1,000

20,000 PHP   $350
$7,000   390,000 PHP

Couple

98,000 PHP

per month
$1,700

33,000 PHP   $580
$9,300   520,000 PHP

Family

130,000 PHP

per month
$2,300

46,000 PHP   $810
$13,000   720,000 PHP

Student

39,000 PHP

per month
$690

15,000 PHP   $280
$1,200   70,000 PHP
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Davao is 59,000 PHP. Expenses can range from 20,000 PHP at the minimum level to 390,000 PHP at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Davao is 98,000 PHP. Expenditure can range from 33,000 PHP to 520,000 PHP per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Davao is 130,000 PHP per month. Families spend anywhere from 46,000 PHP to 720,000 PHP.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Davao is 39,000 PHP. Students spend from 15,000 PHP to 70,000 PHP per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Davao


Dining, food, and beverages costs


Large bottle of water
8.7 PHP 9.9 PHP 11 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.16 $0.18 $0.20
Fast food combo meal
74 PHP 150 PHP 250 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3 $2.6 $4.4
Restaurant meal for one
270 PHP 400 PHP 800 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.8 $7.1 $14
Fine dining meal for one
530 PHP 800 PHP 3,200 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9.5 $14 $57
Soda or Soft Drink
11 PHP 12 PHP 15 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.19 $0.22 $0.26
Cappuccino or latte
62 PHP 99 PHP 150 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.8 $2.6

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle
49 PHP 59 PHP 74 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.88 $1.1 $1.3
Loaf of bread
8.9 PHP 10 PHP 12 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.16 $0.18 $0.21
12 eggs
37 PHP 49 PHP 74 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.66 $0.88 $1.3
Fresh whole chicken
84 PHP 110 PHP 150 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $1.9 $2.7
Beef 1 kg or 1 lb
99 PHP 150 PHP 300 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.8 $2.6 $5.3
Rice 1 kg or 1 lb
40 PHP 54 PHP 77 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.71 $0.97 $1.4
Tomato 1 kg or 1 lb
15 PHP 20 PHP 37 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.26 $0.35 $0.66
Apples 1 kg or 1 lb
26 PHP 35 PHP 57 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.47 $0.62 $1

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride
67 PHP 80 PHP 160 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.2 $1.4 $2.9
Average car full tank
370 PHP 490 PHP 990 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.6 $8.8 $18
Average car 1-day rental
430 PHP 570 PHP 860 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.7 $10 $15
Average car price
180,000 PHP 370,000 PHP 490,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,300 $6,600 $8,800
Bus ticket one way
14 PHP 21 PHP 43 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.26 $0.38 $0.77
Car Service
570 PHP 860 PHP 1,700 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$10 $15 $31

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual
1,200 PHP 3,500 PHP 23,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $63 $420
Utility Bill - Couple
1,600 PHP 4,900 PHP 26,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29 $87 $460
Utility Bill - Family
1,400 PHP 3,900 PHP 21,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $70 $380
Internet and cable
370 PHP 740 PHP 990 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.6 $13 $18
Mobile phone charges
300 PHP 490 PHP 1,500 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.3 $8.8 $26

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket
180 PHP 250 PHP 370 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.3 $4.4 $6.6
One month gym membership
690 PHP 860 PHP 1,700 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $15 $31

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants
510 PHP 720 PHP 1,100 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$9 $13 $19
Woman dress
480 PHP 660 PHP 2,100 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.5 $12 $38
Woman shoes
450 PHP 610 PHP 1,400 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.1 $11 $26
Men's shoes
390 PHP 480 PHP 950 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7 $8.5 $17
Men suit
430 PHP 540 PHP 2,900 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$7.7 $9.6 $51
Regular t-shirt
210 PHP 290 PHP 860 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.8 $5.1 $15

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment
7,200 PHP 11,000 PHP 29,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $190 $510
1-bedroom apartment
11,000 PHP 17,000 PHP 43,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $310 $770
2-bedroom apartment
14,000 PHP 21,000 PHP 57,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $380 $1,000

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment
1.4M PHP 2.1M PHP 4.3M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26,000 $38,000 $77,000
1-bedroom apartment
1.7M PHP 2.9M PHP 11M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31,000 $51,000 $190,000
2-bedroom apartment
2.9M PHP 8.6M PHP 17M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$51,000 $150,000 $310,000

