Cost of Living in Boracay
These are modeled USD planning estimates, not a price survey or guaranteed quotes. Match housing type and lease length, obtain a personal insurance quote, and budget separately for deposits, flights, and other one-time costs. Exchange-rate movements can change the peso amount.
Monthly budget estimates for expats living in Boracay, Philippines. Lifestyle tiers are in USD.
USD estimate data updated:
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Monthly lifestyle estimates in USD
These are editorial starting points, not surveyed city averages. See how to use the estimates and what they leave out.
Budget
$900/mo
Basic apartment, local food, minimal extras.
Moderate
$1,500/mo
Comfortable apartment, mix of dining, some travel.
Comfortable
$2,400/mo
More room for housing and discretionary spending; add your own insurance quote.
Build your own Boracay budget
Compare a twelve-category starting budget built from linked sources with New York, LA, London, Sydney, Lisbon, Paris or Berlin. Edit your expenses and see peso equivalents. Calculator assumptions are listed separately from these lifestyle budget tiers.
Customize this city’s budget →Rent
avg $400/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio (Manoc-Manoc / interior) | $190 | $300 | $400 | per month |
| 1-bedroom apartment | $320 | $480 | $640 | per month |
| 2-bedroom apartment | $640 | $760 | $900 | per month |
Food & Groceries
avg $220/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local carinderia meal | $2 | $3 | $4 | per meal |
| Western restaurant meal | $8 | $12 | $16 | per meal |
| Groceries (weekly, island prices) | $25 | $40 | $60 | per week |
Transport
avg $40/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-trike (shared, per ride) | $0.3 | $0.45 | $0.6 | per ride |
| E-trike (chartered, cross-island) | $2 | $3 | $5 | per trip |
| Monthly transport estimate | $20 | $40 | $70 | per month |
Utilities
avg $120/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric + water (air conditioning) | $70 | $120 | $180 | per month |
| Mobile phone plan | $6 | $12 | $20 | per month |
Healthcare
avg $90/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinic visit | $8 | $20 | $40 | per visit |
| Health insurance (basic, incl. evacuation) | $40 | $90 | $180 | per month |
Internet
avg $45/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber or Starlink | $30 | $45 | $70 | per month |
| Mobile data plan (SIM) | $6 | $12 | $20 | per month |
Entertainment
avg $60/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gym membership | $15 | $30 | $60 | per month |
| Dive (per dive, local rate) | $20 | $30 | $45 | per dive |
| Local bar/night out | $10 | $20 | $40 | per outing |
Explore Boracay beyond the numbers
Read our full city guide — neighbourhoods, safety, internet speeds, expat community, and more.