Last update: Oct 2026 Philippines 242.1K

Cost of Living in Tacloban

For one person, living costs in Tacloban are estimated at $771 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than a third of the total. Other living expenses average about $15 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Tacloban

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Tacloban actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

A single person spends around $771 per month with rent, or $463 for everyday expenses alone.

$771 /mo

A couple spends around $1,152 per month with rent, or $765 for everyday expenses alone.

$1,152 /mo

A family of three spends around $1,532 per month with rent, or $1,067 without housing.

$1,532 /mo

Overall, Tacloban is 43–46% below the global median across household types. Within Asia, costs are 27% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
Do you live in Tacloban? Add cost details
🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$4.00 ₱255
$1.59 ₱102
$7.99 ₱511
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$15.55 ₱994
$14.77 ₱944
$34.05 ₱2,176
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$2.33 ₱149
$1.54 ₱98.6
$4.98 ₱318
Cappuccino
$2.31 ₱148
$1.31 ₱83.6
$3.85 ₱246
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.68 ₱43.57
$0.49 ₱31.03
$0.97 ₱62.1
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.36 ₱23.22
$0.32 ₱20.56
$0.98 ₱62.4
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.59 ₱102
$1.27 ₱81.4
$2.63 ₱168
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.17 ₱138
$1.39 ₱89.1
$3.09 ₱198
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.91 ₱122
$1.63 ₱104
$3.99 ₱255
White Bread (500g)
$1.11 ₱70.6
$0.77 ₱49.17
$1.33 ₱85.1
Rice (white) (1kg)
$0.80 ₱51.2
$0.79 ₱50.6
$1.04 ₱66.4
Eggs
$1.89 ₱121
$1.64 ₱105
$2.37 ₱151
Local Cheese (1kg)
$10.05 ₱642
$7.39 ₱472
$19.29 ₱1,232
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.11 ₱262
$3.05 ₱195
$4.94 ₱316
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$7.18 ₱459
$6.38 ₱408
$8.93 ₱571
Apples (1kg)
$3.18 ₱203
$1.54 ₱98.4
$6.18 ₱395
Banana (1kg)
$1.08 ₱68.8
$0.93 ₱59.4
$2.63 ₱168
Oranges (1kg)
$2.28 ₱146
$1.24 ₱79.1
$4.64 ₱297
Tomato (1kg)
$1.46 ₱93.3
$0.46 ₱29.62
$1.54 ₱98.3
Potato (1kg)
$2.30 ₱147
$0.92 ₱58.9
$2.77 ₱177
Onion (1kg)
$1.85 ₱118
$1.52 ₱97.3
$3.05 ₱195
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.09 ₱69.7
$0.79 ₱50.4
$1.34 ₱85.9
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.60 ₱38.26
$0.38 ₱24.06
$0.91 ₱58.0
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$1.86 ₱119
$1.24 ₱79.0
$3.18 ₱203
Wine (Bottle)
$6.30 ₱402
$3.98 ₱255
$10.36 ₱662
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.07 ₱68.4
$1.07 ₱68.4
$1.53 ₱97.9
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.72 ₱110
$1.37 ₱87.4
$1.93 ₱124
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$0.20 ₱12.82
$0.17 ₱11.15
$0.24 ₱15.05
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$12.30 ₱786
$6.21 ₱397
$12.60 ₱805
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.78 ₱49.88
$0.64 ₱40.81
$0.79 ₱50.5
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$0.22 ₱14.07
$0.22 ₱14.07
$0.22 ₱14.07
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$1.86 ₱119
$1.55 ₱98.8
$3.10 ₱198
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.04 ₱66.2
$1.03 ₱65.5
$1.50 ₱95.6
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$21.2K ₱1.4M
$21.2K ₱1.4M
$21.2K ₱1.4M
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$18.8K ₱1.2M
$18.8K ₱1.2M
$18.9K ₱1.2M
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$117 ₱7,485
$85.0 ₱5,431
$185 ₱11.9K
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$15.64 ₱999
$6.32 ₱404
$22.35 ₱1,428
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$28.34 ₱1,811
$23.90 ₱1,527
$31.86 ₱2,036
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$31.68 ₱2,024
$7.92 ₱506
$31.68 ₱2,024
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$5.30 ₱339
$3.19 ₱204
$5.30 ₱339
Cinema Ticket
$5.36 ₱342
$5.36 ₱342
$7.66 ₱489
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$131 ₱8,357
$32.70 ₱2,089
$314 ₱20.1K
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$7,929 ₱506.6K
$3,942 ₱251.9K
$22.1K ₱1.4M
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$32.33 ₱2,066
$10.12 ₱646
$77.8 ₱4,971
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$19.29 ₱1,233
$5.03 ₱322
$47.24 ₱3,019
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$76.5 ₱4,889
$55.7 ₱3,556
$95.4 ₱6,096
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$56.0 ₱3,577
$46.11 ₱2,946
$69.2 ₱4,419
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$254 ₱16.2K
$159 ₱10.2K
$412 ₱26.3K
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$191 ₱12.2K
$160 ₱10.2K
$223 ₱14.3K
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$498 ₱31.8K
$319 ₱20.4K
$797 ₱50.9K
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$348 ₱22.2K
$240 ₱15.3K
$465 ₱29.7K
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,586 ₱165.2K
$778 ₱49.7K
$2,586 ₱165.2K
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$1,114 ₱71.1K
$172 ₱11.0K
$1,114 ₱71.1K
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$340 ₱21.7K
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
7.2
4.5
10

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

Last update: October 27, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Tacloban $771
Groceries & Markets
$195
Accommodation & Living
$191
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$161
Eating Out
$83
Clothing & Footwear
$83
Sport & Entertainment
$42
Getting Around
$15

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $254, dropping to $191 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 75% of the average salary ($340) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $340 – below monthly costs of $771. Most locals rely on shared housing or dual incomes. Remote workers earning abroad will find stronger purchasing power.

