Best Neighborhoods and Areas to Live in Davao City Philippines Introduction 🇵🇭
We will help guide you through the Best neighborhoods and areas to live in Davao City Philippines!
We lived in Davao City Philippines and only spent $900 – $1,150 per month for the two of us while Living in Davao City, and we also have articles that further cover how much we spent while living in Davao City as well as Manila, Siargao, El Nido, Coron, Boracay, and Bohol.
Known as the “City of Royalties”, Davao City is the largest city in the Philippines by land area. This sprawling metropolitan is not only an economic hub but also a top tourist destination thanks to its amazing beaches, lush parks, yummy cuisine, and friendly locals. As an economic hub, jobs are plenty in fields like IT, BPO, manufacturing, and agriculture.
If you’re planning a trip here, one of the first things you’ll need to decide is where to stay. Davao City has a diverse range of neighborhoods and areas, each with its unique vibe and attractions.
In this blog post, we’ll highlight some of the best places for visitors to stay in Davao City, whether you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodations, want to be close to key attractions, a bit of luxury, or a local neighborhood experience.
From bustling city centers to laidback coastal communities, we’ve got the inside scoop on the most appealing areas that should be on your Davao City accommodation wishlist.
Let’s get started!
Table Of Contents
10 Top Reasons to Live in Davao City Philippines
Explore the unique reasons Davao City Philippines should be your next home away from home.
Here are 10 unique reasons to move to Davao City, Philippines:
- Low Cost of Living – The cost of living in Davao is much lower compared to other major cities in the Philippines like Manila and Cebu. Necessities, housing, and utilities are very affordable.
- Improved Law and Order – Davao has strict policies against smoking, littering, traffic violations, etc. This makes it one of the safest and most disciplined cities.
- Mild Weather – Davao enjoys a tropical climate but is spared from typhoons. Temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C, making outdoor activities pleasant year-round.
- Abundant Job Opportunities – With new businesses and investments, Davao has seen rapid economic growth. This creates plenty of employment options across different areas.
- Gateway to Nature – Davao is surrounded by majestic mountains, hills, rivers, and beaches. You’re never too far from scenic getaways like Eden Nature Park.
- Multiculturalism – Davao has a diverse mix of cultures. The city celebrates weekly cultural nights showcasing music, dance, and cuisine.
- Excellent Healthcare – Davao has top-class medical facilities and some of the best doctors in the country. Healthcare is easily accessible and affordable.
- Delicious Local Cuisine – From fresh seafood to exotic fruits, experience authentic Durian, Marang, and other local flavors unique to Davao.
- Rich History – As an old settlement, Davao has historic landmarks like the Japanese Tunnel to explore and learn about its past.
- The Davaoeno Hospitality – Known as the Land of Promise, Davaoeños are very welcoming. Expect smiles, warm conversations, and help from locals.
Cultural Considerations in Davao City Philippines
- Respect local customs and dress appropriately – Davaoeños tend to dress modestly. Avoid revealing clothes when going to churches or remote villages.
- Remove shoes before entering a home – Filipinos often take shoes off inside homes to keep the space clean. Don’t be surprised if your host may have a sign for you to remove your shoes before entering the apartment you are renting like in other areas in Asia, in our experience.
- Use your right hand for eating and handing things – The left hand is considered unclean. Use utensils or your right hand only when dining.
- Avoid public displays of affection – Kissing or other intimate gestures in public are frowned upon. Keep things modest.
- Be punctual for appointments – Filipinos value punctuality. Avoid showing up late as it is impolite.
- Elders are respected – Use po/ho when addressing older Filipinos. Allow elders to be seated and served first.
- Family comes first – Understand that Filipinos prioritize family over work/social obligations.
- Observe silence in places of worship – Churches in Davao follow strict rules. Keep noise minimal and avoid taking photos.
- Try local delicacies – Partake in Durian, Pomelo, and other unique Davaoeño foods to appreciate the culture.
- Smile and maintain good humor – Davaoeños appreciates friendliness and positivity in social interactions.