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed
7,400 PHP 9,200 PHP 12,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $160 $220
Double Bed
4,900 PHP 7,400 PHP 9,200 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$88 $130 $160
Single Bed
4,300 PHP 5,700 PHP 7,400 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$78 $100 $130
Living Room
8,200 PHP 11,000 PHP 37,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150 $190 $660
Dining Table
3,700 PHP 4,900 PHP 9,200 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66 $88 $160
Sofa or Couch
4,900 PHP 6,700 PHP 15,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$88 $120 $260

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set
4,900 PHP 7,400 PHP 15,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$88 $130 $260
Fridge or Freezer
4,300 PHP 6,700 PHP 9,200 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$78 $120 $160
Washing Machine
5,700 PHP 8,200 PHP 15,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$100 $150 $260
Stove or Cooker
5,300 PHP 6,700 PHP 9,200 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$94 $120 $160
Mobile Phone
6,200 PHP 7,400 PHP 11,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$110 $130 $190
Laptop or Computer
6,700 PHP 8,200 PHP 15,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120 $150 $260

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Davao

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.


Spending to Income Ratio

97%

89% to 110%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%4%
50% - 60%9%
60% - 70%15%
70% - 80%25%
80% - 90%20%
90% - 100%11%
100% - 110%6%
110% - 120%4%
120% - 130%3%
130% - 140%2%
> 140%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Davao is 97% This means that on average, people spend around 97% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 15% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
88%
Spending-Income-Ratio
80%
97%

Couple
93%
Spending-Income-Ratio
85%
100%

Family
100%
Spending-Income-Ratio
94%
110%

How do people spend their money in Davao?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure23%

23% of total expenses on average (12% to 31%)

LOW$35   2,000 PHP
AVERAGE$450   25,000 PHP
HIGH$4,500   250,000 PHP
Per Month

People living in Davao typically spend from 12% to 31% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 23% being the average. The average spend on housing is 25,000 PHP with expenditure ranging from 2,000 PHP to 250,000 PHP. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (5% to 12%)

LOW$5.8   330 PHP
AVERAGE$76   4,200 PHP
HIGH$760   42,000 PHP
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Davao ranges from 5% to 12% of total expenses with 8% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 4,200 PHP with 330 PHP and 42,000 PHP being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute7%

7% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$12   650 PHP
AVERAGE$150   8,500 PHP
HIGH$1,500   85,000 PHP
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 650 PHP to 85,000 PHP on commuting with 8,500 PHP being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 7% of total spending on average but can go as low as 3% or as high as 11%.

Food and Groceries Cost28%

28% of total expenses on average (20% to 34%)

LOW$29   1,600 PHP
AVERAGE$380   21,000 PHP
HIGH$3,800   210,000 PHP
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Davao is 21,000 PHP. The cost of groceries can range between 1,600 PHP to 210,000 PHP. People spend on average about 28% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 20% and 34% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services10%

10% of total expenses on average (5% to 13%)

LOW$8.1   460 PHP
AVERAGE$110   5,900 PHP
HIGH$1,100   59,000 PHP
Per Month

People in Davao allocate 5% to 13% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 10%. The range of medical expenses range from 460 PHP to 59,000 PHP with 5,900 PHP being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 8%)

LOW$4.6   260 PHP
AVERAGE$60   3,400 PHP
HIGH$600   34,000 PHP
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 260 PHP to 34,000 PHP with 3,400 PHP being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 8% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most residents.

Education and Schooling5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$7   390 PHP
AVERAGE$91   5,100 PHP
HIGH$910   51,000 PHP
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 5% of the monthly expenditure with 3% and 11% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 5,100 PHP per month with 390 PHP being the minimum spent amount and 51,000 PHP being the maximum.

Other Expenses14%

14% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$15   850 PHP
AVERAGE$200   11,000 PHP
HIGH$2,000   110,000 PHP
Per Month

How much money can you save in Davao every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.

What percentage of people in Davao manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
65%
Not Saving
35%

Almost 65% of the surveyed people in Davao said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 35% said that aren't saving anything.

