Many Filipinos relocate and aspire to move to Metro Manila for many reasons. The abundance of career opportunities in its major business districts, countless tourist attractions, landmarks, and diverse culture attract people from all over the country. It also has the best schools and medical institutions for parents who only want the best for their children.
Of course, with all the benefits comes a higher cost of living. But this doesn’t mean you can’t live the city life while saving money.
Factors to Consider When Determining the Cost of Living
How do you determine whether a city is expensive or not? Below are some factors you should check.
1. Local Market Prices
The number one rule for saving money is to stick to home-cooked meals instead of eating out all the time. You can save as much as 50% on your food expenses, especially if you shop at the local market in your area. Market prices should give you a general idea of how much you’ll need to spend at a minimum in a specific location.
2. Housing Costs
Rent or mortgage payments, utilities, association fees, and maintenance costs are all housing expenses that you should prepare for. These may vary from city to city, and may get too expensive if you don’t have anyone to split bills with.
3. Family Expenses
Day care, school tuition, and health care costs are another set of expenses that you should consider when calculating the cost of living in an area. This will depend on how many you are in your family and the nearby establishments (schools, hospitals).
The Most Affordable Cities
Here is a list of the most affordable cities you can live in in Metro Manila.
1. Valenzuela City
Valenzuela manages to capture the best of both worlds. It’s a highly urbanized area that still offers the beauty of a laid back town. Living here means convenience without the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. The average price of a property in Valenzuela is Php45,000.00 per square meter.
2. Caloocan City
Despite being one of the most populated cities in Metro Manila, Caloocan surprisingly remains affordable, with property prices averaging Php50,000.00 per square meter. Fewer traffic jams, friendly neighborhoods, and a greener landscape are only a few reasons why this city is a practical option if you’re looking for a place to start your family.
3. Quezon City
Quezon City, colloquially known as “QC,” is the most populous city in the country and is also surprisingly one of the cheapest cities to live in. Of course, this largely depends on where you choose to reside. There are definitely more expensive neighborhoods in QC, but if you know where to look, you can live comfortably here without draining your bank account.
Suntrust Properties’ Quezon City developments aim to provide residents with peaceful, high-quality, and affordable homes with the endless possibilities of living in the city. Check out Amara, Shanata, Amadea, and Capitol Plaza here.
