Cagayan de Oro, Philippines
The City of Golden Friendship, a major urban center in Mindanao known for whitewater rafting and economic growth.
Overview
Cagayan de Oro is a city in Misamis Oriental with a population of 728,000. The City of Golden Friendship, a major urban center in Mindanao known for whitewater rafting and economic growth. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 7b growing zone supports Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees. The population skews young, with a median age of 25.0.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Philippines Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Cagayan de Oro vs Philippines Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 12.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ₱ 290,000
- Unemployment: 5.5%
- Population: 728,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 190/year
- Summer High: 91°F
- Winter Low: 74°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 7b
Housing
- Median Home: ₱2,800,000
- 1BR Rent: ₱13000/mo
Cost of Living
Cagayan de Oro's cost of living index is 36 (Philippines average = 100).
| Category | Cagayan de Oro | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 36 | 100 | -64.0% |
| Housing | 24 | 100 | -76.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ₱2,800,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ₱13000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ₱16,250/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | ₱1,866 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Cagayan de Oro:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ₱3000 | |
| Heating & Cooling | N/A | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | ₱96 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | ₱800 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | ₱2000 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | ₱300 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | ₱6196 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Cagayan de Oro scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Cagayan de Oro has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 94°F | 74°F | 2.5" |
| April | 76°F | 89°F | 2.8" |
| July | 91°F | 66°F | 1.5" |
| October | 71°F | 92°F | 2.2" |
Mild — wide variety of vegetables, many fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Cagayan de Oro faces the following natural hazards:
Located in a highly active seismic zone with frequent major earthquakes.
Highly active volcanic region with frequent eruptions.
Archipelago frequently affected by tsunamis.
Frequently affected by typhoons.
Typhoon-induced floods and monsoon rains.
Mountainous terrain with typhoon-induced landslides.
Extreme summer heat.
Philippines experiences tornadoes.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 0% (None)
- Sales Tax: 12%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.5%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
School year shifted from June to August starting in 2024. Christmas break is the longest holiday.
Demographics
The population of Cagayan de Oro is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Philippine Statistics Authority (2020)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines?
The cost of living index in Cagayan de Oro is 36, which is Lower the Philippines national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Cagayan de Oro?
The median home price in Cagayan de Oro is ₱2,800,000. The housing index is 24.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cagayan de Oro is approximately ₱13000/mo.
Does Cagayan de Oro, MIS have income tax?
Cagayan de Oro is in MIS, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Cagayan de Oro?
Cagayan de Oro enjoys approximately 190 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 91°F, while winter lows can drop to around 74°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.