Dumaguete City vs. Iloilo: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Dumaguete City presents a more expensive cost of living compared to Iloilo, reflected in its higher Cost of Living Index (58.37 versus 28.42). Food expenses are notably higher in Dumaguete, with breakfast costs averaging around PHP 150 more per day. Transportation costs also see Dumaguete as more expensive, with a monthly public transport pass costing PHP 1,000 more. However, Dumaguete offers a higher average net salary (PHP 100,000 versus PHP 60,000), making its overall cost structure relatively more manageable despite the higher indices. Iloilo, while cheaper in most categories, has a significantly higher property price-to-income ratio (58.37) compared to Dumaguete (28.37), indicating potentially less affordable housing options relative to income levels.

Dumaguete City generally scores higher in quality of life metrics. It boasts a higher Safety Index (71.00) and Health Care Index (75.00) compared to Iloilo's lower Safety Index (59.80) and significantly lower Health Care Index (58.91). Dumaguete also has a much shorter average commute time (15 minutes versus Iloilo's 38.75 minutes), contributing to a better work-life balance. Dumaguete's Pollution Index (64.32) is also lower than Iloilo's (79.32), suggesting a cleaner environment. While Iloilo has pockets of high-quality areas like Roxas (Quality of Life Index 114.54), Dumaguete overall offers a more favorable environment in terms of safety, healthcare, commute, and environmental quality.

Dumaguete City demonstrates significantly more affordable housing options relative to its income levels, with a much lower Property Price-to-Income Ratio (28.37) compared to Iloilo's high ratio (58.37). Dumaguete's average property prices are substantially lower, with city centre prices around PHP 1.5 million versus Iloilo's city centre prices around PHP 4 million. Dumaguete's lower mortgage rates (6.00% versus Iloilo's 7.33%) further enhance its housing affordability. Dumaguete offers more accessible housing options for the average resident, despite potentially slightly lower absolute property values compared to Iloilo's more expensive centres.

Both cities share similar economic fundamentals, with identical GDP per capita figures (PHP 99,000) and matching GDP growth rates (5.55%) and population growth rates (1.56%). Dumaguete City has a significantly larger population (600,000) compared to Iloilo (574,000), suggesting slightly more economic scale. Dumaguete's higher average net salary (PHP 100,000) aligns with its higher cost of living but indicates potentially better earning potential for residents. Iloilo's lower salaries (PHP 60,000) combined with its lower cost of living make it a more affordable option, but the high property price-to-income ratio presents a significant challenge for housing affordability.

Dumaguete City offers a higher cost of living but provides superior quality of life, better healthcare, enhanced safety, and significantly more affordable housing options relative to income. Iloilo presents a much lower cost of living and potentially higher absolute property values, but faces challenges with housing affordability due to its high property price-to-income ratio. Dumaguete City appears more suitable for individuals or families prioritizing quality of life, healthcare access, and safety, while Iloilo might be preferable for those seeking a significantly lower cost of living, despite the housing constraints.