Cost of Living in El Nido

Monthly Budget for Retirees in El Nido

"The cost of living in El Nido is relatively low compared to Western countries. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is affordable, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also quite low. Groceries are inexpensive, with local markets offering fresh produce at very reasonable prices. Eating out at a restaurant is also quite affordable, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing very little. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is also reasonably priced.Transportation costs are also low in El Nido. A one-way ticket on local transport is cheap, and so is the starting tariff for a taxi. Gasoline prices are also lower than in many Western countries.Healthcare in El Nido is also affordable. A short visit to a private doctor costs very little, and over-the-counter medicine is also inexpensive.However, it's important to note that while the cost of living in El Nido is low, salaries are also generally lower than in Western countries. Therefore, the cost of living may seem higher for locals than for expatriates or tourists," said one expat living in El Nido.

Can I live in El Nido on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in El Nido for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable. I recommend looking for a place in the neighborhoods of Corong-Corong or Lio Beach. These areas are a bit more affordable than the more touristy areas like El Nido town proper or Las Cabanas. You can find a decent apartment or house for rent for around $300 to $500 a month.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity can be quite expensive here, so try to use energy-efficient appliances and be conscious of your usage. Water is relatively cheap, but it's still a good idea to conserve it as much as possible. Internet can be a bit pricey, especially if you need a fast and reliable connection for work. You might have to pay around $50 to $100 a month for a decent internet plan.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite affordable if you stick to local eateries and carinderias. You can get a decent meal for around $2 to $4. However, if you prefer to cook at home, groceries can be a bit more expensive, especially if you're looking for imported or specialty items. I recommend shopping at the local markets for fresh produce and seafood, as they're usually cheaper than the supermarkets.Transportation is relatively cheap, especially if you use local modes of transport like tricycles or jeepneys. If you plan on renting a motorbike, it can cost you around $100 to $150 a month. Gasoline prices are also quite reasonable.As for entertainment and leisure, there are plenty of affordable activities to do in El Nido, like island hopping, snorkeling, and hiking. However, if you're into more luxurious experiences like fine dining or spa treatments, you might have to cut back on those to stay within your budget.In summary, living in El Nido on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll have to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices. Stick to affordable neighborhoods, be conscious of your utility usage, and enjoy the local and budget-friendly activities that the area has to offer," commented an expat living in El Nido.

Can I live in El Nido on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in El Nido for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose your accommodation wisely. There are some more expensive neighborhoods like Corong-Corong and Lio Beach, which are beautiful but can be quite pricey. I'd recommend looking for a place in the town proper or in the more affordable neighborhoods like Villa Libertad or Sibaltan. You can find decent apartments or houses for rent at a reasonable price, and they usually come with basic amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even a washing machine.When it comes to dining out, there are plenty of affordable options in El Nido. You can find local eateries called "carinderias" where you can get a meal for less than $2. However, if you prefer dining at more upscale restaurants, you might have to limit how often you do so, as it can get expensive. Cooking at home is also a great way to save money, and you can find fresh produce and meats at the local market.Transportation is relatively cheap in El Nido. You can get around by tricycle, which is the most common mode of transportation, and fares are usually less than a dollar. If you plan on exploring the surrounding islands and beaches, you can rent a motorbike for around $10 a day or join group tours, which can be more cost-effective than private tours.One sacrifice you might have to make is limiting your leisure activities. While there are plenty of free or low-cost things to do in El Nido, like hiking, beach hopping, and exploring the town, some activities like island hopping tours, scuba diving, and visiting the more exclusive beach clubs can add up quickly. You'll need to prioritize which activities are most important to you and budget accordingly.Lastly, keep in mind that while El Nido has come a long way in terms of development, it's still a small town in a developing country. You might experience occasional power outages, slow internet, and limited access to certain products or services you're used to back home. However, if you're willing to adapt and embrace the local lifestyle, you'll find that living in El Nido on $3,000 a month can be a comfortable and enjoyable experience," said one expat living in El Nido.

Can I live in El Nido on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in El Nido for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. In fact, you might even find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living here than you would in many other places.One of the first things you'll need to consider is where you want to live. There are a few different neighborhoods in El Nido, and some are more affordable than others. If you're looking to save money, I'd recommend checking out Corong-Corong or Lio Beach. Both of these areas are a bit more budget-friendly, but they still offer a good quality of life. You can find nice apartments or houses for rent at reasonable prices, and there are plenty of local shops and restaurants nearby.On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more on housing, you might want to look into living in the town proper or near Bacuit Bay. These areas tend to be a bit more expensive, but they're also more convenient and offer better access to modern amenities like high-speed internet, international restaurants, and upscale shops.As for sacrifices, you might find that some things are a bit different than what you're used to. For example, public transportation can be a bit limited, so you might need to rely on tricycles or rent a scooter to get around. Additionally, while there are some modern amenities available, you might not have access to everything you're used to, like certain brands or products from back home.However, I've found that the benefits of living in El Nido far outweigh any sacrifices. The natural beauty of the area is incredible, with stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and amazing sunsets. Plus, the cost of living is generally quite low, so you'll be able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.Overall, I think you'll find that living in El Nido on $5,000 a month is not only possible but also quite enjoyable. Just be prepared to adapt to a slightly different way of life and embrace the unique charms of this beautiful island paradise," commented an expat living in El Nido.