📌A single person spends around $806 per month with rent, or $587 for everyday expenses alone.
📌A couple spends around $1,302 per month with rent, or $982 for everyday expenses alone.
📌A family of three spends around $1,797 per month with rent, or $1,378 without housing.
📊Overall, San Juan is 36–40% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 23% below average – relatively affordable for the region.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$28.1K₱1.7M
$28.1K₱1.7M
$28.1K₱1.7M
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$17.7K₱1.1M
$17.7K₱1.1M
$17.7K₱1.1M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$128₱7,916
$90.0₱5,548
$187₱11.6K
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$32.96₱2,032
$7.11₱438
$44.54₱2,746
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$26.09₱1,609
$17.40₱1,073
$69.6₱4,290
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$72.0₱4,437
$14.39₱887
$72.0₱4,437
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$4.37₱270
$0.88₱54.2
$4.37₱270
Cinema Ticket
$4.07₱251
$4.07₱251
$9.04₱557
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$145₱8,965
$145₱8,965
$145₱8,965
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$4,240₱261.5K
$2,091₱128.9K
$7,841₱483.5K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$45.32₱2,794
$8.77₱541
$70.2₱4,327
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$34.62₱2,134
$17.99₱1,109
$54.0₱3,327
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$69.1₱4,260
$44.57₱2,748
$89.2₱5,497
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$117₱7,209
$21.58₱1,331
$180₱11.1K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$269₱16.6K
$152₱9,394
$358₱22.1K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$107₱6,621
$103₱6,345
$224₱13.8K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,273₱78.5K
$265₱16.3K
$1,273₱78.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$391₱24.1K
$211₱13.0K
$484₱29.8K
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$2,438₱150.4K
$813₱50.1K
$2,845₱175.4K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$1,112₱68.6K
$368₱22.7K
$1,112₱68.6K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$242₱14.9K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
6.17
5
7.5
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: May 31, 2026
Cost Breakdown
🏠A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $269, dropping to $107 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 111% of the average salary ($242) – close to the 30% international benchmark.
💰The average net salary is $242 – below monthly costs of $806. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.
🛒Groceries cost around $216 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $9.00 – well below the Asian average of $35.00.
Cost Highlights
⭐Three-course dinner for two, mid-range is cheaper than 95% of cities in Asia
⭐Local beer is cheaper than 95% of cities in Asia
⭐Gym membership is more expensive than 91% of cities in Asia
San Juan Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)
Mobile
Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
Fixed Broadband
Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms
The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
English is commonly used in services, signage, and daily life
Cost of Living in San Juan - Frequently Asked Questions
How does San Juan, Philippines stack up in terms of value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
San Juan, Philippines offers a practical balance of affordability and convenience for travelers, expats, and digital nomads. Cost of Living in San Juan, Philippines tends to feel approachable for mid-range budgets, thanks to walkable streets, abundant local markets, and affordable dining options. You’ll find a mix of modest apartments, guesthouses, and short-term rentals in central areas, often with easy access to coffee shops and coworking spaces. Seasonal swings are more about rain and heat than price swings, so plan around the monsoon pattern and festival crowds. Tip: Start with a short stay in two neighborhoods to compare vibe and transit options.
What does daily life look like here in San Juan, including housing search, food options, transport, and errands?
San Juan, Philippines living cost remains friendly for those who cook at home and use public transit, especially when you choose a smaller unit. Housing search centers on modest one-bedroom apartments near Greenhills, Little Baguio, or along main arteries with easy access to markets and transit. Expect rental terms that favor shorter commitments or flexible options. Daily life includes a mix of local eateries, supermarkets, and fresh markets, plus walkable access to coffee spots and coworking spaces for remote work. For getting around, you will rely on jeepneys, buses, or ride-hailing, with bike lanes limited and congestion common during peak hours. Tip: Prioritize a neighborhood with good transit links and reliable internet.
What quality of life aspects, budgeting strategies, and seasonal patterns should you consider to fit in and save?
Quality of life in San Juan blends accessibility with a village-like feel, making it easy to settle in if you pick a neighborhood that matches your pace. A practical budgeting framework is to separate essentials (housing, food, transport) from activities (dining out, weekend markets, coworking). Save by cooking at home, choosing preowned gear, and taking advantage of public transit rather than rideshares for longer trips. Seasonality affects crowds more than prices: weekends near markets or festivals can be lively, while rainy months slow outdoor plans but keep costs flexible with indoors options. Neighborhood fit depends on your routine: choose a central, walkable area for daily life or a quieter pocket for long work sessions. Tip: Build a simple monthly plan and adjust as you learn the rhythms of your area.
Is San Juan one of the cheaper cities to live in?
San Juan is affordable because both rent and daily expenses are genuinely low. Total monthly costs with housing come to just $806, making it firmly budget-friendly for residents and long-term visitors alike.
Is San Juan a cheap city to live in for foreigners?
By most standards, San Juan is a budget-friendly place to live. Total monthly costs with rent usually land around $806, and both housing and daily expenses fall below global averages. It's a solid pick for remote workers, long-term travelers, or anyone watching their spending.
How does the average salary in San Juan compare to the cost of living?
The average net salary in San Juan is about $242, while comfortable living starts around $1,210. With total costs hitting $806 monthly, saving is possible if you earn above average – but it takes intentional budgeting.
How much does a one-bedroom apartment cost to rent in San Juan?
In San Juan's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $269 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $107. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
What is a typical monthly grocery bill in San Juan?
Food in San Juan is genuinely cheap. A single person's grocery bill runs about $216 per month, and local markets and street vendors push costs even lower. Cooking at home is easy and affordable, and eating out at local spots won't break the bank either.
What is a typical monthly food budget in San Juan?
Groceries in San Juan are cheap – a single person spends about $216 per month. Local markets and budget supermarkets push costs even lower. Food is one of the city's strongest affordability points.
Does $1,200 cover living expenses in San Juan?
$1,200 a month in San Juan? Very doable. Average costs with rent come to just $806, which leaves real room to save, eat out, and enjoy the city without watching every dollar.
What are the pros and cons of living in San Juan?
Quality of life in San Juan is genuinely good – highlights include fast internet, wellness scene, café culture, and monthly costs hover around $806. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
Is San Juan budget-friendly for long-term stays?
San Juan is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $806 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
How much does a backpacker need per day in San Juan?
San Juan is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $806 monthly, and even short-term visitors on tight budgets can stretch their money. Cheap hostels, affordable street food, budget transport, and free attractions make it easy to explore without overspending.