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Cost of Living in San Carlos

San Carlos, Negros Occidental, Philippines · Population 133,175

▼ -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 San Carlos

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 San Carlos 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 San Carlos

San Carlos vs ManilaSan Carlos vs Quezon CitySan Carlos vs Zamboanga CitySan Carlos vs DavaoSan Carlos vs Caloocan CitySan Carlos vs Taguig City

Nearby Cities

Calatrava

14 km away · Negros Occidental

Vallehermoso

20 km away · Negros Oriental

Canlaon

26 km away · Negros Oriental

Toboso

28 km away · Negros Occidental

Toledo

29 km away · Cebu

Pinamungahan

32 km away · Cebu

Balamban

33 km away · Cebu

Aloguinsan

34 km away · Cebu

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Carlos expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₱24,336 ($416) per month in San Carlos 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 San Carlos?
A net salary of around ₱31,637 ($541) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in San Carlos with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in San Carlos is ₱24,570 ($420).
How much is rent in San Carlos?
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 San Carlos cheaper than Philippines on average?
Yes — San Carlos is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the Philippines average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
Figures for San Carlos are estimates based on Philippines national averages adjusted for city size (population 133,175). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.