Cost of Living in El Nido - Updated Prices & Insights

Name: El Nido
Address: El Nido, PH

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $512 (excluding rent), and $804 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,379 (excluding rent), and $1,720 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$5.25 ₱306

$3.56 ₱208

$5.25 ₱306

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$30.71 ₱1,792

$28.61 ₱1,670

$32.82 ₱1,915

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$4.11 ₱240

$2.85 ₱166

$5.36 ₱313

Cappuccino

$3.79 ₱221

$1.2 ₱70.3

$4.3 ₱251

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

$1.32 ₱76.8

$0.88 ₱51.4

$1.75 ₱102

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.84 ₱48.91

$0.74 ₱43.41

$0.93 ₱54.4

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.31 ₱76.4

$0.88 ₱51.1

$2.27 ₱133

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.16 ₱126

$1.44 ₱84.1

$4.07 ₱237

Milk (1 liter)

$1.91 ₱111

$1.45 ₱84.5

$2.98 ₱174

White Bread (500g)

$1.21 ₱70.4

$0.87 ₱50.5

$1.72 ₱100

Rice (white) (1kg)

$1.79 ₱104

$0.83 ₱48.29

$1.79 ₱104

Eggs

$2.58 ₱151

$1.3 ₱75.7

$2.81 ₱164

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.23 ₱480

$3.64 ₱213

$14.55 ₱849

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$3.41 ₱199

$2.69 ₱157

$6.27 ₱366

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$8.32 ₱486

$6.26 ₱365

$10.43 ₱609

Apples (1kg)

$2.95 ₱172

$1.79 ₱104

$4.47 ₱261

Banana (1kg)

$0.68 ₱39.64

$2.79 ₱163

Oranges (1kg)

$2.62 ₱153

$1.4 ₱81.9

$5.17 ₱301

Tomato (1kg)

$2.11 ₱123

$0.79 ₱46.3

$2.64 ₱154

Potato (1kg)

$2.24 ₱131

$1.14 ₱66.5

$3.52 ₱205

Onion (1kg)

$2.11 ₱123

$1.75 ₱102

$4.38 ₱256

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.1 ₱64.5

$0.59 ₱34.31

$1.79 ₱105

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.71 ₱41.38

$0.42 ₱24.61

$1.27 ₱74.4

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$2.82 ₱164

$2.37 ₱138

$3.52 ₱206

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.16 ₱67.8

$0.79 ₱45.96

$1.74 ₱102

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.05 ₱120

$1.12 ₱65.5

$2.71 ₱158

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$0.34 ₱19.81

$0.2 ₱11.89

$0.34 ₱19.81

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.77 ₱45.09

$0.69 ₱40.02

$0.86 ₱50.2

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$0.24 ₱14.04

$0.15 ₱8.55

$0.47 ₱27.48

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$2.12 ₱124

$3.53 ₱206

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.09 ₱63.5

$1.27 ₱74.3

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

$26.5K ₱1.5M

$24.7K ₱1.4M

$28.2K ₱1.6M

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

$20.7K ₱1.2M

$19.8K ₱1.2M

$21.6K ₱1.3M

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

$111 ₱6,468

$78.6 ₱4,588

$189 ₱11K

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

$33.16 ₱1,935

$8.96 ₱523

$44.81 ₱2,615

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$31.81 ₱1,856

$22.97 ₱1,340

$38.87 ₱2,269

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$33.44 ₱1,952

$13.98 ₱816

$39.31 ₱2,294

Cinema Ticket

$5.96 ₱348

$4.45 ₱260

$8.9 ₱519

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

$149 ₱8,677

$65.2 ₱3,803

$348 ₱20.3K

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$4,383 ₱255.8K

$2,161 ₱126.1K

$9,005 ₱525.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$46.49 ₱2,713

$8.99 ₱525

$72 ₱4,201

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$26.65 ₱1,555

$8.88 ₱518

$53.3 ₱3,111

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$76.7 ₱4,479

$45.14 ₱2,635

$108 ₱6,323

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$52.4 ₱3,056

$31.41 ₱1,833

$105 ₱6,111

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$261 ₱15.2K

$148 ₱8,642

$348 ₱20.3K

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$178 ₱10.4K

$103 ₱6,001

$224 ₱13K

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$579 ₱33.8K

$262 ₱15.3K

$758 ₱44.3K

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$392 ₱22.9K

$211 ₱12.3K

$484 ₱28.2K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$270 ₱15.7K

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.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

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.