10 Richest Provinces and Cities Outside of Metro Manila

(SPOT.ph) For those who think wealth is confined within the capital, think again. The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reveals the top earners outside the bustling cities of Metro Manila.

In 2022, regions far from the national spotlight showed impressive economic prowess to bring in money as measured by the per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—the term used by economists to measure how much each person contributes to the country's economy. Interestingly, the top earners are distributed almost evenly across different regions in the country from Cagayan Valley all the way to Davao.

Leading the pack is Baguio City, which emerges as the wealthiest location outside of Metro Manila. Each resident of this mountainous city contributed P420,016 on average to the nation's economy in 2022.

Following closely are Cagayan de Oro and Lapu-Lapu, with individual contributions of P343,936 and P313,039, respectively. These figures tower over the national average of P178,751, showing that wealth is found in various corners of the archipelago.

Also read: How Much Are Houses in the Most Expensive Subdivisions of Metro Manila?

10 richest provinces and cities outside of Metro Manila

The PSA collected the economic data on 82 provinces and 17 major cities outside Metro Manila from November to December 2023.

Almost all provinces showed growth in 2022. The PSA found Aklan to have the quickest growth at 21.5%, along with areas like Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, and Nueva Vizcaya. However, none of these failed to land a spot in the top 10 richest when it comes to per capita GDP.

Below are the top 10 richest provinces and cities outside of Metro Manila.

Baguio City

Baguio City is not just a favorite vacation spot for its cool climate and beautiful landscapes, it is also a booming economic center in the Cordillera Administrative Region. With a per capita GDP of P420,016, it stands as the wealthiest area outside of the NCR. Its economy thrives on tourism, education, and information technology, with several universities and business process outsourcing (BPO) companies calling it home.

Also read: 10 Under-the-Radar Spots to Visit In and Around Baguio City

Cagayan de Oro

Cagayan de Oro is known as the "Gateway to Northern Mindanao" with a per capita GDP of P343,936. Its port serves as a major hub for commerce, industry, and trade in the region. The city also benefits from a robust business environment, fostering growth in retail, manufacturing, and agribusiness sectors.

Lapu-Lapu City

Lapu-Lapu City is a historic site with a thriving economic zone in Central Visayas, with a per capita GDP of P313,039. The city is heavily reliant on tourism, with luxury resorts and dive sports on Mactan Island. It also hosts the Mactan Export Processing Zone, where companies produce electronic components, furniture, and fashion accessories for international markets.

Iloilo City

Iloilo City is a key player in the Visayas region with a per capita GDP of P306,444. Its notable growth is driven by real estate development, with several new malls, hotels, and condominiums popping up in recent years. In rural areas, agriculture like rice and rish farming play a significant role.

Also read: Iloilo Among UNESCO's Creative Cities for Gastronomy

Bataan

Bataan is positioned strategically within Central Luzon, showcasing a per capita GDP of P297,930. The province is a significant player in the Philippine industrial scene with the Freeport Area of Bataan, which welcomes a wide range of businesses from manufacturing to tech startups. It is also no stranger to renewable energy production like solar power plants.

Also read: 10 Beach Resorts In and Around Bataan for Every Budget

Cebu City

Cebu City isn’t the Queen City of the South for nothing. With a per capita GDP of P293,426, its economic success stems from a mix of industries such as real estate, shipping, and tourism, making it a pivotal economic hub in the Visayas. Notably, its BPO sector is one of the largest in the country, hosting global companies in IT and customer service.

Also read: 10 Hotels In and Near Cebu City for Every Budget

Laguna

Laguna benefits from a strategic location near Metro Manila as it hosts several industrial parks specializing in electronics manufacturing and car assembly for brands like Toyota and Honda. There are also hot spring resorts in Calamba and Los Baños that boost local tourism. All this contributes to a per capita GDP of P287,280. 

Also read: 10 Best Places to Stay in Laguna

Mandaue City

Mandaue City is renowned for its furniture and woodcraft industry, exporting high-quality pieces all over the world. Since it is strategically placed in the heart of Metro Cebu, it remains a critical economic player to the region's development with a per capita GDP of P274,376.

Davao City

As the largest city in the Philippines in terms of land area, Davao City boasts a diverse economy with a per capita GDP of P258,811. Much of it is from its robust argicultural sector as the leading producer of banana, pineapple, and durian in the Philippines. This is only alongside its growing IT and tourism industry.

Batanes

Batanes might be the smallest province in terms of population and land area, but it surprises with a per capita GDP of P251,955. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture, with garlic, root crops, and fishing as mainstays. Tourism is also a fast-growing sector as visitors are drawn to its traditional Ivatan houses and unique landscapes of the well-preserved land.

Also read: 10 Exciting Things to Do in Batanes