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Davao City is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations for expats looking to settle in the Philippines, thanks to its affordable cost of living, family-friendly atmosphere, and safer reputation compared to other major Philippine cities.
Whether you are considering retirement, remote work, or starting a new chapter with your family, this guide covers everything you need to know about living in Davao City in 2026.
We constantly update this blog post with the latest data and insights to ensure you have the most accurate information available.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Davao City.
Is Davao City a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Davao City in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Davao City is on a slightly improving trajectory, with price stability and safety metrics trending positively compared to 2024 and 2025.
The most notable improvement has been in internet connectivity, as fiber optic coverage has expanded significantly across neighborhoods like Lanang, Bajada, and Matina, making remote work much more viable than it was just two years ago.
However, traffic congestion remains a persistent challenge in Davao City, particularly during rush hours along major roads like JP Laurel Avenue and in commercial areas near SM Lanang Premier, which can make daily commutes frustrating for residents without private vehicles.
Are hospitals good in Davao City in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospitals in Davao City offer good quality care by Philippine provincial standards, though they may not match the subspecialty depth you would find in Bangkok or Singapore for complex medical cases.
The two hospitals most commonly recommended by expats are Davao Doctors Hospital, which is a private facility with broad specialty services, and Southern Philippines Medical Center, which is the largest government hospital in the Philippines with over 1,500 beds and serves as the main referral center for all of Mindanao.
A standard doctor consultation in Davao City typically costs between 600 and 1,500 Philippine pesos for general practitioners (around 10 to 25 USD or 9 to 23 EUR) and between 1,200 and 2,500 pesos for specialists (around 20 to 42 USD or 18 to 38 EUR).
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats living in Davao City, especially if you want predictable costs at private hospitals, coverage for major hospitalizations, and medical evacuation options for complex cases that require treatment abroad.
Are there any good international schools in Davao City in 2026?
As of early 2026, Davao City has a smaller selection of international schools compared to Manila or Cebu, with roughly five to eight institutions offering international-style curricula, so families should start their school search early.
The most popular options among expat families include Stockbridge American International School, which offers American-benchmarked curricula from early childhood through Grade 12, and Precious International School of Davao, which is Cambridge-accredited and known for its diverse international student body.
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Davao City typically range from 180,000 to 450,000 Philippine pesos (around 3,000 to 7,600 USD or 2,800 to 7,000 EUR), plus an additional 30,000 to 120,000 pesos for fees, transport, uniforms, and activities.
Waitlists can be long for the most in-demand grades at popular international schools in Davao City, particularly for mid-year enrollments or students requiring ESL support, while public schools follow the DepEd K-12 structure but typically do not offer the curriculum continuity that expat families need.
Is Davao City a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Davao City is generally safer than many people assume when they mentally associate it with broader Mindanao security concerns, and it consistently ranks among the safest major cities in the Philippines.
The most common safety concerns for expats in Davao City are petty theft and occasional traffic-related incidents rather than violent crime, and local police data reported by GMA Regional TV showed that focus and index crimes dropped by over 23 percent in 2025 compared to 2024.
The safest neighborhoods for expats in Davao City include Lanang, Bajada, Matina, Ecoland, and parts of Buhangin, all of which feature newer condo developments, reliable utilities, and controlled-entry buildings with 24-hour security.
Women can generally live alone safely in Davao City by following standard big-city precautions such as choosing well-lit buildings with guards, using Grab or taxis at night, keeping valuables low-key, and avoiding isolated areas after dark.
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How much does everyday life cost in Davao City in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Davao City in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single expat can live comfortably in Davao City on a monthly budget of around 55,000 to 85,000 Philippine pesos (approximately 930 to 1,440 USD or 860 to 1,330 EUR), which covers rent in an expat-friendly neighborhood, utilities, food, transport, and leisure.
For a modest but decent lifestyle, a single person in Davao City can manage on around 45,000 to 55,000 pesos per month (760 to 930 USD or 700 to 860 EUR), though this means choosing a simpler apartment and limiting dining out.
A more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Davao City, with a nicer condo in Lanang or Bajada, frequent dining at quality restaurants, and regular leisure activities, typically requires 85,000 to 130,000 pesos per month (1,440 to 2,200 USD or 1,330 to 2,030 EUR).