General Cost of Living in Davao City Philippines Breakdown
| Cost of living in Davao City For Expats Breakdown by Category | Monthly Cost in USD | Monthly Cost in PHP |
|---|---|---|
| Housing in Davao City Philippines | ||
| Basic 1-bedroom apartment (city center) | $200 – $400 | ₱11,000 – ₱22,000 |
| 2-bedroom apartment (city center) | $300 – $600 | ₱16,500 – ₱33,000 |
| 3-bedroom apartment (city center) | $400 – $800 | ₱22,000 – ₱44,000 |
| 3-4 bedroom villa (compound living) | $800 – $1,500 | ₱44,000 – ₱82,500 |
| Utilities | ||
| (electricity, AC, water) for a family | $100 – $200 | ₱5,500 – ₱11,000 |
| Food in Davao City Philippines | ||
| Local and imported groceries for your family | $300 – $600 | ₱16,500 – ₱33,000 |
| Dining out 2-3 times a week | $100 – $300 | ₱5,500 – ₱16,500 |
| Cheap street food and fast food per meal | $2 – $5 | ₱110 – ₱275 |
| Transportation in Davao City Philippines | ||
| Bus per 5 km ride | $0.20 – $0.40 | ₱10 – ₱20 |
| Taxi per 5 km ride | $1 – $2 | ₱55 – ₱110 |
| Grab (car) per 5 km ride | $2 – $3 | ₱110 – ₱165 |
| Angkas (motorcycle taxi) per 5 km ride | $0.50 – $1 | ₱25 – ₱55 |
| Tricycle per 5 km ride | $1 – $2 | ₱55 – ₱110 |
| Ferry boat ride | $1 – $3 | ₱55 – ₱165 |
| Intercity bus ticket | $5 – $15 | ₱275 – ₱825 |
| Plane (local) ticket | $50 – $100 | ₱2,750 – ₱5,500 |
| Total Monthly Cost of Living in Davao City Philippines for Expats | $960 – $3,000 | 52,800 PHP – ₱165,000 |
You can Also Check out more information from our article Cost of Living in Davao City Philippines
Pros and Cons Of the Best Neighborhoods and Areas in Davao City Philippines
| Best Neighborhoods/Areas to Live in Davao City | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Agdao | – Close to malls, restaurants, nightlife – Urban vibe in the city center – Good for young professionals | – Can be noisy – Heavy traffic |
| Lanang | – Quiet and less crowded – Near the airport and seaport – Lots of open spaces | – Limited nightlife – Far from downtown |
| Matina | – Close to schools and universities – Access to public transportation – New residential developments | – Prone to flooding – Traffic congestion |
| Calinan | – Fresh air and mountain views – Away from city crowds – Affordable housing options | – Far from the city center – Limited amenities |
| Catalunan Pequeno | – Tight-knit village feel – Near scenic coastline – Good for families | – Fewer restaurants/malls – Flooding during rains |
| Toril | – Industrial zone with job opportunities – Increasing development – Lower cost of living | – Pollution from factories – Traffic and congestion |
| Mintal | – New suburban community – Modern amenities and shops – Access to public transit | – Far from downtown – New/under development |
| Bajada | – Quiet hillside neighborhood – Near parks and attractions – Good for retirees | – Distant from businesses – Limited dining options |
Top Neighborhoods to Live in Davao City for Expats
| Top Neighborhoods to live in Davao City for Expats | Description | Est. Monthly Rent (USD) | Est. Monthly Rent (PHP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agdao | Urban city center neighborhood near malls, restaurants, nightlife | $200 – $800 | ₱11,000 – ₱44,000 |
| Lanang | Quiet, less crowded area near the airport and seaport | $300 – $1,000 | ₱16,500 – ₱55,000 |
| Matina | Residential area close to schools, transport, new developments | $150 – $600 | ₱8,250 – ₱33,000 |
| Calinan | Fresh, affordable area away from downtown crowds | $80 – $300 | ₱4,400 – ₱16,500 |
| Catalunan Pequeno | Tight-knit village near the coastline | $100 – $400 | ₱5,500 – ₱22,000 |
| Toril | Industrial zone with job opportunities | $50 – $200 | ₱2,750 – ₱11,000 |
| Mintal | New suburban community with modern amenities | $200 – $800 | ₱11,000 – ₱44,000 |
| Bajada | Quiet hillside neighborhood good for retirees | $150 – $600 | ₱8,250 – ₱33,000 |
Health Insurance While Living in Davao City Philippines
Having comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended when visiting Davao City Philippines to protect against any unexpected incidents. SafetyWing is an excellent option tailored to global travelers and digital nomads.
