Bacolod, known as the 'City of Smiles', is a vibrant city in the Philippines. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Bacolod, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $1.61 on average, with a range between $1.52 and $1.69.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $11.86.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $3.81, with a range between $2.54 and $5.08.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $1.02 to $3.39, imported beer $1.52 to $1.86, and Coke/Pepsi $0.42 to $4.24.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.44 and $1.8 per liter, averaging $1.58.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.1 and $1.22, with an average price of $1.17.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.52 to $2, averaging $1.73.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Bananas) - Apples cost $1.78 per kg, while bananas average $3.39 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Tomatoes, Onions) - Tomatoes average $0.59 per kg, and onions are priced at $2.12 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.17 and $0.2.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.07 and $1.18 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.68, with a cost of $0.23 to $0.25 per km.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $144.02 to $304.98, averaging $205.44.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $118.6 to $203.32, averaging $146.13.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $304.98 to $423.58, averaging $355.81.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $203.32 to $338.86, averaging $293.68.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $42.36 and $122.41, averaging $94.46.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $27.11 to $33.89, with an average cost of $30.5.
Worldwide
Philippines

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Philippines are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Philippines, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 22 user contributions, as of the most recent update in October, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$1.61
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$11.86
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$3.81
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.06
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.69
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.72
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.39
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.71
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.58
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.17
Eggs (regular) (12)
$1.73
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.06
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.93
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$2.88
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.24
Apples (1kg)
$1.78
Rice (white), (1kg)
$0.90
Tomato (1kg)
$0.59
Banana (1kg)
$3.39
Onion (1kg)
$2.12
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.17
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$10.17
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.17
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.68
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.24
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$205.44
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$146.13
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$355.81
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$293.68
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$94.46
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$30.50
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$42.34
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$33.89
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$3.05
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$53.37
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$25.41
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$53.37
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$42.36
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$186.37
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$33.89
Bacolod Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Bacolod offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability.

Dining out is particularly affordable, with inexpensive meals and reasonable prices for mid-range dining.

Housing costs are low, especially outside the city centre, providing budget-friendly options for renters.

Transportation is economical, with low costs for public transport and fuel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bacolod presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining, housing, and transportation options.

This makes it an appealing choice for individuals and families looking to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without high expenses.