City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Cebu vs Davao — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Cebu
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 15.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Cebu.
Davao
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 14 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Davao.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Cebu | Davao | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $511 | $482 | +$29 |
| Groceries | $538 | $548 | $10 |
| Dining Out | $149 | $165 | $16 |
| Transportation | $25 | $27 | $2 |
| Utilities | $201 | $206 | $5 |
| Other / Misc | $76 | $72 | +$4 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Cebu
$1,500
per month
Davao equivalent
$1,355
per month
Only $1,355/mo in Davao matches $1,500/mo in Cebu — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Cebu on $1,500/month?
Living in Cebu on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$511 to rent, $538 to groceries, $149 to dining.
Can I live in Davao on $1,500/month?
In Davao, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $482 rent, $548 groceries, $165 dining.
Is Cebu or Davao cheaper?
Davao is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Cebu 15.5 vs Davao 14 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Cebu worth in Davao?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Cebu equals ~$1,355/mo in Davao using COL adjustment.