Why Choose SafetyWing?
SafetyWing makes travel insurance easy and affordable at just $45 – $250/month. Here are some key reasons to consider it:
- Global coverage including exotic destinations
- Flexible policies fit nomadic lifestyles
- Easy sign-up and claims from phone/computer
- Covers medical, evacuations, disruptions, baggage, etc.
- 24/7 customer support anywhere
- Customizable coverage amounts and add-ons
Other Travel Insurance Options
While SafetyWing is a top choice, companies like WorldNomads, Cigna Global, and IMG also offer comprehensive travel insurance for Davao City Philippines. Typical policies range from $45 – $500 for 2 weeks to a month of coverage. Compare coverage and premium costs.
Some key considerations for finding a good insurance policy:
- Emergency medical and evacuation
- Trip cancellation/interruption
- Lost/delayed baggage
- Adventure sports coverage
- Altitude sickness coverage
- 24/7 emergency assistance
Philippines Insurance Cost Estimates
| Insurance Plan | Trip Duration | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| SafetyWing | 1 month | $45 – $250 |
| WorldNomads | 2 weeks | $100-$200 |
| Cigna Global | 1 month | $150-$300 |
| IMG | 2 weeks | $150-$250 |
Living in Davao City for Expats
Overview: Davao is considered one of the safest cities in the Philippines thanks to strict local laws. Its lush forests and mountains are perfect for hiking and adventure. There’s a thriving expat community that was called to Davao City because of its chilled-out pace of life.
The people of Davao, known as Davaoeños, are very welcoming of foreigners. English is widely spoken. With an efficient transportation system and modern malls, grocery stores, and amenities, Davao can feel easy to get settled into. Healthcare is affordable, but specialized care requires going to nearby cities.
Cost of Living
- Expats can expect a monthly budget between $1,000 – $2,000 or ₱55,000 – ₱110,000.
- Basic utilities cost around $100 – $200 or ₱5,500 – ₱11,000 per month.
- Groceries are around $300 – $600 or ₱16,500 – ₱33,000 for one or two people.
- Eating out costs $2 – $10 or ₱110 – ₱550 per meal at local restaurants.
Housing
- Rent for nice 1-2 bedroom apartments averages $300 – $800 or ₱16,500 – ₱44,000 per month.
- Upscale 3-4 bedroom serviced apartments or houses cost $800 – $1,500 or ₱44,000 – ₱82,500 per month.
- Short-term accommodations are $20 – $50 or ₱1,100 – ₱2,750 per night.
Healthcare and Hospitals in Davao City
- While Davao City itself doesn’t have internationally accredited hospitals, nearby cities like Iloilo and Cebu provide such facilities.
- Davao City has local clinics and medical centers catering to basic healthcare needs.
- Public healthcare is relatively affordable in Davao City, but for specialized treatments or emergencies, patients might need to be transported to neighboring cities.
- Private healthcare and insurance run $45- $300 or ₱2,475 – ₱16,500 per month, depending on coverage and services.
- Consider travel insurance like Safetywing or World Nomads with plans starting at just $45 USD or ₱2,475 PHP per month, especially if planning extended stays.
Lifestyle, Culture, and Recreation in Davao City
Davao City is renowned for its tropical beaches, bustling nightlife, rich heritage, and adventure activities.
