Cost of Living in Cebu, Philippines

I get about $1600 each month........ss and vet benefits...as a single person
would I be able to live decently in Cebu. Appreciate any info or suggestions.

@Steve, I think you would find it difficult. The Int school would cost you USD20,000.00 alone for the first year.

i was there a few month ago and it was the best time in my life everyone there was very nice, prices on anything there almost made me faint compared to the U S i was so amazed how the people there work together there and i felt more safer there then in the U S if you see the police there you'll know what i mean, but like any country including the U S there will be people trying to make a fast buck who are down on there luck,because i was on vacation there for 3 weeks i did over tip at times but felt good knowing i made that persons life a little better that day, now would i live there in a heart beat im trying to put something together now so my next trip there will will be for good!!!!

John’s comments are very valid and following are my two bits worth.
I have been living in Cebu for nearly 15 years now. I built a house overlooking the city and therefore my expenses are based on this. In my house there are myself, wife and one teenager plus two gardener/help.
We pay a good salary by Cebu standards and provide everything for them.
Our average monthly expenses for 2012 were:
Restaurants: Php.15,508.
Market: Php.19,215.
Transportation: Php.13,537.
Utilities: Php.19,117
Clothing etc: Php.7,569
Medical[inc Ins Premiums]: Php.11,602
House Help: Php.13,217
What this does not include is education. The international School is expensive compared to Local Private schools but to meet European university requirements this school is the only current option. One means of minimizing this expense is to send one’s child to a Private Local School until Grade 10[local education is till Grade 10 anyway] and then send the child to an International School for the last two years. Overseas countries unfortunately do not recognize a degree from a Philippine University if the child has only completed 10 years of Grade school. 12 years are required.

Driving in Cebu can be stressful but depends on your own attitude. For me, I just accept that most drivers "don't get it" I keep calm, try to be respectful and if drivers block your left turn when their lane is blocked and they cannot go anywhere I just remain calm and keep patient. Eventually someone (usually a foreigner) will let you come out LOL
I have had houses and Condominiums, I prefer condominium life, for a number of reasons, you know roughly what your outgoings will be, security, maintenance of surroundings and swimming pool are all included in the dues. Security is usually better, with burglaries rare. When getting a Condo try to rent first, take into consideration the heat of the sun and try to avoid a sunny side facing apartment. Higher levels have less noise and are fresher with pleasant breezes. A cooler apartment uses less aircon and is cheaper to run. Chickens and dogs are a fact of life here in Cebu, check out how close you will be to small homes (often shanty type dwellings) they will usually have dogs and chickens and sometimes they love Karaoke too so be warned. as in all property decisions Location Location Location. A development in the hills will be fresher with cleaner air. Discuss with a good realtor what you are looking for.
Staff are comparatively inexpensive, a house-help is paid around 4000 Php a month and if you get the right person they will be willing to turn their hand to most household chores, laundry and cooking. If you need more privacy, live out help is available and costs less in food. Get references and if possible a personal recommendation. Be careful with hiring all helpers and drivers, most are perfectly good but a few have perpetrated the "inside job" and left with the valuables so take care. Act in haste repent at leisure. Drivers available for a starting 6000 a month, check their driving style first to avoid a coronary.
Food is readily available and there are supermarkets of different levels but nothing to compare with Sainsbury's or Tescos in the UK. Particularly notable is the absence of convenience ready meals and sweets and things like ready made frozen pastry, which I miss the convenience of.
Here in Cebu there are a lot of restaurants and places to eat at all price levels. Two or three high class hotels with good food and ocasional entertainment. Theatre...non existent. Somtimes a small musical concert at a small venue. More regularly visiting artistes play to a larger crowd at hotel ballrooms, worth visiting.
For the single man, lots of ladies, my advice take your time, hang out where the nice girls lunch, find a girl who can converse on your level. There are plenty of clubs, discos and bars where males can find company always remember you can take the girl out of the bar but you cannot take the bar out of the girl. Marry one at your peril. Be happy.
Drinks here are less expensive than the UK, but you need to exercise some self control. Sometimes there are expats who act like a kid in a candy store, and cannot control their intake. Alcoholics can die happy here and soon.
Weather...my feet in the UK were always cold in the winter, here they are warm always. Sandals and shorts are the order of the day. Short sleeve Shirts and trousers with shoes OK for business.
Private Schools are available, not expensive when compared to UK private education depends on your lifestyle. The International School Cebu is in my opinion very expensive, there are other schools which can lead on to University Education. There are several good Universities with all types of courses.
I have been here about 12 years, love it, keep out of politics, forget the corruption...nothing will happen in my lifetime. Remember we are the aliens and visitors to a foreign country. Try it, if you don't love it leave it. Last word, don't burn your bridges until you are certain the choice is good for you.