Percentage of people saving money by population group in Davao

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles70%30%
Couples64%36%
Families59%42%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Saving to Income Ratio

13% 22% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

2,100 PHP
$37		 27,000 PHP
$480		 270,000 PHP
$4,800
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 13% to 36% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 22% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 27,000 PHP on average with savings ranging from 2,100 PHP to 270,000 PHP.

70% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 64% of couples said the same. 59% of families confirmed their ability to save money.

How much money do people actually save in Davao?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

16% 26% of income 38%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

6,200 PHP
$110		 19,000 PHP
$330		 120,000 PHP
$2,200
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%32%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%16%
30% - 40%13%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 16% to 38% of their monthly income to savings, with 26% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 19,000 PHP with 6,200 PHP and 120,000 PHP being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

14% 24% of income 37%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

10,000 PHP
$190		 31,000 PHP
$560		 170,000 PHP
$3,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%36%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%8%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 14% to 37% of their monthly income, with 24% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 31,000 PHP with 10,000 PHP and 170,000 PHP being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Families

Saving to Income Ratio

12% 21% of income 33%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

15,000 PHP
$260		 42,000 PHP
$740		 230,000 PHP
$4,100
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%39%
10% - 20%30%
20% - 30%20%
30% - 40%5%
40% - 50%4%
> 50%2%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Davao can save anywhere between 12% to 33% of their monthly income, with 21% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 42,000 PHP with 15,000 PHP and 230,000 PHP being the minimum and maximum respectively.

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Affordable living in Davao

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Davao?


Yes
62%
No
38%

Around 62% of surveyed residents think that living in Davao is affordable with proper budgeting while 38% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Davao

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options64%

Few low-cost options36%


Based on the survey, 64% of the people living in Davao have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 36% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents of Davao whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes60%

No41%


Based on the survey, 41% of the people living in Davao said that they don't have an emergency fund while 60% said that they do.

Financial Literacy in Philippines

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy49%


We asked residents of Philippines whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 51% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 49% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of Philippines have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so asked the people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 47% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 53% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance47%

Easily manages finances53%

Financial goals of people in Davao

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Davao, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund8%
Debt Reduction43%
Retirement Savings10%
Education Funding7%
Homeownership18%
Investing6%
Travel or Lifestyle7%
Healthcare Expenses14%
Financial Independence5%

Around 8% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 43% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 10% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 7% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 18% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 6% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 7% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 14% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Saving Challenges in Davao

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Davao. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income5%
High Expenses8%
Debt and Loans13%
Lack of Budgeting Skills12%
Impulsive Spending12%
Financial Emergencies7%
Living the moment5%
Will do it later21%
Inflation13%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability2%

Around 5% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 8% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 13% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 12% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 12% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 7% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 5% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 21% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 13% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or societal expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 2% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Typical saving choices for people in Davao

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds12%
Gold13%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts10%
Cash Savings21%
Real Estate9%
Investment5%
Stocks4%
Bonds5%
Mutual Funds2%
Certificates of Deposit3%

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Davao

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Davao and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in Philippines is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Davao:
AgeAmount
25220,000 PHP
30450,000 PHP
35780,000 PHP
401.1M PHP
451.7M PHP
502.3M PHP
552.8M PHP
603.5M PHP
654.1M PHP

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents of Davao about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions12%
Savings23%
Investments12%
Social Security7%
Annuities7%
Part-time Job15%
Real Estate18%
Dividends and Interest7%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Davao

14,000 PHP
$260		 43,000 PHP
$770		 290,000 PHP
$5,100
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Davao


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
34%
Debt Free
66%

According to the survey, 34% of the people in Davao have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 66% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Debt-to-income ratio in Davao

Debt to income ratio

34%

25% to 45%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 34% of the people's monthly income in Davao goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%18%
40% - 50%15%
30% - 40%17%
20% - 30%10%
10% - 20%12%
0% - 10%25%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Davao pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 18% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 15% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 17% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 10% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Davao

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage8%
Auto Loan15%
Student Loan4%
Credit Card30%
Personal Loan43%

8% of debtors in Davao confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 30% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 15% of people and personal loans rose at 43%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 4% of debtors in Davao.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.

