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When considering relocating to a new city, one of the most critical factors to ponder is the cost of living, especially if it’s for the long term. Across the globe, prices steadily climb upward each year, but sadly, salaries don’t always follow suit. It’s a common conundrum: can the city you’re eyeing provide jobs with salaries sufficient to cover living expenses and still leave room for savings? This dilemma is further compounded by the reality that job availability often hinges on your skillset, knowledge, expertise, experience, and the industry you’re in. For many, the luxury of choosing their ideal job or location is a distant dream, as they are constrained to work where opportunities exist, even if the job isn’t their top preference, simply to make ends meet.
So, let’s dive into the question: Is it expensive to live in Baguio City, and can one afford the cost of living there on a minimum wage? To put it candidly, the answer is NO.
Baguio City’s minimum wage falls below 10,000 pesos, making it a challenge to make ends meet. Let’s break down the basic monthly expenses that an individual typically incurs in Baguio City to understand why this is the case.
The Monthly Cost of Living and Expenses in Baguio City
Here are the basic needs and expenses in living in Baguio city and how much do they cost monthly.
Rent
For a modest studio-type house in Baguio City, you might find a rental rate of around 5,000 pesos per month. However, these options may be located a 20- to 30-minute jeepney ride away from the city center. Keep in mind that you’ll need to account for waiting times as well since jeepneys often depart only when they’re full. If you opt for a studio-type condo, the monthly rent can range from 7,000 to 10,000 pesos.
Bills
Fortunately, Baguio City’s mild climate keeps electric and water bills relatively low. With no need for air conditioning even during the summer and less frequent showers due to the cold weather, monthly electric and water bills typically range from 1,000 to 1,500 pesos.
Transport
Jeepney rides in Baguio City are affordable, with fares as low as 10 pesos for a one-way trip within the town and around 20 pesos for longer journeys. However, there are times when you might need a taxi, especially if you’re running short on time. Taxi fares can be steep, with a typical ride costing around 150 pesos depending on your destination and traffic. Allocating 500 to 1,000 pesos per month for transportation expenses is advisable.
Food
While fresh produce in Baguio City is reasonably priced, it’s still a challenge to meet your monthly food expenses on a minimum wage. If you enjoy cooking at home and preparing daily lunchboxes for work, a weekly budget of 2,000 pesos for fresh produce and groceries should suffice. Therefore, a monthly food budget of 6,000 to 10,000 pesos is recommended, depending on your dietary preferences and whether you plan to dine out.
Internet
Baguio City’s mountainous terrain can pose challenges for internet connectivity, with intermittent reliability in some areas. A basic monthly subscription for fiber internet can range from 1,500 to 5,000 pesos, depending on the speed and usage you require. If you also need a mobile data internet connection, you’ll need to budget for that separately.
Emergencies
Life is unpredictable, and emergencies, whether related to health, repairs, or unexpected trips or events, can happen at any time. Setting aside at least 5,000 pesos per month for unforeseen expenses is a prudent financial move.
All in all, the essential monthly expenses for an individual living in Baguio City typically amount to around 20,000 to 25,000 pesos. It’s important to note that this budget does not include discretionary spending on entertainment, such as travel, dining out, shopping for clothes or gadgets, pursuing personal interests or hobbies. What takes precedence are allocations for health and medical expenses, insurance coverage, and prudent savings for future financial security, as well as potential investments in business ventures. Living on a minimum wage in Baguio City can be challenging, necessitating careful budgeting and prioritization of expenses.
