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Pagadian vs Grants Pass

Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.

Mindanao, Philippines
View Pagadian profile
#12 in Philippines
68
Overall Score
VS
Oregon, USA
View Grants Pass profile
#584 in USA
45
Overall Score
Pagadian scores higher overall

Score Breakdown

Pagadian
Grants Pass
Livability
74
70
Affordability
65
65
Business
68
60
Growth
70
62

Cost of Living

Pagadian is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about 57% lower than in Grants Pass. Housing costs are a major driver: Pagadian's average rent is 93% lower than Grants Pass's.
MetricPagadianGrants PassDiff
Average Rent
$102$1,450-93%
Groceries
$450$4500%
Utilities
$180$400-55%
Transport
$120$1200%
Healthcare
$250$150+67%
Monthly Total
$1,102$2,570-57%
Cost Index
95112out of 100

Salary & Income

Grants Pass offers 99% lower average salaries. However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Grants Pass delivers stronger purchasing power — meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day. The minimum comfortable salary in Pagadian is estimated at $55,000 vs $58,000 in Grants Pass.
MetricPagadianGrants Pass
Average Salary
$370$64,331
Salary Needed
$55,000$58,000
Purchasing Power
389 idx57,438 idx

Climate Comparison

Pagadian runs warmer on average — a 80.2°F difference year-round. For sunshine, Pagadian comes out ahead with 55 more sunny days per year, which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle. Winter severity differs too — Pagadian sees 0 more inches of snowfall annually.
MetricPagadianGrants Pass
Avg Temp
80.20°F°F
Summer High
84.60°F°F
Winter Low
74.00°F°F
Rainfall
132.10 in in
Snowfall
0.00 in in
Sunny Days
55
Humidity
%74.00%

Commute & Transport

Pagadian has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly 9,000 minutes (150 hours) per year compared to Grants Pass. Grants Pass scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living. For walkability, Grants Pass leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
MetricPagadianGrants Pass
Commute Time
min18 min
Transit Score
—27.0/100
Walkability
—40.0/100
Traffic Index
Car Dependency
MediumHigh

Economy & Demographics

Pagadian is the larger city — approximately 5.2x the population of Grants Pass. From a growth perspective, Pagadian is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services. On the employment side, Pagadian has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
MetricPagadianGrants Pass
Population
206,48340,051
Pop. Growth
1.18%0.90%
Median Age
23.040.8
Unemployment
2.24%5.60%
GDP
——

Pros & Cons

Pagadian
Advantages
Affordable cost of living, ranking among the least expensive cities globally and in the Philippines.
Growing economy with a focus on development, investment, and tourism, positioning it as a regional growth center.
Unique and scenic topography with rolling hills and coastal views, offering a distinct urban landscape.
Welcoming community and friendly locals, contributing to a strong sense of belonging and ease of integration for newcomers.
Relatively low traffic congestion compared to major Philippine cities.
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation options beyond tricycles and buses, which may not be ideal for everyone.
While improving, healthcare facilities may not be as extensive as in larger urban centers.
The city's hilly terrain, while scenic, can present challenges for certain types of development and accessibility.
Waste management remains a challenge due to increasing urbanization and coastal activities.
Potential for language barriers, though English is widely understood among the younger generation.
Grants Pass
Advantages
Access to world-class outdoor recreation on the Rogue River, including rafting and fishing.
More sunny days and a warmer, drier climate compared to much of western Oregon.
Housing is comparatively more affordable than larger West Coast cities and some other Oregon metros.
A growing arts and food scene in a walkable, historic downtown.
Friendly community atmosphere appealing to families and retirees.
Drawbacks
Overall crime rate is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to property crime.
Limited high-wage job opportunities compared to larger economic centers.
Air quality can be impacted by wildfire smoke during certain seasons.
Presence of a significant homeless population in the downtown core.
High car dependency due to minimal public transportation options.

Dive Deeper

Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.

Pagadian
#12
Mindanao, Philippines
68.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$102
Avg Salary
$370
Cost Index
95
Commute
min
Transit Score
—
Walkability
—
Sunny Days
55/yr
Avg Temp
80.20°F
Pop. Growth
1.18%
Unemployment
2.24%
Livability
74
Business
68
View Full Profile
Grants Pass
#584
Oregon, USA
45.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$64,331
Cost Index
112
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
27.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.90%
Unemployment
5.60%
Livability
70
Business
60
View Full Profile

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