Cost of living in Zamboanga

Zamboanga, 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 in Zamboanga, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $1.86 on average, with a range between $1.19 and $2.54.
Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $9.32, with prices ranging from $8.47 to $10.17.
Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $2.97, with a range between $2.54 and $3.39.
Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $0.85 to $2.2, imported beer $1.19 to $2.71, cappuccino $0.68 to $2.54, and Coke/Pepsi $0.51 to $1.61.

Grocery Prices

MilkMilk is priced between $1.69 and $2.03 per liter, averaging $1.86.
Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs $1.61 on average.
Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $1.42 to $1.63, averaging $1.52.
Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples and oranges both average $3.39 per kg.
Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced at $1.19 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.34 per head.

Transportation

Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.17 and $0.25, averaging $0.21.
Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.07 and $1.3 per liter, averaging $1.19.
Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $1.02.

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 $67.77.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $203.32 to $508.29, averaging $355.81.
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 $67.77 and $186.37, averaging $127.07.
InternetInternet services average $76.24.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 15 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$1.86

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$9.32

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$2.97

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.19

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.36

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.93

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.37

Cappuccino (regular)

$1.69

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$1.86

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$1.61

Eggs (regular) (12)

$1.52

Local Cheese (1kg)

$3.39

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.51

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$5.08

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.21

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.46

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$2.88

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$2.71

Apples (1kg)

$3.39

Oranges (1kg)

$3.39

Potato (1kg)

$1.19

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.34

Rice (white), (1kg)

$1.04

Tomato (1kg)

$2.54

Banana (1kg)

$1.27

Onion (1kg)

$1.69

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$4.24

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$0.21

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.19

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.02

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

$135.54

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: Oct, 2025