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The True Cost of Studying and Living in the Philippines

The Philippines is a good destination for international students wanting to study abroad. The country has a reputation for teaching the English language and its cost of living is affordable. When deciding whether or not to study in the Philippines, it is important to consider that locals are typically fluent in English and culture is generally very hospitable.

Cost of Studying in the Philippines

The cost of getting an education in the Philippines varies depending on what school you decide to go to. The University of the Philippines Diliman has a 12-unit semester that costs Php 4,661 to Php 31,490. The University of Santo Tomas offers a wide range of degree programs with tuition fees ranging from Php 50,000 to Php 60,000 per semester. At Silliman University, the average cost per semester for undergraduate and postgraduate courses is Php 55,000. Ateneo de Manila University charges from Php 23,780 to Php 59,450 per semester.

Of course, the cost of living in the Philippines must also be taken into account when budgeting for your studies here. Rent prices can vary widely depending on the location and type of accommodation you are looking for, but you can expect to pay anywhere from Php 3,000 to Php 10,000 per month for a basic room or apartment. Food costs will also vary depending on your dietary habits, but a reasonable estimate would be around Php 1,500 to Php 2,500 per month. Other necessary expenses such as transportation and utilities should also be factored into your budget.

Overall, the cost of studying and living in the Philippines is relatively affordable compared to other countries in Southeast Asia. With careful planning and budgeting, you should be able to find a way to study here without breaking the bank.

Cost of Living in Manila

The cost of living in Manila can be quite expensive, especially if you're used to living in a more affordable city. The average apartment rent in Manila ranges from Php 20,000-33,000, and that's not even including utility bills, which can add an additional Php 8,000 to your monthly expenses. Food is also quite costly in Manila, with the average person spending around Php 12,000 per month on groceries and dining out. And don't forget about transportation costs - depending on where you live and how often you use public transportation, you could easily spend another Php 8,000 or more each month just getting around town.

All in all, the cost of living in Manila can be pretty high. But if you're careful with your budget and make smart choices about where you spend your money, it is possible to live comfortably here without breaking the bank.

The Cost of Living in Cebu

You can save quite a bit of money on cost of living in Cebu by shopping around for the best deals on groceries and other essentials. One-bedroom apartments in Cebu have an average rental rate of Php 14,102 per month, and monthly utility bills can typically amount to around Php 5,000. A one-way jeepney trip within the city is a cheap way to get around, with a minimum cost of only Php 15.

When it comes to groceries, you can find good deals at both big-box membership superstores and local kiosks or night markets. The cost of groceries at a big-box membership store can be upwards of Php 20,000 per month, whereas the same items might only set you back Php 150 if purchased from a local kiosk or night market. Cebu's cost of living is reasonable in comparison to other major cities in the Philippines.

Cost of Living in Baguio

If you're considering a move to Baguio, you may be wondering what the cost of living is like in this picturesque city. Here's a breakdown of some common expenses to help you get an idea of what to expect.

Housing: One of the biggest factors affecting your cost of living will be housing. An apartment in the city center will set you back around Php 10,200 per month, while you can find something outside downtown for a bit cheaper at Php 7,800.

Food: Baguio is actually quite self-sufficient when it comes to crops and agriculture, so food costs aren't as high as you might expect. You can get by on around Php 6,580 per month for groceries.

Other Expenses: Of course, there are other day-to-day expenses to consider as well. Transportation, entertainment, and utilities will all add to your monthly budget. All told, you can expect to spend around Php 15,000 per month on living expenses in Baguio.

So there you have it! The cost of living in Baguio isn't cheap, but it's certainly doable if you plan ahead and budget carefully.

Cost of Living in Davao City

Davao City is a beautiful city located in the southern Philippines. The cost of living here is very reasonable, with monthly rent for an average sized apartment costing anywhere from 8,500 to 20,000 pesos. Utility bills can be quite high, however, averaging around 5,500 pesos per month. Transportation costs are not too bad, averaging only 1,011 pesos per month. An international student in Davao can expect to spend around 30,198 pesos per month on all living expenses.

Conclusion

So there you have it! A breakdown of the cost of living in some of the most popular cities in the Philippines. The cost of living in this country is quite reasonable, especially compared to other Southeast Asian countries. You can save money while studying here by carefully planning and budgeting your expenses. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your move to the Philippines today!

Eugen

Eugen

About the author
Got kids about to go to college, so making my own research and sharing here!
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