Cost of Living in La Union (San Juan)
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 La Union (San Juan), 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
$800/mo
Basic apartment, local food, minimal extras.
Moderate
$1,300/mo
Comfortable apartment, mix of dining, some travel.
Comfortable
$2,200/mo
More room for housing and discretionary spending; add your own insurance quote.
Build your own La Union (San Juan) 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 $250/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio (Urbiztondo / surf strip) | $130 | $200 | $300 | per month |
| 1-bedroom apartment | $220 | $330 | $450 | per month |
| 2-bedroom house (near beach) | $350 | $500 | $700 | per month |
Food & Groceries
avg $180/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local carinderia meal | $2 | $3 | $4 | per meal |
| Western cafe meal (Urbiztondo) | $7 | $10 | $14 | per meal |
| Groceries (weekly) | $20 | $35 | $55 | per week |
Transport
avg $35/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tricycle / jeepney (short ride) | $0.3 | $0.5 | $0.8 | per ride |
| Bus Manila to San Juan (one-way) | $8 | $11 | $15 | per trip |
| Monthly transport estimate | $20 | $35 | $60 | per month |
Utilities
avg $100/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric + water (air conditioning) | $60 | $100 | $160 | per month |
| Mobile phone plan | $6 | $12 | $20 | per month |
Healthcare
avg $70/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private clinic visit | $8 | $20 | $40 | per visit |
| Private hospital ER consult | $15 | $30 | $60 | per visit |
Internet
avg $35/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home fibre (35-100 Mbps) | $20 | $30 | $45 | per month |
| Mobile data plan | $6 | $12 | $20 | per month |
Entertainment
avg $60/mo| Item | Low | Mid | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surf lesson (group, 2 hours) | $15 | $25 | $40 | per lesson |
| Surfboard rental | $5 | $10 | $15 | per day |
| Local bar / night out | $8 | $20 | $40 | per outing |
Explore La Union (San Juan) beyond the numbers
Read our full city guide — neighbourhoods, safety, internet speeds, expat community, and more.