Cost of living in Calamba
Calamba, a vibrant city in the Philippines, offers a unique blend of urban and rural living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Calamba, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.64 on average, with a range between $1.36 and $8.47.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $12.71, with prices ranging from $8.47 to $42.36.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.24, with a range between $2.54 and $4.73.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.85 to $1.69, imported beer $1.44 to $2.54, cappuccino $1.02 to $4.24, and Coke/Pepsi $0.51 to $1.44.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.36 and $1.86 per liter, averaging $1.53.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.64 and $1.69, with an average price of $1.22.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.56 to $2.44, averaging $1.82.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.03 to $6.78 per kg, while oranges range from $1.02 to $5.64 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.85 and $5.08 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.1 to $5.13 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.96 and $1.19 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.68, with a cost of $0.34 per km and $1.52 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $101.66 to $135.54, averaging $118.6.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $67.77 to $84.72, averaging $76.24.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $169.43.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $135.54.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $101.66 and $186.37, averaging $127.96.
- Internet - Internet services range from $20.33 to $42.36, with an average cost of $26.05.
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.
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"Key Takeaways"
Calamba offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to major urban centers, with low rental prices and inexpensive dining options.
Transportation costs are modest, and basic utilities are reasonably priced, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.
Grocery prices are competitive, though some imported goods may be higher in cost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Calamba presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable housing and dining options.
While some imported goods and utilities may vary in price, the overall expenses remain manageable, making it a viable choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle in the Philippines.