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 Meal - A 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

  • Milk - Milk 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 Fares - Taxi 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.
  • Internet - Internet services average $76.24.
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 15 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
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
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
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.21
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.19
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$1.02
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$135.54
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$67.77
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$355.81
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$135.54
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$127.07
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$76.24
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$84.72
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$16.94
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$203.32
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
12%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$50.83
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$1,186.02
Zamboanga Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Zamboanga offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other cities, 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 notably low, especially for apartments outside the city centre.

Transportation and utilities are also budget-friendly, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Zamboanga.

Conclusion

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

This makes it an appealing choice for individuals and families looking to manage their expenses while enjoying the cultural richness of the Philippines.

Zamboanga

Nearby Cities

We don't have any relevant "Quality of life" data on cities with a 200 mile radius of Zamboanga
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