Housing is the largest expense category in Davao City for most expats, with one-bedroom apartments in expat-favored areas costing between 20,000 and 35,000 pesos monthly, followed by groceries and dining out which can easily account for another 20,000 to 30,000 pesos.
What is the average income tax rate in Davao City in 2026?
As of early 2026, the effective income tax rate for a typical middle-income expat employee earning between 60,000 and 100,000 pesos per month in Davao City is approximately 10 to 15 percent, though higher earners will see effective rates climb to 15 to 22 percent.
The Philippines uses a progressive income tax system with marginal rates ranging from 0 percent on income up to 250,000 pesos annually to 35 percent on income exceeding 8 million pesos, but most expats in standard professional roles fall into the middle brackets with effective rates well below the top marginal rate.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in the Philippines versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Davao City in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Davao City in 2026?
As of early 2026, the largest groups of expats living in Davao City come from the United States, Australia, China, Japan, and South Korea, reflecting a mix of family ties, business connections, and retirement migration patterns.
The total number of foreign residents in Davao City is difficult to pin down precisely because official statistics do not break down expat populations by city, but estimates suggest a few thousand long-term foreign residents, which is significantly smaller than the expat communities in Manila or Cebu.
American and Australian expats are often drawn to Davao City by marriage to Filipino spouses, lower living costs compared to their home countries, and the city's reputation for safety, while Chinese, Japanese, and Korean residents are frequently connected to business ventures or agricultural investments in the region.
The expat population in Davao City is predominantly a mix of retirees using the SRRV visa, spouses and family-based residents on 13(a) marriage visas, and a growing number of remote workers and digital nomads attracted by the city's affordable lifestyle and improving internet infrastructure.
Where do most expats live in Davao City in 2026?
As of early 2026, expats in Davao City tend to concentrate in neighborhoods like Lanang, Bajada, Matina, Ecoland, Juna Subdivision, and parts of Buhangin, all of which offer newer condo developments, reliable utilities, and easy access to malls and the airport.
These neighborhoods are attractive to expats because they combine modern housing stock with walkability, proximity to essential services like hospitals and supermarkets, and controlled-entry buildings that provide an added sense of security uncommon in older residential areas.
Emerging neighborhoods that are starting to attract more expats in Davao City include parts of Toril for those seeking a more suburban lifestyle, and Samal Island for those willing to take a short ferry ride in exchange for beachfront living and a quieter environment.
Are expats moving in or leaving Davao City in 2026?
As of early 2026, Davao City is experiencing a steady net inflow of expats, driven primarily by retirees seeking affordable living, remote workers capitalizing on improved internet infrastructure, and spouses of Filipino citizens establishing long-term residence.
The main factor drawing expats to Davao City right now is the combination of significantly lower costs than Manila or Cebu with a safer and more family-oriented atmosphere, plus the added appeal of easy access to beaches on Samal Island and mountains like Mount Apo.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Davao City is the limited availability of international-standard healthcare for complex cases and the smaller international school selection, which can be problematic for families with specific educational needs.
Compared to other popular Philippine destinations like Cebu or Dumaguete, Davao City is growing its expat population more slowly but attracting a more settled demographic of long-stayers rather than short-term visitors or backpackers.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Davao City in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Davao City in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Davao City are the 9(g) pre-arranged employment visa for those with job offers, the 13(a) marriage visa for those married to Filipino citizens, and the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) for retirees and long-stay residents.
The 9(g) employment visa requires a valid job offer from a Philippine employer, an Alien Employment Permit from the Department of Labor, and various supporting documents including medical clearances and NBI clearance, with the employer handling most of the petition process.
The Philippines has established a Digital Nomad Visa framework through Executive Order No. 86, though implementation details and processing procedures are still being rolled out, so remote workers currently rely on tourist visa extensions or the SRRV if they qualify.
The 9(g) visa is typically valid for one to three years and can be renewed with employer sponsorship, the 13(a) starts as a one-year probationary visa before converting to permanent status, and the SRRV provides indefinite residency as long as the required deposit remains with the Philippine Retirement Authority.
How long does it take to get residency in Davao City in 2026?
