Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines 🇵🇭
#1564
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cagayan de Oro City, also known as 'CDO', is the capital of the province of Misamis Oriental and is known for its vibrant culture, welcoming locals, and as the gateway to Northern Mindanao. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 700,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 25-50 Mbps, varies by provider |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 PHP ≈ 0.018 USD (April 2025 exchange rate) |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink, though bottled water is recommended for better taste. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, Type A, Type B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from providers like Globe and Smart; prepaid plans starting from ₱50. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include BPI, BDO, and Metrobank; international transactions supported. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, major cards accepted in most establishments, and mobile payments like GCash are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings provide ample short-term rental options, with prices around ₱1,500 - ₱3,000 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like GPoint Parkview Hostel and Casa De Cagayan are affordable, with prices starting at ₱500 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Pueblo de Oro area and along Avenida Rodelsa are popular due to amenities and accessibility. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Downtown Cagayan de Oro offers a blend of coworking spaces and local cafes, ideal for remote work. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Coworking Space – provides decent facilities with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Fig Tree Cafe – known for its ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi; located in the city center. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by local tech groups and expat communities. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Cagayan de Oro Expat Community Facebook group helps newcomers to connect and network. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular ride-hailing app in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local bike rentals available, with options for electric scooters around the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | El Salvador Beach, approximately 30 minutes from the city. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines serve regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Philippine Airlines offers international flights through Laguindingan Airport, 45 mins away. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Laguindingan-Cagayan de Oro Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cagayan de Oro Jeepney Terminal serves as the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Jeepney fares range from ₱8 to ₱25 depending on distance. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate regularly to nearby cities such as Bukidnon and Iligan. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Maria Reyna Xray and Laboratory Center – well-equipped and serves patients efficiently. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Hub CDO offers various classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Anytime Fitness are popular choices for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats like LaundriHouse provide self-service options and laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food Panda and GrabFood are highly used for delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Cagayan de Oro's Pastel - a local pastry with a variety of fillings. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Healthfood Cafe offers a range of vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Krispy Kreme and local bakeries like Red Ribbon are favorites for sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Cogon Market is great for budget groceries and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular online marketplaces for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services like Happy Mart provide convenient options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Divisoria is the go-to nightlife district with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Barley Bar serves locally brewed artisanal beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bodega serves a good selection of wines in a cozy atmosphere. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street foods are abundant in Divisoria, offering local favorites at affordable prices. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza Republic is known for its delicious pizzas and casual dining atmosphere. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Macahambus Cave and Eco-Trail is a unique natural attraction within the city. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Dr. Jose P. Rizal Memorial Museum is a cultural gem in the city. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Cagayan de Oro Cathedral, an iconic structure, holds historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Augustine Cathedral is a must-visit for its architectural beauty. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Kagay-an Festival held every August showcases local culture and traditions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center pulsates with local arts and crafts, especially during festivals. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Rizal Memorial Theater regularly hosts performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Cogon Market is a vibrant local market for food and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature performances by emerging artists and bands. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city is dotted with murals that reflect the local culture and history. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Luzviminda Cooking School offers classes focusing on Filipino cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Various local galleries showcase the works of Mindanaoan artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Cagayan de Oro's Old Capitol Building is an architecturally significant site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Celebrations of local traditions like the 'Pasundayag' represent the rich heritage of the region. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The mountainous area of Bukidnon is about 1.5 hours away, ideal for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mindu National Park offers hiking trails and stunning views. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The city has several parks and paths, including Gaston Park. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoints along the Cagayan de Oro River provide great photo opportunities. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Villarosa Farm is known for its diverse avian species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Catanico Falls has designated areas for bonfires during camping. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS Express are trusted for parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in the city center provide reliable tech repair options. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English and Filipino language classes are offered at various language schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Cagayan de Oro City Library is a quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various barangay halls offer community events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming venues like Game Con offer spaces for video game enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The City of Dreams offers various gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱70,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₱2,800,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱50,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₱2,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱65,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱3,900,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱45,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₱2,700,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₱60,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱4,800,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₱40,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₱3,200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Typically 15% for foreign shareholders. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on a progressive rate for individual income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum rate is 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% standard Value Added Tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, foreign corporations are subject to taxation based on local laws. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are based on assessed values. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% for property transfers. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | The Philippines offers various incentives, including the Special Resident Retirement Visa (SRRV). |