Cost of living in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, a vibrant city in the Philippines, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and newcomers.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, 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 $1.70 on average, with a range between $1.70 and $8.48.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $8.48, with prices ranging from $8.48 to $25.45.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $2.72, with a range between $2.55 and $3.73.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $0.85 to $1.70, imported beer $1.02 to $4.24, cappuccino $1.36 to $4.07, and Coke/Pepsi $0.42 to $1.70.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.53 and $2.55 per liter, averaging $1.71.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.85 and $2.55, with an average price of $1.19.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.22 to $2.04, averaging $1.63.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples and oranges both cost $1.53 to $5.09 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.36 and $3.73 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.85 to $2.55 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.02 and $1.19 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.68, with a cost of $0.24 to $0.34 per km and $2.04 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for preschool ranges from $84.84 to $254.53, averaging $141.41.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - The yearly cost for international primary school ranges from $1018.14 to $3393.79, averaging $2078.70.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $88.24 and $254.53, averaging $91.63.
- Internet - Internet services range from $25.45 to $49.19, with an average cost of $33.72.
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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Transportation
Transportation
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Santa Cruz offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in dining and grocery expenses.
Transportation costs are low, making it easy to get around the city without breaking the bank.
Housing and education costs can vary significantly, so it's important to budget accordingly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Santa Cruz provides a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining and transportation options.
While housing and education costs may require careful budgeting, the overall expenses in Santa Cruz are manageable for most residents.
This city is an attractive option for those looking to enjoy a vibrant lifestyle without the high costs associated with larger urban areas.