Bohol, a picturesque island province in the Philippines, is known for its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Bohol, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you budget effectively for your time in this beautiful locale.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $8.49 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $33.97, with prices starting at $25.48.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.25, with a range between $3.4 and $5.1.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $1.7, imported beer $4.25, cappuccino $3.14, and Coke/Pepsi $0.85.

Grocery Prices

  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.95.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $2.21.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese is priced at $7.9 per kg.
  • Fruits (e.g., Bananas) - Bananas cost $1.02 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Onions) - Potatoes are priced at $2.38 per kg, and onions at $5.1 per kg.
  • Beef (1kg) - Beef round or equivalent red meat costs $6.45 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.25.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.07 and $1.36 per liter, averaging $1.21.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $0.68, with a cost of $0.68 per km and $2.55 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $84.93 to $203.84, averaging $135.89.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $50.96 to $169.86, averaging $101.92.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $339.73 to $849.32, averaging $509.59.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $169.86 to $305.76, averaging $215.16.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $135.89.
Worldwide
Philippines

Cost of Living Rankings

The cost of living indices for Philippines are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Philippines, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 12 user contributions, as of the most recent update in July, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$8.49
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$33.97
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$4.25
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.70
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.25
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.85
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.34
Cappuccino (regular)
$3.14
Markets
Avg / Range
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.95
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.21
Local Cheese (1kg)
$7.90
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$2.29
Potato (1kg)
$2.38
Banana (1kg)
$1.02
Onion (1kg)
$5.10
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$6.45
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.25
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.21
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$35,671.52
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.68
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$0.68
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$2.55
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$20,383.72
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$135.89
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$101.92
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$509.59
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$215.16
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$135.89
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$17.84
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$5.52
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$560.55
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$84.93
Childcare
Avg / Range
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$1,358.91
Bohol Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Bohol offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many Western countries, with low rental prices and inexpensive dining options.

Transportation costs are minimal, making it easy to get around the island without breaking the bank.

Grocery prices are reasonable, though some imported goods may be more expensive.

Conclusion

Living in Bohol can be a cost-effective choice, especially for those looking to enjoy a tropical lifestyle without the high expenses associated with more urbanized areas.

While some costs, such as imported goods, may be higher, the overall affordability of housing, dining, and transportation makes Bohol an attractive option for both locals and expatriates.