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Bacolod, Philippines
Capital City

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$860
Retiree Score
86.0
Safety Index
68.0
Healthcare
14 facilities

With a population of 624,787, Bacolod is the second largest city in the Visayas region. However, the city's rapid growth has come with challenges - the bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the tropical monsoon climate means heavy rains for half the year. On the upside, Bacolod has emerged as the Philippines' third fastest growing economy for tech and outsourcing, and has been named one of the country's most livable cities. Overall, Bacolod offers opportunities for those seeking an affordable, business-friendly provincial city, but the climate and red tape may be a deterrent for some.

Can I afford Bacolod?

$

Bacolod

You could save

2,140/mo

Savings Rate71%

Monthly Costs

Rent $380
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$480

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
71/100
Retiree Score
(i)
86/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Philippines Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
68
Safety
14
Healthcare
100
Walkability
35
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$1
Eggs (12) $2
Rice (1kg) *$0
Chicken (1kg) *$2

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$4
Meal (Mid-range) $60
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $147
Mobile Plan (mo) $14
Gym (mo) *$18
Cinema Ticket $5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $380
1BR Outside (mo) *$186
3BR Center (mo) $800
3BR Outside (mo) *$363

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Bata, Mansilingan
Best For
retirees, slow travelers

Expat Life Notes

Known as the City of Smiles, Bacolod is cleaner and more relaxed than Manila, offering a high quality of life for a low cost.

Pros

  • ✓ Famed culinary scene
  • ✓ Clean and organized
  • ✓ Very friendly locals

Cons

  • ✗ Limited international job market
  • ✗ Small expat social circle
  • ✗ Basic medical facilities

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
24°C°C - 32°C°C
Annual Rainfall
2366 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Bacolod

Click any question to expand the answer.

Bacolod has a population of approximately 624,787 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $950 per month in Bacolod, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $380/month.

The nearest airport to Bacolod is BCD, approximately 13km away.

Bacolod is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 68.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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