Cost of Living

When we left to come here last July, we didn't have any certainties about our financial situation here. But because of the generous support of many people, we have all that we need and then some. How God has provided for our family is nothing less than an expression and reminder of how much He cares for us. Below gives you the cost of living here in Cebu. Overall, we have found the cost of living here in Cebu to be more expensive than we had thought initially prior to coming here. That of course may be related to our standard of living as a family. You can basically purchase anything (or something equivalent) that you would want or need here in Cebu. Somethings are cheaper while other things (imported goods) are more expensive. It also depends where you shopping. We have two markets that we usually do most of our grocery shopping and it is a place where the prices, especially the meat and vegetables are more expensive; but a place which is much cleaner in terms of food handling. We have gotten used to it and we suspect going back to Orange County and living on American dollars is going to an adjustment. The amount is in pesos with the exchange rate ($1 = 47 pesos) into American dollars:

- Our last elecrictity bill: 6,0832.26 ($129.43) - this is much more than we ever paid while living in our condo in Irvine. We keep the air con on most of the night to maintain some level of comfort.
- DSL internet service per month - 999 pesos ($21.25)
- Starbucks ice cofffe - Grande size: 105 ($2.23) - it seems that the prices here are about the same as in the US
- Water bottle service - 5 gallons - 65 pesos ($1.38
- monthly rent - 3 bedroom house - 35,000 pesos - ($744) - we live in gated and secured subdivision; this amount is considered very high for most locals.
- Taxi ride from work to home; one way; normal traffic; 12.3 kilometers - 140 pesos ($2.97)
- Can of diet Coke Zero from grocery store: 19.50 pesos (41 cents)
- Arm & Hammer Toothpaste 135 pesos ($2.87)
- Chicken breast meat; 1 kilo - 195 pesos ($4.14)
- Daily average salary of taxi driver - 200-300 pesos ($4.25- $6.38)