Cost of living in General Santos
General Santos, a bustling city in the Philippines, offers a unique blend of urban and rural lifestyles. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocation or planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in General Santos, 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 $4.24 on average, with a range between $2.54 and $8.47.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $10.17, with prices ranging from $9.32 to $59.3.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $2.75, with a range between $2.54 and $4.57.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.59 to $2.03, imported beer $0.85 to $1.95, cappuccino $0.85 to $3.39, and Coke/Pepsi $0.3 to $1.1.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.36 and $2.2 per liter, averaging $1.36.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.85 and $1.39, with an average price of $0.85.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.42 to $2.62, averaging $1.87.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.08 to $3.39 per kg, while oranges range from $0.68 to $3.39 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.85 and $2.76 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.42 to $1.69 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.13 and $0.51.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.85 and $1.36 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.76, with a cost of $0.17 to $0.25 per km and $0.85 to $2.03 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $135.54.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $84.72.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $338.86.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $169.43.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $762.44.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $423.58.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $67.77 and $135.54, averaging $72.01.
- Internet - Internet services range from $28.79 to $50.81, with an average cost of $33.88.
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.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
General Santos offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many urban areas, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability.
Dining out is particularly affordable, with inexpensive meals and low-cost fast food options.
Housing costs are significantly lower than in major cities, both for renting and buying properties.
Transportation is economical, with low public transport fares and affordable fuel prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, General Santos provides a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining, housing, and transportation options.
This city is ideal for individuals or families looking to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without the high expenses associated with larger urban centers.