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Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
Capital City

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$880
Retiree Score
80.0
Safety Index
68.2
Healthcare
11 facilities

The population of 741,617 may seem enticing, but Cagayan de Oro's heavy bureaucracy and frequent flooding are persistent headaches for residents. While the city touts itself as the "regional center and business hub of Northern Mindanao," the reality is a tangled web of red tape and natural disasters that test one's patience. Those seeking a laidback tropical lifestyle would be better off looking elsewhere.

Can I afford Cagayan de Oro City?

$

Cagayan de Oro City

You could save

2,120/mo

Savings Rate71%

Monthly Costs

Rent $400
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$480

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
71/100
Retiree Score
(i)
80/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Philippines Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
68
Safety
11
Healthcare
100
Walkability
100
Nomad

Grocery Basket

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

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$4
Meal (Mid-range) $54
Cappuccino $2
Water (0.33L) *$1

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $83
Mobile Plan (mo) $11
Gym (mo) *$25
Cinema Ticket $4

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $400
1BR Outside (mo) *$186
3BR Center (mo) $850
3BR Outside (mo) *$363

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Medium
Top Neighborhoods
Nazareth, Uptown CDO
Best For
families, retirees

Expat Life Notes

A friendly and rapidly developing city in Mindanao known for its high quality of life and safety.

Pros

  • ✓ High English proficiency
  • ✓ Lower costs than Manila
  • ✓ Safe and welcoming atmosphere

Cons

  • ✗ Limited high-end nightlife
  • ✗ Humidity
  • ✗ Distance from international travel hubs

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
23°C°C - 32°C°C
Annual Rainfall
3148 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Also Consider

Roxas, PhilippinesSan Pablo, PhilippinesAttractiveness Score: 82.8São Roque, BrazilLiving in São Roque, Brazil offers a quiet escape near São Paulo with mild weather and greenspaces. Ideal for FIRE seekers, but limited expat amenities.Anápolis, BrazilLiving in Anápolis, Brazil offers ultra-low costs for industrial expats, but prepare for dust, bureaucracy, and limited amenities. Best for Portuguese-speaking

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Cagayan de Oro City

Click any question to expand the answer.

Cagayan de Oro City has a population of approximately 741,617 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $1,000 per month in Cagayan de Oro City, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $400/month.

The nearest airport to Cagayan de Oro City is CGY, approximately 26km away.

Cagayan de Oro City is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 68.2. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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