Davao City, Philippines
Mindanao's largest city and a model of urban planning, known for its safety, Mount Apo, and durian fruit.
Overview
Davao City is a city in Davao with a population of 1,776,000. Mindanao’s largest city and a model of urban planning, known for its safety, Mount Apo, and durian fruit. Housing is more affordable than the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 8a growing zone supports Warm — citrus, avocados, tomatoes, peppers. 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
Davao City vs Philippines Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: None
- Sales Tax: 12.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: ₱ 300,000
- Unemployment: 4.0%
- Population: 1,776,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 195/year
- Summer High: 90°F
- Winter Low: 75°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 8a
Housing
- Median Home: ₱2,800,000
- 1BR Rent: ₱15000/mo
Cost of Living
Davao City's cost of living index is 35 (Philippines average = 100).
| Category | Davao City | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 35 | 100 | -65.0% |
| Housing | 22 | 100 | -78.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ₱2,800,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | ₱15000/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | ₱18,750/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 Davao City:
| 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
Davao City scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Davao City has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 95°F | 75°F | 2.5" |
| April | 75°F | 90°F | 2.8" |
| July | 90°F | 65°F | 1.5" |
| October | 70°F | 93°F | 2.2" |
Warm — citrus, avocados, tomatoes, peppers
Natural Hazards
Davao City 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 4.0%.
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
School year shifted from June to August starting in 2024. Christmas break is the longest holiday.
Demographics
The population of Davao City 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 Davao City, Philippines?
The cost of living index in Davao City is 35, which is Lower the Philippines national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Davao City?
The median home price in Davao City is ₱2,800,000. The housing index is 22.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Davao City is approximately ₱15000/mo.
Does Davao City, DAV have income tax?
Davao City is in DAV, which has no income tax.
What is the climate like in Davao City?
Davao City enjoys approximately 195 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 75°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.