Boracay, a renowned island destination in the Philippines, is famous for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both potential residents and travelers.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Boracay, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $2.55 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $20.36, with prices ranging from $10.18 to $20.36.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.67, with a range between $3.39 and $5.94.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Coke/Pepsi, Water) - Domestic beer averages $1.10, Coke/Pepsi $1.19, and bottled water $0.25.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.53 and $1.87 per liter, averaging $1.70.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $0.88 on average.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $2.55.
  • Fruits (e.g., Bananas) - Bananas cost between $1.36 and $1.53 per kg, averaging $1.44.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Tomatoes) - Potatoes average $1.70 per kg, while tomatoes are $1.36 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $0.34.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.18 and $1.36 per liter, averaging $1.27.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $593.91 to $933.29, averaging $735.32.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $254.53 to $475.13, averaging $367.66.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1102.98 to $1187.83, averaging $1145.40.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $509.07 to $933.29, averaging $721.18.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $3393.79 to $4530.71, averaging $3962.25.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $1187.83.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $76.36 and $169.69, averaging $110.30.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $33.94 to $42.42, with an average cost of $36.77.
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 8 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$2.55
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$20.36
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$4.67
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$1.10
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.19
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.25
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.55
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.70
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$0.88
Eggs (regular) (12)
$2.55
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$6.79
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.36
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$3.73
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$4.07
Potato (1kg)
$1.70
Rice (white), (1kg)
$0.88
Tomato (1kg)
$1.36
Banana (1kg)
$1.44
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$0.34
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.27
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$735.32
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$367.66
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$1,145.40
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$721.18
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$110.30
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$36.77
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$8.48
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$50.91
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.88
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$3.98
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$16.97
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$3,962.25
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$1,187.83
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$210.42
Childcare
Avg / Range
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$3,818.02
Boracay Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Boracay offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in terms of dining and transportation.

Housing costs can vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.

Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living on the island.

Conclusion

Boracay presents a unique blend of affordability and island charm, making it an attractive option for both residents and visitors.

While housing in the city centre can be costly, other living expenses such as dining and transportation remain budget-friendly.

Overall, Boracay offers a balanced cost of living, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle amidst its beautiful surroundings.