- Beach Activities: Island hopping, snorkeling, paddle boarding, surfing – $10 – $30 or ₱550 – ₱1,650
- Nightlife: Pubs, bars, clubs, live music – $10 – $50 or ₱550 – ₱2,750
- Local Culture: Indigenous village visits, cultural shows, museums – Free to $10 or Free to ₱550
- Recreational Activities: Hiking, ziplining, rafting, cycling – $5 – $30 or ₱275 – ₱1,650
Groceries for Family of 4
Around $400 – $800 or ₱22,000 – ₱44,000 for basics plus some imported items.
Dining Out
The average meal cost is $5 – $15 or ₱275 – ₱825 per person at inexpensive restaurants.
Can dine out affordably 2-4 times per month.
Transportation in Davao City
Public Transit
- Buses – $0.20 – $0.40 per ride
- Jeepneys – $0.20 – $0.50 per ride
- Taxis – $1 – $5 per 5km Fares start at PHP40 (around $0.75 USD) for the first 500 meters and go up from there.
- Tricycles – $1 – $3 per 5km
- Habal-Habal (motorcycle taxis) – $0.50 – $2 per 5km
Gas costs around $1.20 – $1.50 or ₱66 – ₱83 per liter.
Owning a Vehicle
- A basic small sedan from Toyota, Mitsubishi, or Suzuki would cost around PHP500,000-800,000 (approximately $9,500-$15,000 USD).
- You can find cheaper second-hand/used cars for PHP200,000-400,000 ($3,800-$7,600 USD).
- Monthly financing payments would be around PHP10,000-20,000 ($190-$380 USD) depending on the downpayment.
Pros and Cons of Living in Davao City
Pros: Low cost of living, improved safety, tropical climate, job opportunities, natural attractions
Cons: Limited international healthcare, pollution, flooding, traffic congestion
Best Neighborhoods in Davao City for Families, Singles, Retirees
Tailored recommendations for different lifestyles, catering to families, singles, and retirees.
| Best Neighborhods in Davao By Group | Best Places in Davao City Philippines |
|---|---|
| Families | Toril, Mintal, Matina, Calinan |
| Singles | Agdao, Lanang |
| Retirees | Catalunan Pequeno, Bajada, Calinan |
Additional tips:
- For families: Focus on safety, schools, and kid-friendly amenities. Compound-style villas provide security.
- For singles: Pick areas with nightlife and a social scene. Condo-living offers convenience. Stay central.
- For retirees: Seek a slower pace of life, cost savings, and access to healthcare.
Tips on Moving Banking and Finding Housing in Davao City Philippines
Here are some resources for finding accommodations, navigating the housing market, and making the most of your budget.
| Tips for Moving to Davao City Philippines | Tips for Expats | Resources |
|---|---|---|
| Finding Housing | Search Facebook groups, online classifieds, real estate agents. Visit neighborhoods before deciding. | Davao Rentals Facebook Group Airbnb |
| Shipping Belongings | Use door-to-door container shipping. Avoid customs issues declaring high-value items. | |
| Banking and Money Transfers | Open a local account after securing residency. Use Wise for international transfers. | Wise |
| Visas | Apply for retirement or investor’s visas. Most nationalities get 30-day tourist visas. | Philippine Embassy Singapore |
Conclusion on the Best Cities and Places to Live In Davao City Philippines
Davao gives expats the best of urban living while being close to nature. Monthly costs for a couple range $1,000 – $2,000. Rent for nice apartments averages $300 – $800.
Overall, Davao offers a high quality of life for expats in the Philippines.
From bustling commercial hubs to serene residential areas, each area carries its unique charm and advantages.
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant energy of downtown or seeking the peaceful ambiance of suburban life, Davao City offers many options to suit varied needs.
While the best neighborhood ultimately depends on your specific desires — its proximity to amenities, safety, affordability, and cultural richness—should also be included in your decision-making.
The city’s neighborhoods are proof of its dynamic evolution, where tradition blends with modernity, creating a space that resonates with both locals and expats alike.
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