Cost Of Living For a Student in Cebu 2025

Average monthly spending for students in Cebu

How much money does a student need in a month to survive in Cebu?

Students in Cebu spend around 42,000 PHP per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a student can survive with a monthly budget as low as 6,300 PHP or as high as 280,000 PHP. Location is a very important factor and has a huge influence on expenditure and budget.

How do students spend their money in Cebu?

We asked thousands of students about their spending habits and expenditure break down.

Housing and accomodation expenditure for students

Students in Cebu typically spend from 13% to 24% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 18% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 10,000 PHP with expenditure ranging from 1,500 PHP to 67,000 PHP. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for students

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Cebu ranges from 5% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most students. The average monthly cost of utilities is 1,700 PHP with 250 PHP and 11,000 PHP being the upper and lower limits for a student of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for students

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a student resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a student would expect to spend from 440 PHP to 20,000 PHP in a month on commuting with 2,900 PHP being the norm for most students. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 4% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 10%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for students

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical student in a month in Cebu is 8,400 PHP. The cost of groceries can range between 1,300 PHP to 56,000 PHP. Students spend on average about 23% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 17% and 27% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for students

Students in Cebu allocate 6% to 12% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 9%. The range of medical expenses range from 380 PHP to 17,000 PHP with 2,500 PHP being the norm for most students.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for students

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 320 PHP to 14,000 PHP with 2,100 PHP being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 6% of total expenses with an average of 2% for most students.

Education and schooling expenditure for students

Spending on education can vary drastically between different students. On average, education constitutes 18% of the monthly expenditure of students with 11% and 23% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 8,000 PHP per month with 1,200 PHP being the minimum spent amount and 53,000 PHP being the maximum.

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

Affordable living in Cebu

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked students one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Cebu?

Around 60% of surveyed students think that living in Cebu is affordable with proper budgeting while 40% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

Low-cost alternatives in Cebu

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 students how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options62%

Few low-cost options38%

Based on the survey, 62% of the students living in Cebu have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 38% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Students

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 students of Cebu whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes58%

No42%

Based on the survey, 42% of the students living in Cebu said that they don't have an emergency fund while 58% 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 student guardians and parents in Cebu 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 students of Philippines have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked 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%

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Cebu

Rent Cost in Cebu

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

7,000 PHP

10,000 PHP

28,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$120

$190

$500

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

10,000 PHP

17,000 PHP

42,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$190

$300

$750

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

14,000 PHP

21,000 PHP

56,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$250

$370

$1,000

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

17,000 PHP

28,000 PHP

76,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$300

$500

$1,400

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

33,000 PHP

84,000 PHP

170,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$600

$1,500

$3,000

Townhouse monthly rent cost

28,000 PHP

42,000 PHP

120,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$500

$750

$2,100

House monthly rent cost

33,000 PHP

84,000 PHP

170,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$600

$1,500

$3,000

Villa monthly rent cost

42,000 PHP

100,000 PHP

170,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$750

$1,900

$3,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Cebu ranges between 7,000 PHP and 28,000 PHP, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 10,000 PHP to 42,000 PHP. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 14,000 PHP and 56,000 PHP per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 17,000 PHP to 76,000 PHP. The average rent of a townhouse in Cebu is around 42,000 PHP while house rental costs can be as high as 84,000 PHP per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 42,000 PHP to 170,000 PHP per month.

Apartment and house prices in Cebu

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

1.4M PHP

2.1M PHP

4.2M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$25,000

$37,000

$75,000

1-bedroom apartment price

1.7M PHP

2.8M PHP

10M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$30,000

$50,000

$190,000

2-bedroom apartment price

2.8M PHP

8.4M PHP

17M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$50,000

$150,000

$300,000

3-bedroom apartment price

9.3M PHP

14M PHP

42M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$170,000

$250,000

$750,000

Townhouse price

12M PHP

28M PHP

100M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$210,000

$500,000

$1.9M

House price

14M PHP

84M PHP

120M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$250,000

$1.5M

$2.1M

Villa price

17M PHP

93M PHP

140M PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$300,000

$1.7M

$2.5M

The average price of a studio apartment in Cebu can range from 1.4M PHP to 4.2M PHP depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 1.7M PHP to 10M PHP. A villa can cost you 93M PHP on average with prices ranging from 17M PHP to 140M PHP.

House / apartment prices to income ratio

Property prices in Cebu can be x115 to x225 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x115 multiples of the average monthly salary in Cebu.

Rent to income ratio

The average rent-to-income ratio in Cebu is around 34%. This means that people pay 34% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 22% to 45% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Cebu

Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Cebu

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Student

250 PHP

1,700 PHP

11,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.5

$30

$200

Internet and cable cost

370 PHP

750 PHP

1,000 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$6.7

$13

$18

Mobile phone bill and charges

300 PHP

500 PHP

1,500 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$5.3

$8.9

$27

The average monthly energy and water consumption of students is around 1,700 PHP. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 370 PHP to 1,000 PHP with 750 PHP being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 500 PHP but can range between 300 PHP and 1,500 PHP depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.

Energy / Utility expense to income ratio

The average utility-to-income ratio in Cebu is around 6.7%. This means that people pay 6.7% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 3.3% to 11% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Cebu

Prices and cost of goods and services in Cebu

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

75 PHP

150 PHP

250 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.3

$2.7

$4.4

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Cebu is approximatly 150 PHP with meal cost ranging from 75 PHP to 250 PHP. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

260 PHP

400 PHP

790 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$4.7

$7.1

$14

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 260 PHP and 790 PHP with 400 PHP being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Cebu.

Fine dining meal for one price

530 PHP

790 PHP

3,200 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$9.4

$14

$57

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 530 PHP to 3,200 PHP with the average cost being 790 PHP for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Cebu.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

62 PHP

100 PHP

150 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.1

$1.8

$2.7

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Cebu is around 100 PHP. Price ranges between 62 PHP and 150 PHP depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.

Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

50 PHP

60 PHP

75 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.89

$1.1

$1.3

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Cebu is 60 PHP. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 75 PHP and the minimum being 50 PHP depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

37 PHP

50 PHP

75 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.67

$0.89

$1.3

A dozen eggs costs around 50 PHP on average with 37 PHP and 75 PHP being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

85 PHP

110 PHP

160 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.5

$2

$2.8

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Cebu is between 85 PHP and 160 PHP depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 110 PHP.

Pack of beef price

100 PHP

150 PHP

300 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$1.8

$2.7

$5.3

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 150 PHP. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

40 PHP

55 PHP

78 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.72

$0.98

$1.4

A bag of rice in Cebu costs around 55 PHP on average with prices rangeing between 40 PHP and 78 PHP depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

15 PHP

20 PHP

37 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.27

$0.36

$0.67

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 15 PHP to 37 PHP. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

27 PHP

35 PHP

57 PHP

MINIMUM

AVERAGE

MAXIMUM

$0.48

$0.62

$1

A bag of apples costs 35 PHP on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Cebu is around 29%. This means that students spend 29% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 20% to 36% depending on salary and location.

Expenditure on food and grocery for students