Loan Affordability Index in Davao

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents of Davao how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never50%
Once a year24%
Twice a year13%
Three times a year9%
Four times a year4%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Davao

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Davao

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment
7,200 PHP 11,000 PHP 29,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$130 $190 $510
1-bedroom apartment
11,000 PHP 17,000 PHP 43,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$190 $310 $770
2-bedroom apartment
14,000 PHP 21,000 PHP 57,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260 $380 $1,000
3-bedroom apartment
17,000 PHP 29,000 PHP 78,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $510 $1,400
Furnished apartment
34,000 PHP 86,000 PHP 170,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$610 $1,500 $3,100
Townhouse
29,000 PHP 43,000 PHP 120,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$510 $770 $2,200
House
34,000 PHP 86,000 PHP 170,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$610 $1,500 $3,100
Villa
43,000 PHP 110,000 PHP 170,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$770 $1,900 $3,100

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Davao ranges between 7,200 PHP and 29,000 PHP, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 11,000 PHP to 43,000 PHP. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 14,000 PHP and 57,000 PHP per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 17,000 PHP to 78,000 PHP. The average rent of a townhouse in Davao is around 43,000 PHP while house rental costs can be as high as 86,000 PHP per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 43,000 PHP to 170,000 PHP per month.



Apartment and house prices in Davao

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment
1.4M PHP 2.1M PHP 4.3M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26,000 $38,000 $77,000
1-bedroom apartment
1.7M PHP 2.9M PHP 11M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31,000 $51,000 $190,000
2-bedroom apartment
2.9M PHP 8.6M PHP 17M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$51,000 $150,000 $310,000
3-bedroom apartment
9.5M PHP 14M PHP 43M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$170,000 $260,000 $770,000
Townhouse
12M PHP 29M PHP 110M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$220,000 $510,000 $1.9M
House
14M PHP 86M PHP 120M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$260,000 $1.5M $2.2M
Villa
17M PHP 95M PHP 140M PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310,000 $1.7M $2.6M

The average price of a studio apartment in Davao can range from 1.4M PHP to 4.3M PHP depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 1.7M PHP to 11M PHP. A villa can cost you 95M PHP on average with prices ranging from 17M PHP to 140M PHP.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Davao will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


41 x118 monthly income 231
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Davao can be x118 to x231 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x118 multiples of the average monthly salary in Davao.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


23% 34% of income 46%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Davao is around 34%. This means that people pay 34% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 23% to 46% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
32%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2%
AVERAGE
3%
TO
3.9%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


130 PHP 1,700 PHP 17,000 PHP
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.


SingleSpending habits, consumption analysis, and expenditure patterns for a single person living in Davao

Housing29%

29% of total expenses on average (17% to 41%)

LOW$130   7,000 PHP
AVERAGE$380   21,000 PHP
HIGH$2,500   140,000 PHP
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water9%

9% of total expenses on average (5% to 14%)

LOW$21   1,200 PHP
AVERAGE$63   3,500 PHP
HIGH$420   23,000 PHP
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$28   1,600 PHP
AVERAGE$84   4,700 PHP
HIGH$560   31,000 PHP
Per Month

Food and Groceries19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 24%)

LOW$56   3,100 PHP
AVERAGE$170   9,400 PHP
HIGH$1,100   62,000 PHP
Per Month

Healthcare12%

12% of total expenses on average (6% to 16%)

LOW$31   1,800 PHP
AVERAGE$94   5,300 PHP
HIGH$630   35,000 PHP
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (2% to 5%)

LOW$17   980 PHP
AVERAGE$52   2,900 PHP
HIGH$350   20,000 PHP
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$7   390 PHP
AVERAGE$21   1,200 PHP
HIGH$140   7,800 PHP
Per Month

Other Expenses22%

22% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$63   3,500 PHP
AVERAGE$190   11,000 PHP
HIGH$1,300   70,000 PHP
Per Month


CoupleAverage monthly living expenditure breaks and spending patterns for couples in Davao

Housing26%

26% of total expenses on average (19% to 36%)

LOW$190   11,000 PHP
AVERAGE$580   32,000 PHP
HIGH$3,100   170,000 PHP
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water8%

8% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$29   1,600 PHP
AVERAGE$87   4,900 PHP
HIGH$460   26,000 PHP
Per Month

Transport, Fuel9%

9% of total expenses on average (3% to 14%)

LOW$70   3,900 PHP
AVERAGE$210   12,000 PHP
HIGH$1,100   62,000 PHP
Per Month

Food and Groceries17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 22%)

LOW$81   4,600 PHP
AVERAGE$240   14,000 PHP
HIGH$1,300   73,000 PHP
Per Month

Healthcare14%

14% of total expenses on average (8% to 18%)

LOW$64   3,600 PHP
AVERAGE$190   11,000 PHP
HIGH$1,000   57,000 PHP
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping3%

3% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$35   2,000 PHP
AVERAGE$100   5,900 PHP
HIGH$560   31,000 PHP
Per Month

Education1%

1% of total expenses on average (0.00% to 3%)

LOW$12   650 PHP
AVERAGE$35   2,000 PHP
HIGH$190   10,000 PHP
Per Month

Other Expenses21%

21% of total expenses on average (15% to 27%)

LOW$99   5,500 PHP
AVERAGE$300   17,000 PHP
HIGH$1,600   88,000 PHP
Per Month


FamilyAverage monthly expenses and break out of spending for families living in Davao

Housing25%

25% of total expenses on average (20% to 35%)

LOW$260   15,000 PHP
AVERAGE$740   42,000 PHP
HIGH$4,100   230,000 PHP
Per Month

Transport, Fuel5%

5% of total expenses on average (3% to 7%)

LOW$65   3,600 PHP
AVERAGE$190   10,000 PHP
HIGH$1,000   57,000 PHP
Per Month

Food and Groceries21%

21% of total expenses on average (14% to 27%)

LOW$150   8,200 PHP
AVERAGE$420   23,000 PHP
HIGH$2,300   130,000 PHP
Per Month

Healthcare11%

11% of total expenses on average (7% to 16%)

LOW$65   3,600 PHP
AVERAGE$190   10,000 PHP
HIGH$1,000   57,000 PHP
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 6%)

LOW$41   2,300 PHP
AVERAGE$120   6,500 PHP
HIGH$640   36,000 PHP
Per Month

Education13%

13% of total expenses on average (6% to 21%)

LOW$110   6,400 PHP
AVERAGE$330   18,000 PHP
HIGH$1,800   100,000 PHP
Per Month

Other Expenses16%

16% of total expenses on average (9% to 21%)

LOW$98   5,500 PHP
AVERAGE$280   16,000 PHP
HIGH$1,500   86,000 PHP
Per Month


StudentCost of living and expenses break down for students living in Davao

Housing17%

17% of total expenses on average (12% to 23%)

LOW$66   3,700 PHP
AVERAGE$170   9,300 PHP
HIGH$300   17,000 PHP
Per Month

Utilities, Electricity, Water7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$11   620 PHP
AVERAGE$28   1,500 PHP
HIGH$50   2,800 PHP
Per Month

Transport, Fuel4%

4% of total expenses on average (4% to 10%)

LOW$19   1,100 PHP
AVERAGE$48   2,700 PHP
HIGH$87   4,900 PHP
Per Month

Food and Groceries23%

23% of total expenses on average (17% to 27%)

LOW$55   3,100 PHP
AVERAGE$140   7,700 PHP
HIGH$250   14,000 PHP
Per Month

Healthcare9%

9% of total expenses on average (6% to 12%)

LOW$17   930 PHP
AVERAGE$41   2,300 PHP
HIGH$75   4,200 PHP
Per Month

Leisure, Shopping2%

2% of total expenses on average (2% to 6%)

LOW$14   770 PHP
AVERAGE$35   1,900 PHP
HIGH$62   3,500 PHP
Per Month

Education18%

18% of total expenses on average (11% to 23%)

LOW$52   2,900 PHP
AVERAGE$130   7,300 PHP
HIGH$240   13,000 PHP
Per Month

Other Expenses19%

19% of total expenses on average (13% to 25%)

LOW$41   2,300 PHP
AVERAGE$100   5,800 PHP
HIGH$190   10,000 PHP
Per Month
Philippines»Davao
©copound