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Cost of Living in Carmen

Carmen, Cotabato, Philippines · Population 79,741

▼ -6% vs Philippines average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₱24,336 ($416)
Couple, monthly₱43,635 ($746)
Family of four, monthly₱56,857 ($972)

Estimated Prices in Carmen

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₱246 ($4.20)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₱983 ($16.80)per meal
Cappuccino₱73.71 ($1.26)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₱5,569 ($95.20)per month
Monthly public transport pass₱901 ($15.40)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₱2,375 ($40.60)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₱688 ($11.76)per month
Fitness club membership₱688 ($11.76)per month
Cinema ticket₱180 ($3.08)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₱11,437 ($196)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₱7,956 ($136)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₱23,868 ($408)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Carmen is ₱24,570 ($420) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₱24,336 ($416) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₱31,637 ($541) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₱7,956 ($136)) represents about 33% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Carmen

Carmen vs ManilaCarmen vs Quezon CityCarmen vs Zamboanga CityCarmen vs DavaoCarmen vs Caloocan CityCarmen vs Taguig City

Nearby Cities

Kabacan

11 km away · Cotabato

Matalam

17 km away · Cotabato

Pagalungan

19 km away · Maguindanao

Pikit

21 km away · Cotabato

President Roxas

29 km away · Cotabato

Midsayap

29 km away · Cotabato

M’lang

30 km away · Cotabato

Libungan

31 km away · Cotabato

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Carmen expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₱24,336 ($416) per month in Carmen including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for Philippines.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Carmen?
A net salary of around ₱31,637 ($541) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Carmen with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Carmen is ₱24,570 ($420).
How much is rent in Carmen?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₱11,437 ($196) per month in the city centre and ₱7,956 ($136) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₱23,868 ($408).
Is Carmen cheaper than Philippines on average?
Yes — Carmen is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Philippines average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
Figures for Carmen are estimates based on Philippines national averages adjusted for city size (population 79,741). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.