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Caloocan, Philippines

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Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$900
Retiree Score
94.0
Safety Index
54.0
Healthcare
330 facilities

With a population of over 1.7 million, Caloocan is a sprawling, densely packed city in Metro Manila. The tax burden is heavy, as the city's coffers must support a vast network of 193 barangays. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, exemplified by the long-running disputes over the city's borders. And while the tropical climate brings abundant rainfall, the poor drainage leaves many areas prone to flooding. Still, Caloocan's strategic location and thriving commercial districts make it an appealing option for those seeking an urban center with ample job opportunities and amenities - provided they can tolerate the challenges of big-city living.

Can I afford Caloocan?

$

Caloocan

You could save

2,100/mo

Savings Rate70%

Monthly Costs

Rent $350
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$550

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
70/100
Retiree Score
(i)
94/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Philippines Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
54
Safety
330
Healthcare
100
Walkability
80
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) *$3
Meal (Mid-range) $51
Cappuccino $1
Water (0.33L) *$0

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $57
Mobile Plan (mo) $10
Gym (mo) *$5
Cinema Ticket $5

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $350
1BR Outside (mo) *$186
3BR Center (mo) $700
3BR Outside (mo) *$363

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Very Few
Top Neighborhoods
Grace Park
Best For
local business owners

Expat Life Notes

A dense, gritty industrial city in northern Metro Manila with virtually no western expat infrastructure.

Pros

  • ✓ Native English universally spoken
  • ✓ Extremely low cost
  • ✓ Major transport links

Cons

  • ✗ Severe congestion and pollution
  • ✗ High noise levels
  • ✗ Security vigilance required

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
23°C°C - 33°C°C
Annual Rainfall
2206 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Jul, Aug

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Caloocan

Click any question to expand the answer.

Caloocan has a population of approximately 1,712,945 people.

A single person can expect to spend around $875 per month in Caloocan, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $350/month.

The nearest airport to Caloocan is MNL, approximately 17km away.

Caloocan is considered moderate in terms of safety, with a safety index of 54.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

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