Performance
Score Breakdown
General Santos
Al Qusaidat
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
General Santos is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
71% lower compared to Al Qusaidat.
Housing costs are a major driver: General Santos's average rent is
88% lower than Al Qusaidat's.
| Metric | General Santos | Al Qusaidat | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $177 | $1,500 | -88% |
| Groceries | $300 | $450 | -33% |
| Utilities | $100 | $180 | -44% |
| Transport | $80 | $150 | -47% |
| Healthcare | $50 | $200 | -75% |
| Monthly Total | $707 | $2,480 | -71% |
| Cost Index | 35 | 65 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Al Qusaidat offers 84% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Al Qusaidat delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in General Santos is estimated at
$14,400 vs $40,000 in Al Qusaidat.
| Metric | General Santos | Al Qusaidat |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $7,000 | $44,760 |
| Salary Needed | $14,400 | $40,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 20,000 idx | 68,862 idx |
| Household Income | $12,000 | $28,860 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | General Santos | Al Qusaidat |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 63.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Al Qusaidat has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to General Santos.
General Santos scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, General Santos leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | General Santos | Al Qusaidat |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 35 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 55.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 55.00 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
General Santos is the larger city
— approximately 1.8x the population of Al Qusaidat.
From a growth perspective, Al Qusaidat is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Al Qusaidat has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | General Santos | Al Qusaidat |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 722,059 | 400,000 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.84% | 2.50% |
| Median Age | 24.0 | |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 2.17% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $13.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
General Santos
Advantages
Renowned as the "Tuna Capital of the Philippines," boasting a significant global presence in the fishing industry.
A major agricultural hub, producing a variety of export-quality goods and livestock.
Offers a relatively low cost of living, making it an affordable place to reside compared to other Philippine cities.
Serves as a key economic and industrial center, acting as a gateway to southern Mindanao.
Recognized for its well-planned urban layout, contributing to smoother traffic flow and efficient development.
Drawbacks
Susceptible to natural disasters, as evidenced by the mention of the 2026 Mindanao earthquake.
Faces traffic congestion in key areas, particularly during peak hours and market days.
Beaches in close proximity to the city are noted as not being ideal due to potential pollution.
While improving, high-skilled job opportunities may be less diverse compared to larger metropolitan centers.
Internet speeds, though improving with fiber optic availability, were historically noted as slow in some areas.
Al Qusaidat
Advantages
Ras Al Khaimah recorded a high Safety Index score of 83.8 in 2025, making it one of the safest cities globally.
The cost of living in Ras Al Khaimah is significantly more affordable than in Dubai, with rent being 45.5% less.
Ras Al Khaimah's real GDP is projected to grow by an average of 4% annually from 2024-2027, indicating strong economic prospects.
The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) saw a 44% increase in new company registrations in 2025, highlighting a robust business environment.
The emirate's tourism sector experienced a 5.1% growth in hotel guests in 2024, with significant future expansion planned.
Drawbacks
Specific median age data for Al Qusaidat or Ras Al Khaimah is not readily available from recent sources.
Detailed public transit and walkability scores for Al Qusaidat are not available, suggesting potential reliance on private vehicles.
While overall crime rates are low, specific localized crime data for Al Qusaidat is not detailed in available sources.
The average monthly net salary in Ras Al Khaimah (approx. $3,730 USD) is lower than in major UAE cities like Dubai.
Summers in Ras Al Khaimah are extremely hot and muggy, with daily highs often exceeding 40°C (104°F) and high humidity.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
General Santos
#4Mindanao, Philippines
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$177
Avg Salary
$7,000
Cost Index
35
Commute
35 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.84%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
70
Business
65
Al Qusaidat
#2Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,500
Avg Salary
$44,760
Cost Index
65
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.50%
Unemployment
2.17%
Livability
77
Business
80
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between General Santos and Al Qusaidat.
Open Cost Calculator