Data updated Oct 9, 2026
Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 78)
Cabanatuan sits on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, roughly 19 kilometers from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). The city sits at an elevation of 24 meters above sea level and experiences a tropical climate with hot, humid summers from May through October and warm, drier winters from November through April, typical of central Luzon with significant monsoon rainfall. The expat community here is very few, and the popular expat neighborhood is Mabini Homesite.
Living costs in Cabanatuan are low. A single person's monthly cost excluding rent is $420, while a family of four spends about $1,250 per month excluding rent. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for $300 per month, but outside the center the same unit drops to just $40 per month. A three-bedroom in the center runs $620 per month, and outside the center it is $450 per month. Utilities run $54 per month, internet is $21 per month, and a mobile phone plan costs $17 per month. A gym membership is $11 per month. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $4 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $17, and a cappuccino is $2. The average monthly net salary locally is $159 per month. The cost of living index is 35 out of 100 (New York City = 100).
Cabanatuan has a safety index of 67 out of 100 and a crime index of 33 out of 100 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is rated as Fair. The air quality index is 68 (lower is better). English is widely spoken, which helps with daily life.
For longer stays, the Philippines offers the SRRV Retirement Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of $1,500 per month. Digital nomads can look into the Philippines SEZ Remote Work Visa (PEZA Zone). The nearest airport is MNL, about 19 kilometers away. With a FIRE score of 80 out of 100 and a digital nomad score of 69 out of 100, Cabanatuan suits budget-conscious remote workers and early retirees. The retiree score is 56 out of 100, and the overall expat score is 78 out of 100.
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Cabanatuan on a budget budget comes to about $243 a month for one adult, with $40.00 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $74.00 on groceries, $16.00 on dining out, $20.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $93.00 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$40.00/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$74.00/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$16.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$20.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$93.00/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Cabanatuan on a mid-range budget comes to about $315 a month for one adult, with $40.00 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $99.00 on groceries, $40.00 on dining out, $43.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $93.00 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$40.00/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$99.00/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$40.00/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$43.00/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$93.00/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Cabanatuan on a comfortable budget comes to about $673 a month for one adult, with $300 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $138 on groceries, $74.00 on dining out, $68.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $93.00 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$300/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$138/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$74.00/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$68.00/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$93.00/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $300/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Cabanatuan's cost of living compares with Roxas
(Higher is safer)
(Lower is safer)
Cabanatuan is a mid-sized provincial city with a moderate safety profile—safer than Manila but with typical provincial Philippines challenges. Daytime movement is generally unremarkable; locals and expats navigate markets and main streets without significant incident. Nighttime walking alone is not recommended, particularly outside commercial zones. The city feels orderly during business hours, though petty opportunism is always present in crowded areas.
Petty theft, bag snatching, and pickpocketing occur, especially in markets and public transport. Scams targeting foreigners are less prevalent here than in tourist areas, but remain possible. Violent crime is uncommon but not absent; avoid displaying wealth, walking alone late at night, or traveling to unfamiliar barangays after dark. Solo female travelers should exercise standard precautions—use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps, avoid isolated areas, and stay aware in crowded spaces.
The Philippines has chronic corruption and police reliability varies by jurisdiction; Cabanatuan's local police are generally functional but not always responsive to expat concerns. Political stability is stable in this region, though national issues occasionally surface. For an American considering relocation, Cabanatuan offers a quieter, more affordable alternative to Manila with acceptable safety for those practicing basic street sense. It's suitable for remote workers or retirees comfortable with provincial life and willing to maintain situational awareness.
See how Cabanatuan's healthcare compares with Roxas
Cabanatuan has a tropical climate with hot, humid summers (May-October) and warm, drier winters (November-April), typical of central Luzon with significant monsoon rainfall.
Cabanatuan has growing appeal among digital nomads with its developing infrastructure.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Workplace Cafe Cabanatuan | A popular cafe-style coworking space in Cabanatuan City, Workplace Cafe offers a relaxed atmosphere with reliable internet, making it suitable for digital nomads. It's a good option for those who prefer a more casual and social environment. |
| Kape Ruben Coworking Space | Kape Ruben is a cafe and coworking space that provides a comfortable and productive environment for remote workers. Located in Cabanatuan City, it offers a good alternative to working from home or a traditional office. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
Planning to live in Cabanatuan long-term? Philippines SEZ Remote Work Visa (PEZA Zone) lets remote workers live legally.
View full requirements →Working remotely from Cabanatuan? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.
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See how Cabanatuan's digital nomad life compares with Roxas
Agricultural and transport hub with almost no foreign social circle.
Areas of Cabanatuan that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Residential, quiet, family-oriented
A primarily residential area, Sangitan East offers a more peaceful environment. It's popular with local families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Public transportation is readily available, but a car or tricycle might be preferable for getting around. Limited English spoken.
Commercial, accessible, budget-friendly
This barangay is known for its accessibility and affordability. It's a bustling area with many shops and businesses. While not specifically an expat hub, the lower cost of living and proximity to amenities can be attractive. Expect some noise and traffic.
Central, historic, local culture
Aduas Centro is the heart of Cabanatuan, steeped in local history and culture. It's a vibrant area with markets, churches, and local eateries. While not particularly geared towards expats, it offers an authentic Filipino experience. Learning some Tagalog would be beneficial.
Developing, modernizing, residential
This barangay is experiencing rapid development, with new housing and commercial establishments. It's becoming increasingly popular with middle-class families. While still developing, it offers a more modern feel and is relatively accessible. Some English is spoken.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $300/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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