City Comparison
Cebu vs Davao
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Davao is ~10% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Cebu
Philippines
COL+Rent
15.5
Rent Index
5.3
Groceries
30.1
Restaurant
15.7
Davao
Philippines
COL+Rent
14
Rent Index
4.5
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
14.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Cebu | Davao | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $201 | $171 | +$30 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $129 | $110 | +$19 |
| Groceries | $174 | $160 | +$14 |
| Restaurant Meal | $4 | $4 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $8 | $8 | $0 |
| Utilities | $65 | $60 | +$5 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Cebu | Davao |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $340/mo | $306/mo |
| Typical | $508/mo | $459/mo |
| Comfortable | $633/mo | $577/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Cebu | ≈ in Davao | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,355/mo | -$145 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,806/mo | -$194 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,710/mo | -$290 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cebu or Davao cheaper to live in?
Davao is approximately 10% cheaper overall. Cebu's COL+Rent Index is 15.5 vs Davao's 14 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Cebu vs Davao?
A 1BR in Cebu city center costs ~$201/mo vs $171/mo in Davao. Outside the center: $129 vs $110.
What is $2,000/month in Cebu worth in Davao?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Cebu has the purchasing power of approximately $1,806/month in Davao.
Are groceries cheaper in Cebu or Davao?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $174 in Cebu vs $160 in Davao. Groceries Index: 30.1 vs 27.6 (NYC = 100).