Side-by-side city decision # Iloilo City vs Portland. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link Iloilo CityPhilippines2 VS PortlandUnited States3 $800Iloilo City monthly budget $2,400Portland monthly budget 25 MbpsIloilo City internet 100 MbpsPortland internet Decision summary Portland Portland leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Iloilo City Speed Fastest internet Portland Vibe Best nomad vibe Tie Safety Highest safety Iloilo City Air Cleanest air Portland Walk Most walkable Portland Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Iloilo City](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/iloilo-city.md) Philippines 2/6 Budget$800 Internet25 Mbps Vibe7/10 [Portland](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-states/portland.md) United States 3/6 Budget$2,400 Internet100 Mbps Vibe7/10 Full comparison ## Compare what matters Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner. Differences only ### Monthly budget and costs 7 signals Total estimated budget $800 $2,400 1-bed center rent $350 $1,600 Coworking desk $100 $250 Local meal $3.5 $18 Cappuccino $2.5 $5.5 Gym membership $30 $60 Transport budget $20 $100 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 25 Mbps 100 Mbps Nomad vibe 7/10 7/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 72/100 55/100 Air quality 62/100 65/100 Walkability 6/10 7/10 Female safety 7/10 7/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 7/10 9/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Average Good English proficiency Good Excellent Climate type Tropical monsoon Mediterranean Best time to visit Dec - Apr Jun - Sep Beyond the numbers ## What each city asks you to trade Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture. [Iloilo City](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/iloilo-city.md) Philippines → ### Strengths * Very low cost of living compared to Manila * Friendly and English-speaking locals * Delicious and affordable street food * Slow, relaxed pace of life * Improving internet infrastructure * Relatively safe city with low crime ### Trade-offs * Traffic congestion during peak hours * Limited nightlife options outside weekends * Frequent power outages in some areas * High humidity and heat year-round * Public transport is basic and crowded * Healthcare facilities are not world-class ### Common visa routes * 30-day visa-free * Balikbayan visa * 9A tourist visa extension * SRRV special investor [Portland](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-states/portland.md) United States → ### Strengths * Thriving food and coffee scene * Access to world-class outdoors and nature * Highly liberal and inclusive culture * Excellent bike infrastructure and walkability * No sales tax on most purchases * Strong digital nomad community ### Trade-offs * High homelessness and property crime issues * Persistent rain and overcast skies for months * Rising rent and cost of living * Traffic congestion on main corridors * Limited late-night nightlife options * Significant state income tax for long stays ### Common visa routes * ESTA (Visa Waiver) * B1/B2 Tourist Visa * H1B Work Visa Reading the result ## Use this as a planning benchmark The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices. Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices. Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity. Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.