The Philippines

Is Manila or Cebu a better place to live here in the Philippines and why?

Business wise, I know that Manila is better because there is not much money here in Cebu, but I hear that people there may be more dangerous. I also hear that property and rentals are higher in Manila, right along with electricity too. But I would like to know which Province is nicer or better to live in as a whole. My husband insists that he wants to live and work in Manila, but I like Cebu better.

Public Comments

1. Do you speak Bisaya or Tagalog? Even though people from Cebu speak both of those language, most of them will speak Bisaya, and if you are Tagalog, it'd be challenging for you to understand them, then Manila would be a sensible choice. However, if language difference doesn't matter to you, I would advise Cebu. It's a growing city, and it's way cleaner and nicer than Manila. Cebu is sort of the capital of Visayas since that's main city and even people from Mindanao visit Cebu for fun travels. Manila, I remember, is polluted, dirty, and has excessive traffic. I would prefer to live in Cebu where it's not too big of a city, and it's easier to get around. There are probably higher crime rates in Manila, since there's Tondo and other poor slums nearby.
2. well i grew up in manila and ive never been to cebu so i don't really know... manila has a lot of pollution and you know, snatchers (muggers) but it's a very beautiful city... there are a lot of malls and parks and stuff... well it depends...
3. As an Englishman I would say Cebu. They have lovely beaches/resorts but for me Manila is a place where I feel that I must always be looking over my shoulder - hard for me to feel safe.
4. I would want to live in Cebu basically because people there are more good natured. Don't get me wrong, Manilenos. There are good people here in Manila but there are more in Cebu. Here in Manila, most people have the "mind your own business attitude." I lived in an apartment for 3 years but we never really got to be close with our neighbors as they were too busy (we rarely see each other) and they are not that welcoming. Everyone here is almost wary of everyone. I recently moved to a condo and it's the same case. I don't know who my neighbors are. In Cebu, I was there for a couple of months but I know everyone. It's the same case as in my province which is Aklan. I know my neighbors and we get to borrow stuff from each other, even share the same food. In Manila, rental is high. It depends on the location but rental in Makati is the highest. My apartment in Quezon City which I shared with my friends cost Php10,000 and when I moved to Makati, our condo cost almost Php25,000. In Cebu, you can rent a one bedroom apartment for Php3,000, right? Electricity and water is also expensive. In Manila, you won't have to have a backyard full of vegetables or a garden with flowers. Space here is a luxury. My only plants are cacti on small pots when in the province, I had a whole garden, with orchids and flowering plants. Also, most apartments and condos don't allow pets which is a pity as I really want to adopt a dog or a cat. Also, Manila's traffic is really bad. The only good thing about Manila is that here, the salary is really high. I actually wanted to work in Aklan but my job offer there right after college is only Php6,500. Here in Manila, the minimum wage is Php8,000. Now, because I have experience, my salary is almost as high as what my mom earns which is saying something because my mom has been in the government for more than 25 years!) I am here in Manila only to earn money but the moment I have enough earnings, I'll go back to my province. Settling down in Manila is just not for me.
5. cebu has got most everything that manila got but cost of living is more affordable and also not as densely populated.