City Comparison
Davao vs Cebu
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Davao is ~10% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Davao
Philippines
COL+Rent
14
Rent Index
4.5
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
14.2
Cebu
Philippines
COL+Rent
15.5
Rent Index
5.3
Groceries
30.1
Restaurant
15.7
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Davao | Cebu | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $171 | $201 | $30 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $110 | $129 | $19 |
| Groceries | $160 | $174 | $14 |
| Restaurant Meal | $4 | $4 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $8 | $8 | $0 |
| Utilities | $60 | $65 | $5 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Davao | Cebu |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $306/mo | $340/mo |
| Typical | $459/mo | $508/mo |
| Comfortable | $577/mo | $633/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Davao | ≈ in Cebu | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,661/mo | +$161 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,214/mo | +$214 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,321/mo | +$321 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Davao or Cebu cheaper to live in?
Davao is approximately 10% cheaper overall. Davao's COL+Rent Index is 14 vs Cebu's 15.5 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Davao vs Cebu?
A 1BR in Davao city center costs ~$171/mo vs $201/mo in Cebu. Outside the center: $110 vs $129.
What is $2,000/month in Davao worth in Cebu?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Davao has the purchasing power of approximately $2,214/month in Cebu.
Are groceries cheaper in Davao or Cebu?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $160 in Davao vs $174 in Cebu. Groceries Index: 27.6 vs 30.1 (NYC = 100).