Laoag City, located in the northern part of the Philippines, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living in Laoag City is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you budget effectively and make informed decisions.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $5.10 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $11.89.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.25.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $0.85, imported beer $1.27, and Coke/Pepsi $0.59.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.63 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $1.10.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.63 to $2.75, averaging $2.19.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.87 per kg, while oranges are $1.36 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $0.66 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.42 per head.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.68, with a cost of $0.24 per km.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $288.77.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $195.34, ranging from $152.88 to $237.81.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $407.67, with a range from $135.89 to $679.46.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $509.59.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $203.84.
  • Internet - Internet services average $25.48.
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 5 user contributions, as of the most recent update in January, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$5.10
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$11.89
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$4.25
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$0.85
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.27
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.59
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.63
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$1.10
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.19
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.25
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$5.78
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.95
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.61
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$2.93
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$7.37
Apples (1kg)
$1.87
Oranges (1kg)
$1.36
Potato (1kg)
$0.66
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.42
Rice (white), (1kg)
$0.76
Tomato (1kg)
$0.65
Banana (1kg)
$0.85
Onion (1kg)
$0.85
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$5.61
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.00
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$18,685.08
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.68
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.24
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$25,479.66
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$288.77
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$195.34
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$407.67
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$509.59
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$203.84
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$25.48
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$8.49
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$14.44
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$4.25
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$84.93
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$33.97
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$79.84
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$16.99
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$509.59
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$160.01
Laoag City Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Laoag City offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger urban areas in the Philippines.

Dining out is inexpensive, making it easy to enjoy local cuisine without breaking the bank.

Housing costs are reasonable, especially outside the city centre, providing good options for budget-conscious residents.

Transportation costs are low, with affordable taxi fares and gasoline prices.

Conclusion

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

Whether you're planning to move or visit, understanding these costs can help you manage your budget effectively and enjoy all that Laoag City has to offer.