As of early 2026, processing times for residency visas in Davao City typically range from six to twelve weeks for a 9(g) employment visa once all documents are complete, two to four months for a 13(a) marriage visa probationary processing, and four to eight weeks for an SRRV once deposits and documents are in order.
Common factors that can delay the residency application process in Davao City include incomplete documentation, backlogs at the Bureau of Immigration, missing police clearances or medical certificates, and delays in employer-side paperwork for sponsored visas.
For permanent residency or citizenship eligibility, expats on a 13(a) marriage visa can convert to permanent status after one year, while SRRV holders maintain indefinite residency without a path to citizenship, and naturalization in the Philippines generally requires ten years of continuous residence plus meeting other strict requirements.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of the Philippines. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Davao City in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Davao City in 2026?
As of early 2026, the industries hiring the most in Davao City are IT-BPM and contact centers, agribusiness and food processing (reflecting the region's status as the "Fruit Basket of the Philippines"), and construction and real estate development driven by the city's ongoing urban expansion.
It is realistic for expats to get hired in Davao City without speaking the local Bisaya language, as English is widely used in professional settings throughout the Philippines, though not speaking Bisaya or Filipino may limit opportunities in customer-facing local roles.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Davao City include senior technical positions in IT and engineering, English teaching and training roles, management positions in multinational companies, and specialized consulting work in agriculture, hospitality, or real estate development.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Davao City in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical gross salary range for locally hired expats in professional roles in Davao City is between 60,000 and 140,000 Philippine pesos per month (approximately 1,000 to 2,400 USD or 930 to 2,200 EUR).
Entry-level and mid-level expat positions in Davao City typically pay between 60,000 and 100,000 pesos per month (1,000 to 1,700 USD or 930 to 1,570 EUR), which is comfortable for single expats but modest by international standards.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Davao City, such as country managers, technical directors, or highly specialized consultants, can command salaries of 150,000 to 300,000 pesos per month or more (2,500 to 5,100 USD or 2,300 to 4,700 EUR).
Employers in Davao City do not commonly sponsor work visas for foreign hires unless the candidate brings a scarce skill set or fills a senior technical or leadership role that cannot be filled locally, making the 9(g) employment visa relatively uncommon in this market.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Davao City right now?
What do expats love most about living in Davao City right now?
Expats consistently praise Davao City for its quick access to nature destinations like Samal Island and Mount Apo, the city's manageable size compared to chaotic Manila, and the genuine warmth and friendliness of the local community.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Davao City is the relaxed, family-oriented pace of life, which feels more grounded and less frenetic than other major Philippine cities while still offering modern conveniences like quality malls, cafes, and gyms.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Davao City is the significantly lower cost of living compared to Manila or Cebu, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle on a modest budget and making it an excellent choice for retirees and remote workers seeking value.
The social and cultural aspect that makes Davao City particularly enjoyable for expats is the genuine hospitality of Davaoeños, who are known for being approachable and helpful, making it relatively easy for newcomers to feel welcomed and integrated into the community.
What do expats dislike most about life in Davao City right now?
The top complaints from expats living in Davao City include the limited selection of international schools and global-city amenities compared to Manila, the Mindanao perception gap that causes worry among friends and family abroad, and occasional power and internet variability depending on the neighborhood.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats the most in Davao City is traffic congestion combined with the lack of reliable public transportation, which means most expats depend heavily on Grab, taxis, or private vehicles to get around efficiently.
The bureaucratic issue causing the most headaches for expats in Davao City is the process of extending tourist visas or converting to long-term residency status, which often requires multiple trips to the Bureau of Immigration office and can involve unpredictable wait times and document requirements.
These frustrations are generally manageable rather than deal-breakers for most expats, as the lower cost of living, safety, and quality of life tend to outweigh the inconveniences for those who appreciate a calmer, less international-bubble lifestyle.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Davao City right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Davao City include the city's notably strict approach to rules and regulations (like smoking bans and curfews), the slower pace of getting things done compared to Western efficiency standards, and the deeply family-centric social structure that can feel unfamiliar to individualistic cultures.
The social norm that surprises newcomers the most in Davao City is the strong emphasis on respect for authority and community rules, a legacy of the city's law-and-order reputation, which manifests in everything from no-smoking enforcement to the expectation of orderly behavior in public spaces.
