El Nido, a picturesque town in the Philippines, is renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant marine life. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both residents and visitors.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in El Nido, covering dining, housing, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $5.10 on average.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $27.18.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $5.27.
  • Beverages (e.g., Coke/Pepsi, Water) - A 0.33 liter bottle of Coke/Pepsi costs between $0.85 and $1.70, while water is priced at $0.85.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $424.66.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $407.67.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $883.29.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $679.46.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $2683.86.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $2412.07.
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 4 user contributions, as of the most recent update in May, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$5.10
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$27.18
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$5.27
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.27
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$0.85
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$424.66
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$407.67
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$883.29
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$679.46
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$2,683.86
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$2,412.07
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$458.63
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
14%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$594.53
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$6,115.12
El Nido Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

El Nido offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to major urban centers, with moderate rental prices and dining costs.

Housing is reasonably priced, especially outside the city centre, making it an attractive option for long-term stays.

Dining out is affordable, with a variety of options ranging from casual eateries to mid-range restaurants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, El Nido provides a balanced cost of living, making it an appealing destination for both expatriates and locals.

With its affordable housing and dining options, El Nido is ideal for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in a beautiful setting.