Cost of Living in Butuan - Updated Prices & Insights

17.05
Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $432 (excluding rent), and $728 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $983 (excluding rent), and $1,522 including rent.
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.48 ₱249
$2.69 ₱150
$8.95 ₱498
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$16.17 ₱901
$10.79 ₱601
$35.95 ₱2,001
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$2.37 ₱132
$2.11 ₱118
$4.83 ₱269
Cappuccino
$1.67 ₱93
$0.9 ₱50.1
$3.59 ₱200
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.33 ₱18.2
$0.31 ₱17.13
$1.28 ₱71.2
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.31 ₱17.52
$0.28 ₱15.77
$1.86 ₱103
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.18 ₱65.8
$0.79 ₱43.9
$3.95 ₱220
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.73 ₱96.3
$1.21 ₱67.4
$3.47 ₱193
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.64 ₱91.1
$1.56 ₱86.8
$1.9 ₱106
White Bread (500g)
$1.03 ₱57.2
$0.87 ₱48.47
$1.42 ₱79
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.93 ₱52
$0.73 ₱40.52
$1.73 ₱96.4
Eggs
$2 ₱111
$1.47 ₱81.8
$2.7 ₱150
Local Cheese (1kg)
$5.8 ₱323
$4.53 ₱252
$8.71 ₱485
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.68 ₱205
$3.51 ₱195
$5.26 ₱293
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.21 ₱401
$6.11 ₱340
$15.03 ₱837
Apples (1kg)
$1.46 ₱81.3
$1.46 ₱81.3
$3.65 ₱203
Banana (1kg)
$0.54 ₱30.26
$0.54 ₱30.26
$1.56 ₱86.8
Oranges (1kg)
$0.86 ₱47.64
$0.68 ₱38
$3.07 ₱171
Tomato (1kg)
$1.35 ₱75.4
$0.43 ₱24.04
$2.09 ₱116
Potato (1kg)
$2.18 ₱121
$1.72 ₱95.7
$3.45 ₱192
Onion (1kg)
$3.27 ₱182
$1.79 ₱99.6
$4.48 ₱249
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.36 ₱75.8
$0.44 ₱24.71
$2.5 ₱139
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.54 ₱29.85
$0.43 ₱23.88
$0.78 ₱43.43
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.5 ₱139
$2.5 ₱139
$2.86 ₱159
Wine (Bottle)
$5.71 ₱318
$5.71 ₱318
$10.71 ₱596
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$0.77 ₱42.85
$0.77 ₱42.85
$2.22 ₱123
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.91 ₱50.5
$0.91 ₱50.5
$2.71 ₱151
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.28 ₱15.65
$0.19 ₱10.43
$0.36 ₱20.28
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.76 ₱42.28
$0.74 ₱41.13
$0.93 ₱51.6
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.23 ₱12.77
$0.21 ₱11.71
$0.25 ₱13.84
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$2.08 ₱116
$1.73 ₱96.5
$3.12 ₱174
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.15 ₱64.2
$1.09 ₱60.8
$1.37 ₱76.2
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$22.2K ₱1.2M
$17.8K ₱990.7K
$23.1K ₱1.3M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$20.9K ₱1.2M
$17.8K ₱989.2K
$28.4K ₱1.6M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$103 ₱5,742
$70.1 ₱3,903
$131 ₱7,317
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$33.16 ₱1,846
$8.69 ₱484
$43.45 ₱2,419
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$36.28 ₱2,020
$30.23 ₱1,683
$53.3 ₱2,970
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$34.11 ₱1,899
$14.26 ₱794
$40.11 ₱2,233
Cinema Ticket
$4.41 ₱245
$2.65 ₱147
$7.94 ₱442
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$70.2 ₱3,907
$70.2 ₱3,907
$175 ₱9,766
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$1,807 ₱100.6K
$1,807 ₱100.6K
$9,034 ₱503K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$45.53 ₱2,535
$8.81 ₱490
$70.5 ₱3,925
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$10.18 ₱567
$10.18 ₱567
$54.5 ₱3,036
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$69.8 ₱3,884
$52.3 ₱2,913
$97.7 ₱5,438
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$69.8 ₱3,887
$41.44 ₱2,307
$108 ₱6,018
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$263 ₱14.6K
$149 ₱8,298
$351 ₱19.5K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$175 ₱9,722
$101 ₱5,611
$219 ₱12.2K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$589 ₱32.8K
$266 ₱14.8K
$770 ₱42.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$393 ₱21.9K
$212 ₱11.8K
$485 ₱27K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$114 ₱6,353
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
9.56
6.8
12
Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in Butuan - Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cost of living in Butuan compare for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Compared with bigger metro areas in the Philippines, the Cost of Living in Butuan, Philippines tends to be more approachable for everyday expenses. You will find affordable housing options in comfortable neighborhoods within reach of the city center, balanced grocery choices, and inexpensive local meals that let you eat well without breaking budget. Utilities and internet are generally stable for remote work, and you can mix coworking with cafes for variety. The pace and proximity to nature make it easier to maintain a sustainable budget if you set a plan and track spend on a weekly basis. Tip: Start with a short-term stay to test neighborhoods, then lock in longer housing when you know your routine.
What does daily life look like for housing, food, transport, and errands in Butuan?
In daily life, you will navigate a mix of familiar comforts and local flavors. Housing is often available in modest apartments, condo-style units, or guest houses within walkable neighborhoods; shorter leases give you flexibility while you search. Food options range from crowded markets to modern groceries and casual eateries – great for balancing budget and taste. Public transport centers on tricycles and jeepneys, with some buses and ride-hailing apps in busier corridors. For work or study, you will find affordable co-working spaces and cafes with reliable Wi-Fi. Running errands, you will notice pharmacy, hardware stores, and bakeries near most residential areas. When you track the Butuan, Philippines living cost, you will see where daily staples fit into your monthly plan. Tip: Start with a one- to two-week trial of different neighborhoods to gauge pace and convenience.
What quality of life considerations, budgeting frameworks, and seasonal factors should you consider to fit your pace and neighborhood?
Quality of life in Butuan centers on ease of daily routines and a strong sense of local community. Build a simple budgeting framework: separate essentials (housing, food, transport) from discretionary spending, and track quick wins like cooking at home or buying seasonal produce. Seasonal shifts affect travel and electricity use - cooler evenings and less humidity can reduce cooling costs, while heavier rains may affect commutes. For neighborhood fit, consider staying near the river or in the city core if you value walkability and quick access to markets, or choose quieter outskirts for longer rental terms. Tip: Align housing with your work hours and choose a transit plan that minimizes time in traffic.
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