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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Malapascua 2024
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Cost of Living in Malapascua

By Betsy Burlingame

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Malapascua helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Apartment Rentals Apartment rentals in Malapascua are relatively inexpensive. A one-bedroom apartment can be rented for as little as $200 per month. A two-bedroom apartment can be rented for around $300 per month. A three-bedroom apartment can be rented for around $400 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Malapascua, Philippines varies depending on the size and location. A one-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000. A two-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $80,000. A three-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $80,000 to $120,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Malapascua, Philippines is relatively inexpensive. A one-way bus ticket costs around $0.50. A one-way taxi ride costs around $2.00. A one-way ferry ride costs around $3.00.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Malapascua, Philippines is relatively inexpensive. A loaf of bread costs around $1.00. A dozen eggs costs around $1.50. A gallon of milk costs around $2.00. A pound of chicken costs around $3.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Malapascua, Philippines is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a local restaurant costs around $5.00. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $10.00. A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around $20.00.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Malapascua, Philippines is relatively inexpensive. The average monthly cost for electricity is around $20.00. The average monthly cost for water is around $10.00. The average monthly cost for internet is around $20.00.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Malapascua, Philippines varies depending on the school. The average cost for preschool tuition is around $200 per month. The average cost for elementary school tuition is around $400 per month. The average cost for middle school tuition is around $600 per month. The average cost for high school tuition is around $800 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Malapascua

"The cost of living in Malapascua is relatively low compared to Western countries. Accommodation can be found at a range of prices, from budget-friendly guesthouses to more luxurious resorts. Eating out is also quite affordable, with local restaurants and street food being particularly inexpensive. Transportation, primarily consisting of motorbike taxis and boats, is also reasonably priced. Groceries tend to be cheaper than in Western countries, especially when buying local products. However, imported goods can be more expensive. Internet and utilities are also quite affordable. Overall, while the cost of living can vary depending on lifestyle and personal preferences, it is generally considered to be low," said one expat living in Malapascua.

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

"I've been living in Malapascua 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 house or apartment in the more local neighborhoods, like Logon or Bounty Beach, where you can find a decent place for around $300 to $500 a month. Avoid the more touristy areas like the northern part of the island, as the prices there can be much higher.Next, you'll need to adjust your expectations when it comes to modern amenities. While you can find places with air conditioning, hot water, and Wi-Fi, these amenities might not be as reliable as you're used to. Power outages are common, and the internet can be slow at times. You'll also need to be prepared for the occasional water shortage, so it's a good idea to have a backup plan for those situations.When it comes to food, you can save a lot by eating at local eateries and cooking at home. Eating out at touristy restaurants can be expensive, but if you stick to local spots, you can get a meal for around $2 to $4. Groceries are also relatively cheap, especially if you buy local produce and products.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Malapascua is a small island, so you can easily get around on foot or by bicycle. If you need to travel to the mainland, you can take a local boat for a few dollars, and then use public transportation like buses or jeepneys to get around.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy on the island, like snorkeling, swimming, and exploring the local villages. However, if you're into diving or other water sports, you might need to budget a bit more for those activities.In summary, living in Malapascua on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be prepared to make some sacrifices and adjust your expectations when it comes to modern amenities and convenience. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, eating local food, and enjoying the natural beauty of the island, you can make it work and have a great experience living in the Philippines," commented an expat living in Malapascua.

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

"I've been living in Malapascua 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 find affordable accommodation. I recommend looking for a place in the more local neighborhoods, such as Logon or Bounty Beach, where you can find a decent apartment or house for around $300 to $500 a month. Avoid the more touristy areas like the northern part of the island, as prices there can be significantly higher.When it comes to food, eating out at local eateries or cooking at home will be your best bet to save money. There are plenty of markets where you can buy fresh produce and seafood at reasonable prices. Avoid dining at the more upscale restaurants, as they can be quite expensive.Transportation on the island is relatively cheap, with most trips on local boats or motorbikes costing just a few dollars. However, if you plan on traveling to other parts of the Philippines or taking trips off the island, you'll need to budget for those expenses as well.As for entertainment, there are plenty of affordable activities to enjoy, such as snorkeling, diving, and exploring the beautiful beaches. However, you may need to cut back on more expensive hobbies or activities, like frequent trips to high-end resorts or bars.Lastly, keep in mind that while Malapascua does have some modern amenities, it's still a small island with limited resources. You may need to adjust your expectations when it comes to things like internet speed, access to certain products, and the availability of certain services.Overall, living in Malapascua on $3,000 a month is doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing affordable neighborhoods, eating at local eateries, and enjoying the natural beauty of the island, you can live comfortably while staying within your budget," said one expat living in Malapascua.

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

"I've been living in Malapascua 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 save some money while living here. However, there are some sacrifices you'll have to make to make it work.Firstly, you'll need to adjust to the slower pace of life on the island. Malapascua is a small, laid-back place, and things don't move as quickly as they do in more developed areas. You'll also need to be prepared for occasional power outages and limited access to certain goods and services.As for housing, you'll find that there are a variety of options available, from simple beach huts to more upscale villas. If you're looking for something more affordable, I'd recommend checking out the neighborhoods around Bounty Beach and Logon. These areas have a good mix of local and expat residents, and you can find decent accommodations for around $300 to $500 a month.On the other hand, if you're looking for something more luxurious, you might want to consider the more upscale neighborhoods around the northern part of the island, such as around the Tepanee Beach area. Here, you can find beautiful villas with modern amenities, but they can be quite expensive, with monthly rents ranging from $1,000 to $2,000.When it comes to food, you'll find that eating out is generally quite affordable, with local restaurants offering meals for as little as $2 to $5. However, if you prefer to cook at home, you'll need to be prepared to pay a bit more for imported goods, as they can be quite expensive on the island.Transportation is another area where you'll need to make some adjustments. Malapascua is a small island, and there are no cars or public transportation available. Most people get around on foot, by bicycle, or by hiring a local boat called a "bangka" to take them to different parts of the island. This can take some getting used to, but it's also part of the charm of living in a place like Malapascua.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Malapascua on $5,000 a month is not only possible but can be quite comfortable if you're willing to make some adjustments and embrace the local way of life," commented an expat living in Malapascua.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

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SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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