Moving from Lima to Cebu City (2026)

Cebu City has a COL index of 37 vs 40 for Lima (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$100/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
40 โ†’ 37
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$500 โ†’ $400
per month
State tax
None โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
40 โ†’ 37
8% cheaper

Salary needed in Cebu City to match your Lima lifestyle

Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in LimaEquivalent in Cebu City
$40K$37,000
$50K$46,250
$60K$55,500
$75K$69,375
$80K$74,000
$100K$92,500
$120K$111,000
$150K$138,750

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Save ~$100/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Lima vs Cebu City

ExpenseLimaCebu City
Monthly take-home$4,741$4,741
1BR rent$500$400
Groceries$380$380
Transport$150$150
Utilities$55$55
Internet$25$25
Left after essentials$3,631$3,731

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $100 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$121,997

over 30 years compared to staying in Lima โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$100/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Cebu City cheaper than Lima?

Yes. Cebu City has a cost of living index of 37 vs 40 for Lima (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from Lima to Cebu City?

On a $75K salary, moving from Lima to Cebu City saves roughly $100/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,200/year.

What salary do I need in Cebu City to match my Lima lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Lima, you'd need roughly $69,375/year in Cebu City. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only