Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Philippines

Philippines
Based on our comparison, Iloilo wins 6 out of 8 categories.Cebu wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Cebu and Iloilo, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Iloilo
$612/mo
Best Internet
Cebu
95 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Cebu
7.7/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Iloilo if budget is your top priority, or Cebu if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Cebu and Iloilo for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Iloilo is the more budget-friendly option at $612/month versus Cebu's $927/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Cebu leads with 95 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Iloilo offers 70 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 6/10, Iloilo offers better security than Cebu (5.1/10).
Overall: Cebu earns a higher NomadIQ score of 7.7/10, making it slightly more suited for the digital nomad lifestyle.
Iloilo is 34% cheaper than Cebu.
Iloilo has a higher safety score (6/10) compared to Cebu (5.1/10).
5.1/10
Cebu
6/10
Iloilo
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Cebu offers faster internet at 95 Mbps vs 70 Mbps.
95 Mbps
Cebu
70 Mbps
Iloilo
Based on our analysis, Iloilo edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.
Cebu: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Iloilo: Best for budget-conscious expats
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