Groceries cost around $195 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $16 – well below the Asian average of $35.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $12.30 – among the cheapest in Asia (average $33).

Cost Highlights

Fast food meal is cheaper than 98% of cities in Asia

Tacloban is cheaper than 78% globally but more expensive than 58% within Asia.

Good to know
🕒 Local time
21:28 9:28 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
242,089
💱 Currency
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USD, EUR to PHP – Philippine Peso Converter

Philippine Peso exchange rates as of October 28, 2026: 1 USD = 63.89 PHP (100 PHP = 1.57 USD). 1 EUR = 71.11 PHP (100 PHP = 1.41 EUR).

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Tacloban Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

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Cost of Living in Tacloban - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tacloban a good value for long stays when compared with larger Southeast Asian cities?
Tacloban tends to be a practical base for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want a slower pace without paying high prices. You’ll often find affordable meals from local eateries, cheaper public transport, and real estate options that reward longer stays with lower rents. Imported goods and Western-style venues can push the bill in some spots, but you balance by cooking at home and choosing neighborhood digs away from tourist hotspots. The overall picture is steady value for those prioritizing lifestyle over luxury. Cost of Living in Tacloban, Philippines reflects that balance. Tip: Start with a short-term stay in a central neighborhood to test the pace and options.
What does daily life look like in Tacloban for housing, food, transport, and errands?
A daily life in Tacloban blends local convenience with small-city charm. Housing ranges from compact apartments in market districts to guesthouses near the waterfront, often more affordable for longer stays than in big-city towers. Food shines at street stalls, carinderias, and weekly markets offering fresh produce and inexpensive meals. Getting around is easy with jeepneys, trikes, and buses; some areas also support ride-sharing apps. For errands, clinics, banks, and libraries cluster in the center, so a short ride is typical. Understanding the Tacloban, Philippines living cost helps you plan your budget and pick a neighborhood that matches your pace. Tip: Map a short initial route through a few walkable neighborhoods to test vibe and access to services.
What makes for a good quality of life in Tacloban and how can you budget and adapt across seasons?
Quality of life in Tacloban hinges on choosing pace, connections, and a few smart habits. If you want vibrant dining and social life, stay near markets and waterfront areas; for focused work, pick quieter residential streets with reliable internet access. A simple budgeting framework is to separate essentials, flexible spends, and savings, then adjust as you settle into a routine and local events. Seasonality affects rain, humidity, and travel plans – have flexible days, pack light, and keep a plan for indoor activities. Local gyms, libraries, and coworking spots make it easy to sustain your rhythm without breaking the bank. Tip: Build a flexible schedule that balances work, errands, and exploration.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Tacloban?
Housing in Tacloban takes a heavy bite – about 75% of a typical income, which is above the 30% international benchmark. That squeezes the budget for everything else and is one of the main pain points for residents here.
What is the average cost of living in Tacloban?
A single person in Tacloban typically spends $771 per month once rent is factored in. Strip out housing, and everyday essentials like groceries, utilities, transport, and personal spending land around $463. The final number shifts depending on your neighborhood, eating habits, and general lifestyle.
What is the average salary in Tacloban?
After taxes, the average worker in Tacloban takes home about $340 per month. Of course, that varies a lot by industry and experience – tech and finance pay well above this, while service jobs often fall below it.
Is rent high in Tacloban?
Rent is one of the biggest advantages of living in Tacloban – 1-bedroom apartments range from $191 to $254 per month, and even central neighborhoods stay accessible on modest incomes. Cheap housing frees up cash for everything else.
Is food expensive in Tacloban?
Food in Tacloban is genuinely cheap. A single person’s grocery bill runs about $195 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.
How much is public transport in Tacloban?
Getting around Tacloban by public transport costs about $12.30 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can you live on $800 a month in Tacloban?
$800 covers the $771 average monthly cost in Tacloban, though without much to spare. A moderate apartment, home cooking, and public transport keep you within budget; saving takes some discipline.
Is Tacloban a good city for expats?
Tacloban has an established expat community and is welcoming to foreigners. Coastal lifestyle, beach access, wellness scene smooth the transition, and English-speaking landlords, expat-focused healthcare, and international services are all reasonably accessible. Monthly costs average $771 including housing.
How affordable is Tacloban?
Tacloban is affordable by most measures, which is why it appeals to long-term travelers, remote workers, and budget-conscious residents. At $771 per month with rent, it sits well below the global average for cities of similar size.
Is Tacloban good for backpackers on a budget?
Tacloban is great for backpackers. All-in costs average just $771 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.

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