Living and Studying in Cebu: Daily Life

Cebu is more than just a tropical paradise—it’s one of Southeast Asia’s most livable cities for students, digital nomads, and families. With its combination of affordability, urban infrastructure, and island beauty, Cebu has quietly emerged as a favorite destination for international learners. From housing and food to transportation and social life, living in Cebu offers expats a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and cultural immersion.

Whether you’re staying for a short ESL course or pursuing a multi-year degree program, this guide will walk you through what day-to-day life in Cebu is really like.

1. Housing and Neighborhoods

Finding the right place to live is often the first concern for expat students or families relocating to Cebu. Fortunately, the city offers a wide variety of options across different price points, lifestyles, and proximities to schools.

️ Popular Residential Areas for Students and Families

• Lahug & Banilad: Close to top ESL schools (3D Academy, EV Academy) and international schools (CIS, MMIS). Safe, leafy neighborhoods with mid-range to upscale condos and townhouses.

• IT Park: A tech hub filled with walkable apartment buildings, cafes, gyms, and coworking spaces. Excellent for young professionals, university students, and digital nomads.

• Mandaue City: Convenient if studying at Singapore School Cebu or Cebu Doctors’ University. More affordable than IT Park with local charm.

• Lapu-Lapu City (Mactan Island): Ideal for those attending seaside ESL schools like Genius English or for those who prioritize a beachside lifestyle.

Rental Costs (Monthly)

Most rentals come fully furnished, including internet and air conditioning. Long-term tenants may be asked for a 1–2 month security deposit.

2. Food, Groceries, and Daily Essentials

Cebu offers a variety of food options catering to every taste and dietary need, from Filipino comfort food to Korean, Japanese, Halal, vegan, and gluten-free choices.

️ Eating Out

• Local eateries (“carinderias”): PHP 80–150 ($1.50–$2.70) for a full meal

• Fast food chains (Jollibee, McDonald’s): PHP 150–250 ($2.70–$4.50)

• Mid-range cafes and restaurants: PHP 300–800 ($5.50–$14.50)

• Fine dining (Ayala Center, IT Park): PHP 1,000+ per person ($18+)

If you’re a health-conscious eater or have dietary restrictions, check out restaurants like Lun-haw Vegan Café (downtown Cebu), Persian Palate (IT Park), or Sunday 2PM (Korean fusion).

Groceries (Monthly Estimate for 1 Person)

Online grocery delivery is available through GrabMart, Landers app, and Metromart. Most local markets accept cash only, but malls and large grocers accept cards and GCash.

3. Transportation and Getting Around

Cebu doesn’t have a subway or train system, but it offers a variety of affordable ways to get around the city.

Modes of Transport

• Jeepneys (shared local buses): PHP 13–20 per ride; best for short commutes

• Grab (ride-hailing app): PHP 100–300 per trip depending on distance and traffic

• Taxis: Slightly cheaper than Grab, though less reliable in peak hours

• Scooter rental: PHP 3,000–5,000/month; helmet and local driving license required

• School shuttle services: Many international schools offer private van pickups

‍♂️Note: Sidewalks can be inconsistent, so walking is best in IT Park, Banilad Town Centre, or campus-like environments.

4. Health, Fitness, and Medical Access

Health and wellness are essential for a fulfilling academic experience, and Cebu provides high-quality, affordable healthcare for foreigners.

Clinics and Hospitals

• Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital: Modern, English-speaking staff

• Chong Hua Hospital (Fuente and Mandaue): Excellent for general and emergency care

• Perpetual Succour Hospital: Known for women’s health and pediatrics

Fitness and Wellness

• Gyms: PHP 1,000–2,500/month (Anytime Fitness, Gold’s Gym, City Sports)

• Yoga studios: PHP 300/class or monthly passes (YogaHub, Surya Nanda)

• Martial arts: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Taekwondo academies for kids and adults

• Hiking and beaches: Busay Hills and Tops Lookout (for trekking); Mactan and Moalboal for diving or beach weekends

5. Social Life and Community

Whether you’re a solo student, a parent, or a couple, Cebu makes it easy to meet others and build community.

Where to Connect

• Language exchange meetups: Hosted weekly in IT Park or Ayala Center

• Coworking spaces: The Company Cebu, KMC Solutions, and Avant Offices are hubs for expat freelancers and entrepreneurs

• Parent support groups: Active communities on Facebook (e.g., “Cebu International School Parents” or “Cebu Homeschoolers”)

• Faith-based communities: Churches, mosques, temples, and Buddhist centers welcome foreign attendees

• Events and festivals: Sinulog Festival, Korean Cultural Days, and expat mixers happen throughout the year

6. Safety and Security

Cebu is considered one of the safest cities in the Philippines for foreigners. That said, petty theft can occur, especially in crowded markets or on public transport.

✅ Safety Tips

• Don’t flash smartphones or wallets in public

• Use Grab or trusted taxis at night

• Register your stay with your embassy if you’re here long-term

• Keep digital copies of important documents (passport, visa, student ID)

Police stations and barangay halls are responsive to foreigner concerns, especially in tourist areas like Lahug, Banilad, and Mactan.

7. Digital Life and Connectivity

Internet Access

• Average speed: 30–100 Mbps depending on provider

• Monthly cost: PHP 1,500–3,000 for fiber plans

• Recommended providers: PLDT, Globe At Home, Converge ICT

Most cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, and SIM cards are easily available at airports or malls. Prepaid mobile data costs around PHP 300–500/month for regular usage.

8. Budgeting for Daily Life

Here’s a rough monthly budget for a single international student living in Cebu:

Total: PHP 20,000–45,000 ($360–$810) depending on lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Living and studying in Cebu isn’t just about education—it’s about lifestyle. With a balance of convenience, affordability, and cultural richness, Cebu lets you focus on learning without sacrificing quality of life.

You’ll meet people from around the world, enjoy weekend getaways to waterfalls and islands, and discover that daily life in Cebu can be both productive and personally rewarding.

Whether you’re here for three months or three years, Cebu welcomes learners of all backgrounds with open arms—and an open heart.