Cebu City Was a Nightmare… Dumaguete Was the Fix

In episode of Mike’s Philippine Retirement, Janet and I break down the real differences between living in Dumaguete and Cebu City. We've lived in both — from a small condo in Cebu to a spacious house in Dumaguete — and the lifestyle and cost of living are worlds apart.
@MikesCoffeeShop @mikesphilippineretirement @Philippinelifewithjanet @DumagueteRentals
We talk about everything:
👉 Housing prices
👉 Food, utilities, and labor costs
👉 Transportation and traffic
👉 Local restaurants and coffee shops
👉 Middle-class growth in Dumaguete
👉 Why more Filipinos are eating out
👉 And what kind of life you can really afford in each place

Whether you're planning to retire in the Philippines or just visit, this video gives you a local expat's perspective on which city might be right for your budget, lifestyle, and travel goals. Leave a comment with what you want to see next!
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[roysheaks]

My wife and I moved to Talisay City almost four years ago. We bought a house, furniture, car, and two motorcycles. Our expenses are going way down, and we go traveling around whenever we like. We eat out and party with our friends. No problem living in the big city. Today is our 30th anniversary. Happy all around!

[Mypuppyisademon]

Janet shows a great amount of respect for you. You’re a lucky man !

[peterpoulter]

Mike always remember quality never goes out of style. When one is retired why scrimp and struggle enjoy your last years we are here for a good time.

[BruceCinader]

If things get too expensive you can always come back to the USA in a place that is cheaper. Rent is expensive but you could buy a cheap mobile home and park it on a cheap piece of land that you could buy in some backwoods place.

[koufax]

I used to go to Cebu for years. I won’t go anymore. I avoid Cebu at all costs. The last three times I was there I saw people being chased during the day. Not safe for me. I prefer Iloilo, Bacolod, Davao and others. No Cebu for me

[johnkanaster]

It sounds like global inflation is simply touching the Philippines. If you’ve been away from the U.S. for a while, inflation/prices keep going up in the U.S. Therefor, prices seem to creep up in the Philippines as global inflation goes up as well. Though you may think prices have gone up in the Philippines, you’re still getting more value in the Philippines than in the West.

[georgevwalking]

Hi Mike
Glad your enjoying life in the Philppines
I have been to Dumaguete 6 or 7 times over the last 3 years and its ok. It's not a place I would consider to live. I must say I prefer to go to Cebu City for the Variety of everything. The freedom of choice is everywhere in Cebu City. Also if your a single Guy, Cebu City is the defiantly the place to be 😊😊

[Simonsays-exp]

I agree that food prices are high now in Cebu. It was never the case years ago. But the worst thing in Cebu city is the traffic. Many of my friends are scared to drive here now..its chaos and it takes an absurd time to go a short distance. Its sad because we all saw this coming but leaders have done nothing to cater for the growth of the city. No increase to water catchment reservoirs is also a very serious issue now.

[fredandretrondsen]

But why compare Duamaguete VS Cebu City?
Cebu City is way bigger, more and larger malls, better hospitals, universities, restaurants, better nightlife, more jobs, more stable electricity and WiFi, more choice of public transportation etc.
But there is many cheaper alternatives here on Cebu Island, in Cebu province .
City of Naga and CarCar City in South,
Danao City and Bogo City in North, would be more fair to compare with Duamaguete when it comes to cost of living, close to nature and beaches, less jobs, less malls, less nightlife etc.
Anyway, even there is only 82 provinces in The Philippines with Cebu as the largest, there is so many Islands cities and places, far cheaper but there is no American bloggers to tell the world cost of living there 😆

[fenderbendr]

I like Janet. She don't cut you off not like other wives of expats. Great video. Thank you for info

[russelstokes]

Good afternoon Mike. My wife and I are here in the Philippines. Arrived on April 11 in tuguegarao

[nitaihammari]

So good to live where your spouse is from. Mine is from near Cagayan de Oro. I am from Sausalito, CA. Living in the PI, we go many places, but wherever her family lives within 50 miles we go. And then, Stateside, we hang out with Fil-Am couples from the Fil-Am families from my wife’s area, because of the language. And we go wisit all my extended family in the western states. Itis I think, the best fun.

[DeeCebu]

Dumaguete in fairness is lovely but it's not for me.
Cebu is still the best, work opportunities, nightlife I'm for it once in a while, it's not too expensive if we know where to go to for groceries & market, then there's S&R or Ayala grocers take your pick, , best hospitals, universities, city and province theres a choice, stunning lovely places to relax, beaches, the people are honestly very friendly. Love it. If I won't be spending my golden years here in Eireann I would rather in Cebu. There's the buzz of the city or relaxing vibe like the North or South🎉

[realgains]

Lives in Duma for 11 years and had to bail. It’s now a mini Cebu city. Nightmare traffic and way way too many expats. Bailed to Davao city and it’s miles better and actually has infrastructure !

[pauldanielando]

For sure, Manila, Cebu city, CDO, Angeles - all big cities cost double and more for rent. Taxis or your own car are of no use because of the traffic. You can't make a case for living there unless you have a high paying job there.
Duma has for a century benefited from Siliman grads going overseas to work for decades and coming back to retire and put their own kids on the same treadmill. Decades ago before tourists, Duma was known as the motorcycle capital of PI. More bikes per capita than Manila and that is why Rusi bikes are based here in Duma.

[davidoverson]

As someone retiring to the island of Cebu this is good info to know, thanks. We’ll be way up north in Bogo City, not Cebu City. Dumaguete sounds like a must see now.

[Lovey]

I'm living in Manila which is more expensive and traffic is always terrible that's why I was amazed when I went to Cebu. Cheapest price in Joyride is only P24 compared to Manila which is P50, traffic in Cebu city wasn't that bad for me bcoz I was used to it here in Manila 😅 The foods' price in Ayala mall is same in the foods' price here in Manila, but probably it's cheaper in the small food stores. I only stayed there for days with Brian so I couldn't finalize which city is better, but I was also amazed that most parts of Cebu is already same with Manila ( open for 24 hrs ) easy access to airport. And hoping to visit Dumaguete soon to experience another great adventure and see which place is better for my taste 😊

[wickman.r]

I rented for several weeks in 2018, 2019 & 2020 a large nicely furnished one bedroom apartment at Persimmon in Mabolo Barangay. Located between Ayala and SM (SM has a large wing of stores with computer products). That apartment I found by watching blogger’ Amazing Philippines’. I like to swim and Persimmon has a nice lap pool with long swim lanes. Before 9:40 AM the tall Persimmon building provides shade to keep the pool out of the suns rays. There is a convenient laundry service on the ground floor. The Persimmon employees were excellent and the manager with outstanding management knowledge, skills and abilities.

[CaptSullyz]

If you don't like walking, can see how Cebu would be more expensive. Enjoy walking myself and getting out of the house, especially at the end of the day.

Agree the traffic is bad in Cebu City. Prefer to use a cab if have to go downtown, but to the local Robinson mall, drive a motorbike or take a tricycle. This is in Talisay, just south of Cebu City.

Am glad you found happiness in Ceb...I mean Dumaguete...lol

Thanks Janet and Mike!

[Billy_B_Goat]

I love how super casual and intimate this vid is. It's just like I'm sitting on your couch. Very cool