The aspect of daily routines that takes the longest for expats to adjust to in Davao City is the "Filipino time" approach to schedules and appointments, where meetings and social gatherings often start later than planned and business processes move at a more relaxed pace than many Westerners expect.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in the Philippines compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Davao City in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Davao City in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign property ownership in Davao City is restricted by constitutional law, which generally prohibits foreigners from owning land in the Philippines, though there are legal pathways for owning certain property types.
The specific restriction that applies to foreigners is that they cannot own land or house-and-lot properties directly, except in narrow cases like hereditary succession involving Filipino heirs, which means most foreigners rely on alternative arrangements like long-term leases or corporate structures.
Foreigners can legally own condominium units in Davao City under the Condominium Act (Republic Act 4726), provided that Filipino citizens own at least 60 percent of the total units in the building, making condos the most straightforward property investment option for expats.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Davao City.
What is the average price per m² in Davao City in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average asking price per square meter for condominiums in Davao City ranges from approximately 140,000 to 160,000 Philippine pesos (around 2,370 to 2,710 USD or 2,190 to 2,500 EUR), though prices vary significantly by location and development quality.
Property prices in Davao City have been trending gradually upward over the past two to three years, driven by infrastructure improvements, population growth, and increasing interest from both local and foreign investors seeking alternatives to the more expensive Metro Manila market.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Davao City here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Davao City in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Davao City are available but limited, with stricter requirements than those for Filipino citizens, and not all banks are willing to lend to foreign nationals without a Filipino co-borrower.
The banks known to offer mortgages to foreigners for condo purchases in the Philippines include BDO, BPI, and Metrobank, though each has specific visa and documentation requirements that must be met.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Davao City include a 20 to 30 percent down payment (compared to as low as 10 percent for locals), interest rates currently ranging from 6 to 9.5 percent per annum for fixed-rate periods, and maximum loan terms of 10 to 15 years rather than the 20 years available to Filipino borrowers.
To qualify for a mortgage as a foreigner in Davao City, you typically need a valid long-term visa (such as SRRV, 9(g), or 13(a)), proof of stable income for at least two years, a Philippine Tax Identification Number, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and in some cases a Filipino co-borrower or guarantor.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in The Philippines.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Davao City, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas | The Philippine central bank publishes official inflation outlook data. | We used it to understand what 2026 purchasing power feels like after recent inflation. We also used it to sanity-check budget and salary estimates. |
| Philippine Information Agency | Official government news agency reporting PSA regional statistics. | We used it to ground cost of living context in Davao Region's latest inflation data. We referenced the December 2025 report showing 2.2% regional inflation. |
| U.S. State Department | High-scrutiny government risk assessment relied on by travelers globally. | We used it to separate Mindanao-wide risk narratives from specific Davao City safety notes. We anchored safety advice on their official travel advisory framework. |
| GMA Network Regional TV | Major national broadcaster citing official Davao City Police Office data. | We used it to provide a concrete year-over-year crime comparison. We referenced their report on the 23% crime rate reduction in 2025. |
| Bureau of Immigration | The official Philippine immigration authority for visa procedures. | We used it to describe work and residency visa pathways accurately. We referenced their 9(g), 13(a), and other visa requirement pages. |
| Philippine Retirement Authority | The government agency administering the SRRV retirement visa program. | We used it to explain the retiree residency pathway and eligibility requirements. We also used it to contextualize expat migration patterns. |
| Bureau of Internal Revenue | The official tax authority's hub for income tax brackets and regulations. | We used it to anchor income tax explanations in official legal sources. We translated statutory rates into realistic effective rate estimates for expats. |
| DotProperty | Large property portal with transparent, timestamped inventory listings. | We used it to derive Davao City-specific price per square meter estimates. We relied on their aggregated asking price data rather than Manila averages. |
| Lawphil - Condominium Act | Primary legal text defining condo ownership mechanics in the Philippines. | We used it to explain how foreigners can legally own condo units. We anchored property ownership advice in the actual statutory framework. |
| Department of Education | The government authority for public education policy and structure. | We used it to explain the K-12 system and contextualize school choices. We referenced it when discussing why expats often choose private schools. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in the Philippines. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
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