to joe,

Hello, for your concerns, I am willing to help you to find a good property and location here in cebu. I am working as a property sales consultant in cebu. If you have questions pls feel free to contact me, here's my mobile # +639491438199 or visit my page in facebook http://www.facebook.com/FilinvestLandCebuInc?ref=hl . Thank you!

A general answer to many questions asked here.First and foremost,vacation is fine,depending where you want to visit.cost compared to your own country definetly cheaper.climate,can be hot and humid in most parts of the Phils,depending on the time of the year.Summertime,January until end of May,then the rainy season starts,be prepared.Baguio,is a nice location,much cooler for those who cant stand the heat.Lots of people from Manila head their at the weekends to escape the Manila heat for a few days.Palawan is a up and coming destination.lovely beaches,many place's of interest.lots of very good hotels,and seafood restuarants.i would recommend.Cebu,is slower version of Manila,and is cheaper in some respects.If you really want to escape the hustle and bustle,then Biliran is your paradise.its like going back in time.No malls,no, Mcdonalds,or any fast food outlets.in fact not much of anything compared to your city life.There is some seaside resorts,such as Biliran Garden Resort.Ive stayed here longer than i intended,but i found it very relaxing,friendly,lovely location.scenery fantastic.very good restuarant,international cuisine.Their is also Marvin's,on the seafront.Island hopping is a good idea.However,like everything,wherever you go when in a new country,keep your wits about you,use your commonsense,dont flaunt it,keep it simple,prevention is better than cure.Some people can be nice,but can also be the devil in disguise.Poverty can make some people do the things thats not good for your wallet.So be safe and secure wherever you are.This can apply whatever country you happen to be in.theres much more i would like to say and lots of questions i could answer on many subjects relating to travel and stay and visiting while in the Phils but i guess i would need to write a book.Ive been to the Phils at least 12 times over the past 12 years.Been married to 3 filipinas,i have 4 kid's to four filipinas.Been in business their,been scammed,a couple of times.Much more.Would i go their again?Yes,i'm booked on flight for May,with my filipina wife.Where am i going?Manila,Palawan,then my favourite place Biliran.

Thanks for all the great information! I'm also curious about the climate... is the humidity always very high? And temperatures? And storms?

It would be hard to explain life in the Philippines, without writing a book :-)

I can explain my own experiences.

I rent a 3 Bedroom house in Minglanilla, Cebu ( 7,000 pesos php ) at current rate that is about $169.00 US. The home is better than most locally. Electricity around 2,000 php ($48.00 US ) Water around 1,000 to 1,500 and loosing water pressure often, I would guess 2 to 4 times a week.

Somehow these people make things work ?? (I see extreme hardship every place I go ) Most of the people are nice and friendly. Most speak some English.

I purchased a small Japanese Mini truck so I would stop paying Taxis fees.
Driving here is an instant heart attack, unless you can laugh most of it off like I do. The only thing I can compare it to is Bumper Cars at the Carnaval or amusement park.

Hope this little bit helps
Dan

my filipina wife and i travel to cebu twice a year and spend 2 months on each visit, we rent a new 2 bedroom house for 6000 pesos per month. car hire not cheap at 1500 pesos per day (you must search hard for that price.
the average wage is around 12500 pesos per month, many people earning alot less
a couple can feed themselves for as little as 3000 pesos per month if you know where to shop
i hope this is helpful

Just me not being observant enough to see you added all currencies already. Great work!

I would be interested to know your opinions on a long visit to the philipines,what costs I am likely to in incure by comparison to the cost of living in the uk,.
Renting property,car hire,food & general housing costs,any input would be appreciated,estimated stay,between 5 & 12 months.