Cost of Living in Bacolod for Students: Monthly Breakdown

Bacolod City, often called the “City of Smiles,” is one of the most affordable student cities in the Philippines. Known for its friendly locals, safe environment, and well-developed schools, Bacolod attracts thousands of students from across the country and abroad. Whether you’re studying at the University of St. La Salle, Riverside College, or another institution, knowing the cost of living in Bacolod will help you manage your budget wisely.

Below is a detailed monthly breakdown covering rent, food, transportation, utilities, and other daily essentials.

Accommodation Costs

Housing is the biggest monthly expense, but Bacolod remains much more affordable than Manila or Cebu. Students can choose from dormitories, boarding houses, or apartments near their schools.

Average Monthly Rent (per student):

• Shared Dormitory or Boarding House: ₱3,000 – ₱6,000

• Studio Apartment: ₱7,000 – ₱12,000

• One-Bedroom Apartment: ₱10,000 – ₱15,000

• Two-Bedroom Apartment (shared): ₱15,000 – ₱20,000

Notes:

• Dorms near USLS or Riverside are cheaper but often small.

• Air-conditioned and private-bath units cost more.

• Some dorms include Wi-Fi and utilities in the rent.

Students who want comfort and privacy usually spend around ₱10,000 per month, while those in shared dorms can live well for half that.

Food and Groceries

Bacolod is famous for its delicious yet budget-friendly food scene. Local eateries, carinderias, and cafes offer affordable meals that fit a student’s budget.

Estimated Monthly Food Budget:

• School canteen or local eatery: ₱100–₱150 per meal

• Mid-range restaurants or cafés: ₱200–₱300 per meal

• Groceries for home cooking: ₱3,000–₱5,000 per month

• Snacks or milk tea: ₱1,000–₱2,000

Typical Monthly Total: ₱5,000 – ₱7,000

Tip: Cooking your own meals or sharing groceries with roommates can save a lot.

Transportation

Transportation in Bacolod is affordable and simple. Students mainly use jeepneys, tricycles, or Grab for daily commutes.

Average Monthly Transportation Cost:

• Jeepney fare: ₱13–₱15 per ride

• Tricycle fare: ₱15–₱30 per ride

• GrabCar or taxi: ₱100–₱250 per trip

If you live near campus, your transport cost may be only ₱500–₱1,000 per month. Students who use Grab more often should budget around ₱2,000–₱3,000.

Living close to school is a smart way to save time and money.

Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet)

Some dormitories include utilities in the rent, but if you’re renting an apartment, expect to pay separately.

Average Monthly Utility Costs:

• Electricity: ₱1,000–₱2,500 (higher if using aircon)

• Water: ₱200–₱400

• Wi-Fi / Internet: ₱700–₱1,500

• Mobile Data: ₱300–₱500

If you share with roommates, utilities usually cost around ₱2,000–₱3,000 per person.

School-Related Expenses

Aside from tuition, you’ll need a small budget for school materials, printing, and projects.

Average Monthly Estimate:

• School supplies and printing: ₱300–₱700

• Projects or presentations: ₱500–₱1,000

• Online learning subscriptions: ₱300–₱600

Total: ₱1,000–₱2,000 per month.

Courses like nursing, architecture, and engineering may have higher project costs.

Personal Expenses and Leisure

Life in Bacolod isn’t all about studying — there are plenty of cafes, malls, and weekend spots to enjoy.

Typical Monthly Leisure Budget:

• Coffee, movies, hangouts: ₱1,000–₱2,000

• Gym or sports: ₱800–₱1,500

• Shopping or clothes: ₱1,000+

• Weekend trips: ₱500–₱1,500

Total: ₱2,000–₱4,000 per month for occasional recreation.

Health and Personal Care

Health and hygiene expenses are usually minimal, but they should still be included in your monthly plan.

Estimated Monthly Costs:

• Toiletries and hygiene: ₱500–₱1,000

• Vitamins or basic medicine: ₱300–₱500

• Medical checkups: ₱300–₱700

If your school provides health insurance, you’ll only need to budget for minor needs.

Sample Monthly Budget Summary

Students living simply in shared dorms can survive on ₱18,000 per month, while those in private apartments and eating out frequently may spend up to ₱30,000 or more.

Comparison with Other Cities

Bacolod is significantly cheaper than other major student cities in the Philippines.

Because of this affordability, many local and international students prefer Bacolod for long-term studies.

Tips to Save Money as a Student

• Share accommodations to reduce rent.

• Cook meals instead of eating out daily.

• Use your student ID for discounts.

• Walk or bike if your school is nearby.

• Set a monthly spending limit and track expenses.

With good budgeting habits, you can enjoy a comfortable student life while saving money each month.

Conclusion

Living in Bacolod as a student is both affordable and enjoyable. With a monthly cost of ₱18,000–₱30,000, you can live comfortably, focus on your studies, and still enjoy leisure time.

The city’s low cost of living, friendly atmosphere, and growing number of student-friendly housing options make Bacolod one of the best places to study in the Philippines.