One of the things to consider when looking for an area where you can settle is to determine the economic and social activities around the area. This is especially true for young professionals looking to start their careers or others who want to seek opportunities in the big cities. Living in highly urbanized cities can provide you with a lot of resources and job opportunities. In addition, there are many facilities like hospitals and clinics that give you easy access to health. There are also tons of amenities and entertainment centers like cinemas, parks, museums, restaurants, and clubs that would help you ease your mind from the daily hurdles of life. These are some of the perks that you will have upon settling in a city. However, a lot more awaits should you want to live in the richest cities in the country. As such, we listed some of the richest cities in the Philippines last year. The compilation of this list was based on the total assets of the city last year. At the same time, we also included information regarding the livability of the location to help you decide to move into the city. Here are the ten wealthiest cities in the Philippines in 2021.
10. ZAMBOANGA CITY
One of the richest cities in the Philippines is found in Mindanao. The city rakes in about P19.775 billion pesos where most of which comes from its large sardine industry. Hence, the city is also dubbed the “Sardine Capital of the Philippines.” However, it also goes by other nicknames such as the “City of Flowers” due to its lush and colorful landscapes, and also “Asia’s Latin City” since the area is one of the few strongholds of Spanish presence in Mindanao. Zamboanga is also one of the largest cities in the Philippines, ranking third in terms of land area. This makes them very comfortable to live in despite having a large concentration of people.
9. CALOOCAN CITY
The City of Caloocan is one of the top-performing cities today. It was only considered one of the country’s richest cities last 2016 and has continued to perform and maintain itself in the charts. According to a 2020 census, Caloocan is the fourth largest city according to population. Nevertheless, it is still an ideal place to live because it caters to businesses and industries while also serving as a residential hub. The city is divided into two portions, wherein the south leans to a more industry and commercial-friendly orientation since it shares the border with other wealthy cities like Quezon and Manila.
On the other hand, the northern part of Caloocan offers residential spaces for families where they could settle. This portion also shared a border with other residential hubs like Rizal, which is very accessible to access. Should you plan to settle here but do not want to experience the rigors of city living, consider Bria Homes, which offers affordable housing in Montalban, Rizal.
8. DAVAO CITY
The “Crown Jewel of Mindanao.” Together with Zamboanga, Davao also shares the title of being one of the wealthiest cities in the Philippines found in Mindanao. It is the largest city in terms of land area and the most populous city outside Metro Manila. Its total assets last year amounted to P23.664 billion pesos. Davao is also recognized as the city wherein most, if not all, of the economic activities in Mindanao occur. Its metropolitan area only pales in comparison with Metro Manila. The place is also home to the highest mountain in the Philippines, Mount Apo, and also offers the best Durian fruits in the country.
The city has also been consistently recognized as one of the safest cities to live in, making it very ideal to become one of your top choices. However, living within the metro is very expensive. Fortunately, Bria Homes offers housing both in Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur. They offer very affordable prices for Filipino families.
Read article: Top 10 Safest Cities to Live in the Philippines
7. TAGUIG CITY
Home to one of the major central business districts in the country, Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The large business activities earned the city P30.862 billion pesos. The city is full of activity, from businesses that operate non-stop to its lively nightlife and clubs. Taguig is perfect for young professionals who want to find job opportunities and kickstart their careers.
6. MANDAUE CITY
Although a lesser-known city from Visayas, Mandaue City occupies the 6th rank on our list, having an asset of P32.570 billion pesos. Despite this, the city also has a small population of more than 350,000 people. The city is known as the furniture capital of the Philippines due to its excellent furniture industry.
5. CEBU CITY
Cebu City is considered the richest city in Visayas, with a total asset of P34.754 billion pesos. It tops into almost all aspects of living, such as commerce, education, culture, tourism, healthcare, and many more. It is the most populous place in the whole of Visayas, reaching almost a million. The city is also the country’s main domestic trading hub. Its metropolitan area, Metro Cebu, is the third largest, only topped by Metro Davao and Metro Manila, respectively.
Cebu is a highly recommended place to live, so much so that it is one of the locations wherein Bria Homes introduced their Bria Flats located in Lapu-Lapu city. It is the prime example of Bria’s continuing efforts to provide affordable housing that is oftentimes challenging due to the large expenses of city living. You may read the article below for more information.
Read the article: Bria Homes Highlight Affordable City Living with Condo Development
4. PASIG CITY
With a total asset of P49.510 billion pesos, Pasig is the fourth wealthiest city in the Philippines. It owes its reputation due to increasing commercial activity thanks to its own commercial business district, Ortigas Center. There are a lot of entertainment activities available as it is located near large shopping centers. Should you plan to settle here, it is viable that you find a comfortable place within the city since it is difficult to mobilize due to heavy traffic exacerbated by developmental projects such as the Metro Manila Subway.
3. MANILA CITY
The historic city of Manila occupies the third spot having a total asset of P76.548 billion pesos. It is also the current capital of the Philippines. The city has the largest concentration of population in the Philippines and in the world. Manila boasts a lot of cultural heritage owing to the large Spanish influence when they colonized the country before. The city is full of the hustle and bustle and also hosts some of the most sought universities in the country. The large population results in an influx of economic and commercial activity, making it a strong option for many young professionals and other individuals seeking opportunities.
2. MAKATI CITY
Characterized by its towering structures, Makati City has a total asset of over P238.464 billion pesos. This city is considered the financial center of the country. Foreign embassies, banks, and corporate headquarters are all based in this area. Although it only has a population of 600,000 people, it has a small land area, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The city has a lot of work and business activity, and this led to it snagging the richest city title for three years until it was regained back by the city that is sitting on our number one spot.
1. QUEZON CITY
Also known as the “City of Stars,” Quezon City holds the first spot for the richest city in the Philippines in 2021 with a total asset of over P452.333 billion pesos. By its reputation, many economic and social activities occur within the area. Both the cities of Quezon and Makati had long enjoyed healthy competition regarding the richest city title, which Makati had managed to grab in last 2017.
It is the Philippines’ largest city in both land area and population. It was the previous capital until it was moved back into Manila. The large land area is home to many recognizable facilities, such as the Araneta Coliseum, SM North Edsa, and TriNoma. Its nickname as the “City of Starts” was derived from the presence of the headquarters of the country’s local channels, GMA 7, and the recently closed ABS-CBN Network. In addition, the city is home to the country’s premier higher educational institutions, Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines in Diliman.
If you are ever planning to move into one of the cities mentioned above, you must know that it would entail a lot of money because rent and housing expenses within this area, especially in the city centers, are expensive. Luckily for you, the proximity of Bria Homes gives you the option to be able to live near these cities at an affordable price. Bria Homes is a real estate company that is made for ordinary Filipino families and individuals who are looking for high-quality yet cheap housing.
Furthermore, the problem of overcrowding within these cities is starting to be felt. This makes it reasonable for you to consider settling or investing in neighboring areas with high levels of development so that you will be able to firmly plant your foot even before the city booms. This can also be provided for you by Bria as they are located within close proximity of the five out of ten cities mentioned (Quezon City, Caloocan City, Davao City, Mandaue City, and Cebu City). For more information, refer to the article below or visit the Bria Homes website!
Read article: How to Choose Where to Invest in Real Estate
Written by Angelo Jade Caputolan
