Cost of Living in El Nido - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: El Nido
Address: El Nido, PH

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $532 (excluding rent), and $813 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,253 (excluding rent), and $1,803 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.2 ₱289

$3.53 ₱196

$5.2 ₱289

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$30.7 ₱1,709

$28.6 ₱1,593

$32.81 ₱1,827

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.16 ₱232

$2.88 ₱161

$5.42 ₱302

Cappuccino

$3.97 ₱221

$1.26 ₱70.3

$4.51 ₱251

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.29 ₱71.9

$0.86 ₱48.1

$1.72 ₱95.7

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.82 ₱45.84

$0.73 ₱40.68

$0.92 ₱51

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.35 ₱75.3

$0.91 ₱50.4

$2.35 ₱131

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.88 ₱105

$1.25 ₱69.9

$3.54 ₱197

Milk (1 liter)

$1.73 ₱96.5

$1.32 ₱73.3

$2.71 ₱151

White Bread (500g)

$1.41 ₱78.4

$1.01 ₱56.3

$2.01 ₱112

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.82 ₱101

$0.84 ₱46.94

$1.82 ₱101

Eggs

$2.57 ₱143

$1.29 ₱71.9

$2.79 ₱156

Local Cheese (1kg)

$6.93 ₱386

$3.07 ₱171

$12.25 ₱682

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.31 ₱184

$2.61 ₱145

$6.09 ₱339

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.29 ₱462

$6.24 ₱347

$10.39 ₱579

Apples (1kg)

$2.62 ₱146

$1.59 ₱88.4

$3.98 ₱221

Banana (1kg)

$0.72 ₱40.2

$2.97 ₱165

Oranges (1kg)

$2.41 ₱134

$1.29 ₱72

$4.76 ₱265

Tomato (1kg)

$2.19 ₱122

$0.82 ₱45.78

$2.73 ₱152

Potato (1kg)

$2.2 ₱122

$1.12 ₱62.2

$3.45 ₱192

Onion (1kg)

$2.17 ₱121

$1.8 ₱100

$4.5 ₱251

Lettuce (1 head)

$0.94 ₱52.6

$0.5 ₱27.99

$1.53 ₱85.4

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.64 ₱35.37

$0.38 ₱21.03

$1.14 ₱63.6

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.5 ₱139

$2.1 ₱117

$3.12 ₱174

Wine (Bottle)

$7.1 ₱395

$4.05 ₱225

$12.43 ₱692

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.22 ₱68.1

$0.83 ₱46.14

$1.83 ₱102

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.31 ₱128

$1.26 ₱70.3

$3.05 ₱170

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.33 ₱18.6

$0.2 ₱11.16

$0.33 ₱18.6

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.82 ₱45.51

$0.73 ₱40.39

$0.91 ₱50.6

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.26 ₱14.33

$0.16 ₱8.72

$0.5 ₱28.03

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.35 ₱131

$3.92 ₱218

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.08 ₱60

$1.26 ₱70.1

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$28.8K ₱1.6M

$26.9K ₱1.5M

$30.7K ₱1.7M

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$17.8K ₱989.7K

$17K ₱944.6K

$18.5K ₱1M

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$126 ₱7,002

$89.2 ₱4,967

$214 ₱11.9K

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$35.02 ₱1,950

$9.47 ₱527

$47.33 ₱2,635

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$32.26 ₱1,796

$23.29 ₱1,297

$39.43 ₱2,195

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$30.51 ₱1,699

$12.76 ₱710

$35.88 ₱1,998

Cinema Ticket

$5.69 ₱317

$4.24 ₱236

$8.49 ₱473

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$131 ₱7,286

$57.4 ₱3,194

$306 ₱17K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,187 ₱233.1K

$2,065 ₱115K

$8,602 ₱479K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$50.1 ₱2,790

$9.7 ₱540

$77.6 ₱4,321

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$25.57 ₱1,424

$8.52 ₱474

$51.1 ₱2,847

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$69.2 ₱3,852

$40.7 ₱2,266

$97.7 ₱5,439

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$52 ₱2,892

$31.17 ₱1,736

$104 ₱5,784

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$268 ₱14.9K

$152 ₱8,453

$357 ₱19.9K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$150 ₱8,370

$86.8 ₱4,831

$189 ₱10.5K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$551 ₱30.7K

$250 ₱13.9K

$722 ₱40.2K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$432 ₱24.1K

$233 ₱13K

$534 ₱29.8K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$283 ₱15.8K

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.67

4.5

8.5

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

City tags:

⛩️ Asia

Cost of Living in El Nido - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in El Nido, Philippines tends to offer a comfortable balance of beach access and local prices, especially for longer stays. For travelers who opt for simple guesthouses and local eateries instead of resort dining, it can feel like a fair value. Digital nomads often appreciate reliable Wi-Fi in shared spaces and the option to negotiate long-stay rates. Seasonal shifts can nudge costs upward around peak periods, while shoulder seasons bring quieter streets and easier movement. Start with a flexible month-long arrangement to gauge value and location before committing. Tip: Use a short, flexible stay to test neighborhoods and access to coworking.

Locating housing in El Nido centers around small guesthouses, pension houses, and some condo-style rentals near town or the beach. Expect shorter-term leases and negotiated rates for longer stays. Food options range from budget-friendly carinderias to sea-view cafes; cooking at a guesthouse kitchen saves money. For transport, walking is feasible in town; motorbike rentals are common, and boat trips are a key part of daily life when you’re near the water. For work, look for cafes with reliable Wi-Fi or coworking spaces. El Nido, Philippines living cost can shift with tourist flow, so set a flexible budget and carry a small stash for peak days. Tip: Keep a weekly grocery and transit plan to avoid surprises.

Quality of life in El Nido blends natural beauty with a slower pace and occasional service gaps. To budget effectively, use a simple framework: daily essentials, occasional activities, and discretionary spending, then compare it to a monthly cap. Save strategies: cook at home when possible, shop at local markets, and pick guesthouses with included meals or kitchens. Seasonality affects crowds more than weather; shoulder periods offer calmer streets and better value for longer stays. Neighborhood fit depends on your rhythm: stay in town for nightlife and quick errands, or near the harbor for easy boat trips and sunrise views. Tip: build a three-week trial to test pace and access before deciding on a long-term base.