Cost of living in San Fernando

San Fernando, a vibrant city in the Philippines, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning an extended stay.This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you budget effectively for life in San Fernando.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

Inexpensive Restaurant MealA meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $3.65 on average, with a range between $1.36 and $11.89.
Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two)For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $25.48, with prices ranging from $25.48 to $42.47.
Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's)A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $4.25, with a range between $2.55 and $4.74.
Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi)Domestic beer ranges from $0.85 to $1.7, imported beer $1.36 to $2.55, cappuccino $1.02 to $4.25, and Coke/Pepsi $0.42 to $1.44.

Grocery Prices

MilkMilk is priced between $1.36 and $2.55 per liter, averaging $2.04.
Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread)A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.64 and $1.63, with an average price of $1.29.
Eggs (Dozen)A dozen eggs range from $1.22 to $2.45, averaging $1.96.
Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges)Apples cost $2.04 to $5.44 per kg, while oranges range from $1.02 to $5.01 per kg.
Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce)Potatoes are priced between $0.85 and $5.1 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.93 to $2.38 per head.

Transportation

Public Transport (One-Way Ticket)A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0.17 and $0.85, with a monthly pass priced at $20.38.
Fuel (Gasoline)Gasoline is priced between $1.02 and $1.18 per liter.
Taxi FaresTaxi fares start at $0.68, with a cost of $0.12 to $0.34 per km and $1.53 per hour of waiting.

Housing Costs

1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $254.8 to $424.66, averaging $339.73.
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $169.86 to $288.77, averaging $229.32.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre)Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $764.39 to $934.25, averaging $849.32.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre)Outside the centre, rent ranges from $339.73 to $594.53, averaging $467.13.

Utilities

Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.)Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $90.24 and $180.48, averaging $128.29.
InternetInternet services range from $20.38 to $42.47, with an average cost of $33.69.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 4 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$3.65

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$25.48

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$4.25

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$1.27

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.12

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.94

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$0.46

Cappuccino (regular)

$1.94

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$2.04

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$1.29

Eggs (regular) (12)

$1.96

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.17

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$0.59

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$9.34

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.15

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.57

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$2.55

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$4.11

Apples (1kg)

$4.10

Oranges (1kg)

$3.02

Potato (1kg)

$2.72

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.04

Rice (white), (1kg)

$0.89

Tomato (1kg)

$2.12

Banana (1kg)

$1.50

Onion (1kg)

$2.63

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$7.47

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$0.51

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$20.38

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.10

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

$27,178.30

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.68

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$0.23

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$1.53

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

$22,931.69

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

San Fernando Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

San Fernando offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many urban areas. Dining out is particularly budget-friendly, with inexpensive meals available.
Housing costs are moderate, especially outside the city centre, making it an attractive option for those looking to save on rent.
Transportation is economical, with low costs for public transport and fuel, although owning a car can be a significant expense.

Conclusion

In conclusion, San Fernando provides a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining and transportation options.

While housing costs can vary, the overall expenses remain manageable, making it a viable choice for both locals and expatriates seeking a balanced lifestyle in the Philippines.

San Fernando