Cost of Living in Cebu

I love Cebu so maybe I may seem biased but here's my perspective as an American who has spent many months, off and on, in Cebu. It is my other home. I have even owned a condo in Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu previously and a car there too.

First, it's a big city and like any big city you need to be careful. I don't find Cebu to be unsafe. I've felt just as safe in Cebu as I do in my native Los Angeles (California, USA). Obviously don't do things like flash money or valuables, etc. Use common sense... but as my mom used to say "common sense isn't so common" at least not these days.

Many people DO speak English but why would anyone go to a country where English isn't the first language and expect everyone to be fluent in English??? If you want to find people Fluent in English go to English speaking countries.

I'm learning Bisaya as it's my wife's native language (Nagkaton ko ug Bisaya) and I think if you're going to spend a reasonable amount of time in a country you should at least make some effort to learn a little of the language, you don't need to be fluent but it will be helpful to both you and the locals.

No place is perfect but I find Cebu to be very pleasant and I love it despite it's imperfections, I just feel at peace in Cebu.

Cebu does have traffic problems but it seems they're trying to resolve some of the congestion such as adding a 3rd bridge between Cebu City and Cordova/Mactan.

If you're curious about Cebu I recommend that you see it for yourself and check out other reviews for places to stay, sightseeing, etc.

I'm not one who focuses on race but i'm a conservative black American and haven't had any issues regarding race but there are a few who will charge any foreigner higher prices for things. If you go elsewhere you can find many others who are honest and reasonable.

Cebu city isn't safe, and internet is really slow unless you have a fiber connection.
Most of areas are unsafe at night, some are sort of dangerous at daylight too.
Even in deep province of Cebu island (such as Carcar city) I've been feeling much safer than here.
Also don't forget about terrible road traffic and the fact that most of locals here doesn't speak English.

Peacev = Bad, Racial Tolerance = Bad, LGBT Friendly = Bad

Sorry but this is simply not true here in the Philipines. The Koreans and the Chinese are very rude, unsofisticated not to mention dominant. But that something you'll see all over Asia nowadays.

I think revieuwers should at least try to notice the difference between Asians.

Professional fulltime Traveler since 2007

Just don't. Want to get ANY work done? Don't come here. I'm here now, hey. I wanna die. If 50 Kbps is your thing, let's go. Just don't go to this country in general. Internet is so bad, even Laos and Cambodia were MUCH better when it comes to free internet in coffee shops and co-working spaces.

Thinking about going to Manila or Cebu for travel + work? Don't.

By instant rock star status you mean the local idiots who point, laugh and stare and gossip in Bisaya? People are not friendly and should be kept at arm's length. Cebu is probably the best city in the Philippines though so all is not lost.

Lived in Cebu City for 15 years and as you can understand I liked it coz else I would have left. Started a business with 7 employees. As a white foreigner you get instant rock star status. The people are outstandingly friendly.
The air, traffic and humidity is terrible. It's a safe and fun city. Best public WiFi is in Starbucks. Lots of retired American Expats. Left when my two children entered middle school, no good affordable schools.

Stay near Cebu IT Park or Cebu Business Park. Hot and humid city, so use the Grab app, turn the AC on always, and shower daily. Must get a decent Cable ISP with Sky Cable or DSL line with PLDT, the LTE with Smart and Globe Data are lousy. You will not get any decent work done when you're in Bantayan / Camotes / Kawasan / Badian because you can only use LTE in these areas, and the signal is spotty. Airbnb condos in the city offer WiFi, join Facebook groups in Cebu, I noticed that they would usually advertise there. Good luck!

So so. Better than Manila as long you stick to Central Cebu. Terrible city to visit. Surprisingly decent and charming to live in. over time.