Cost of Living in Santiago City - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $404 (excluding rent), and $658 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $930 (excluding rent), and $1,398 including rent.
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$6.71 ₱373
$2.68 ₱149
$12.51 ₱697
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$13.38 ₱745
$13.38 ₱745
$62.5 ₱3,478
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$3.63 ₱202
$3.63 ₱202
$5.44 ₱303
Cappuccino
$0.91 ₱50.9
$0.91 ₱50.9
$4.55 ₱253
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.78 ₱43.37
$0.69 ₱38.49
$1.72 ₱96
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.33 ₱18.49
$0.33 ₱18.49
$0.92 ₱51.4
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.05 ₱58.4
$1.05 ₱58.4
$2.63 ₱147
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.75 ₱97.5
$1.75 ₱97.5
$4.38 ₱244
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.65 ₱92.1
$1.65 ₱92.1
$3 ₱167
White Bread (500g)
$1.22 ₱68
$0.7 ₱38.92
$1.67 ₱93.2
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.84 ₱46.66
$0.84 ₱46.66
$1.39 ₱77.6
Eggs
$1.57 ₱87.5
$1.29 ₱71.8
$2.83 ₱158
Local Cheese (1kg)
$2.61 ₱145
$2.61 ₱145
$14.49 ₱807
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$3.18 ₱177
$2.65 ₱147
$5.65 ₱314
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$5.56 ₱310
$4.49 ₱250
$14.37 ₱800
Apples (1kg)
$2.71 ₱151
$2.71 ₱151
$10.93 ₱608
Banana (1kg)
$1.04 ₱57.8
$1.04 ₱57.8
$3.15 ₱175
Oranges (1kg)
$0.68 ₱37.67
$0.68 ₱37.67
$4.98 ₱278
Tomato (1kg)
$1.42 ₱78.8
$1.03 ₱57.6
$2.85 ₱159
Potato (1kg)
$3.44 ₱192
$1.27 ₱70.7
$5.61 ₱312
Onion (1kg)
$1.12 ₱62.5
$0.9 ₱50.1
$5.55 ₱309
Lettuce (1 head)
$0.76 ₱42.1
$0.76 ₱42.1
$1.46 ₱81.5
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.95 ₱53.1
$0.43 ₱24.07
$1.39 ₱77.7
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$2.36 ₱131
$2.19 ₱122
$5.46 ₱304
Wine (Bottle)
$4.33 ₱241
$4.33 ₱241
$18.94 ₱1,055
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.04 ₱58
$0.79 ₱43.77
$2.08 ₱116
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.74 ₱96.9
$1.74 ₱96.9
$2.71 ₱151
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.26 ₱14.32
$0.2 ₱11.14
$0.26 ₱14.32
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.83 ₱45.98
$0.73 ₱40.81
$1.83 ₱102
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.14 ₱7.58
$0.14 ₱7.58
$0.14 ₱7.58
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$3.46 ₱193
$1.73 ₱96.1
$3.46 ₱193
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.14 ₱63.6
$1.12 ₱62.5
$1.36 ₱75.6
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$22.3K ₱1.2M
$22.3K ₱1.2M
$35.9K ₱2M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$17.2K ₱960.3K
$17.2K ₱960.3K
$21.2K ₱1.2M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$74.7 ₱4,157
$74.7 ₱4,157
$189 ₱10.5K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$27.62 ₱1,538
$10.78 ₱600
$44.89 ₱2,499
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$23.21 ₱1,292
$23.21 ₱1,292
$53.6 ₱2,983
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$33.33 ₱1,855
$13.93 ₱776
$39.18 ₱2,182
Cinema Ticket
$5.34 ₱298
$5.34 ₱298
$8.9 ₱496
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$88.5 ₱4,926
$88.5 ₱4,926
$434 ₱24.1K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$4,286 ₱238.7K
$2,114 ₱117.7K
$8,807 ₱490.4K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$43.03 ₱2,396
$10.84 ₱603
$90.3 ₱5,027
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$23.74 ₱1,322
$17.63 ₱982
$62.3 ₱3,470
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$54.1 ₱3,014
$54.1 ₱3,014
$108 ₱6,028
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$39.24 ₱2,185
$39.24 ₱2,185
$192 ₱10.7K
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$265 ₱14.7K
$150 ₱8,350
$353 ₱19.6K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$179 ₱9,960
$103 ₱5,748
$224 ₱12.5K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$598 ₱33.3K
$271 ₱15.1K
$783 ₱43.6K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$393 ₱21.9K
$212 ₱11.8K
$486 ₱27K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$239 ₱13.3K
-
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.
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Cost of Living in Santiago City - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santiago City, Philippines a good value for money for travelers, expats, and digital nomads?
Cost of Living in Santiago City, Philippines is approachable for a balanced lifestyle. You can access reliable internet, comfortable accommodations, and a lively local scene without the price tag of bigger hubs. Dining options range from simple meals to more varied restaurants, and fresh produce is abundant at local markets. Everyday transport by jeepney or trike is practical and affordable, while distances within the city keep commutes reasonable. The city’s size supports quick errands, social connections, and a sense of safety that helps you stretch a budget further. Tip: Start with a basic plan and adjust as you settle in.
What does daily life look like in Santiago City, Philippines in terms of housing, food, transport, and errands?
Daily life centers on accessible markets, cafe culture, and straightforward commutes. Housing ranges from compact studios to modest family homes in central and residential zones, with rents and utilities tied to location and lease terms. Food options span local markets, affordable eateries, and international spots; cooking at home is common and helps budgeting. Transport is flexible – jeepneys, tricycles, and rideshares – scaling with distance. For errands, you’ll find walkable neighborhoods near groceries and clinics. Santiago City, Philippines living cost is a practical lens to tailor groceries, meals, and transit to your routine. Tip: Track weekly purchases to spot recurring savings.
What budgeting strategies, seasonal factors, and neighborhood fit should you consider to maximize quality of life in Santiago City?
A practical approach blends essential costs with flexible extras and seasonality awareness. Expect price shifts around local festivals and harvest cycles, which can influence dining and market bargains. Central districts offer quick access to services and coworking, while quieter residential areas tend to be more affordable and quieter. Use a simple budgeting framework that separates fixed needs from discretionary spending, and test several neighborhoods on a short stay before committing long term. Tip: Start with a short trial period in a couple of neighborhoods to gauge costs and rhythm.
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