Cost of Living in Moalboal
Summary: If you're moving to Moalboal, understanding the the cost of living in Moalboal helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $200 to $400 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from $400 to $800 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center can range from $150 to $300 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center can range from $300 to $600 per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The cost of purchasing an apartment in Moalboal can range from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on the size and location. |
Transportation | The cost of public transportation in Moalboal is very affordable. A one-way ticket on a bus or jeepney costs around $0.50. A tricycle ride costs around $1.00. A taxi ride costs around $2.00. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Moalboal is very affordable. A loaf of bread costs around $1.00. A liter of milk costs around $1.50. A kilogram of rice costs around $2.00. A dozen eggs costs around $2.00. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Moalboal is very affordable. A meal at a local restaurant costs around $3.00. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $7.00. A meal at a high-end restaurant costs around $15.00. |
Utilities | The cost of utilities in Moalboal is very affordable. The average cost of electricity is around $0.15 per kilowatt-hour. The average cost of water is around $0.50 per cubic meter. The average cost of internet is around $20.00 per month. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Moalboal varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition can range from $50 to $100 per month. Elementary school tuition can range from $100 to $200 per month. Middle school tuition can range from $200 to $400 per month. High school tuition can range from $400 to $800 per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Moalboal
"The cost of living in Moalboal 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, meat, and fish at reasonable prices. Eating out at inexpensive restaurants is also quite affordable. Transportation costs are also low, with cheap public transportation options available. Healthcare is also reasonably priced, with both public and private healthcare facilities offering services at lower costs than in many Western countries. However, the cost of international health insurance can be high. Overall, while salaries and wages in Moalboal are lower than in Western countries, the low cost of living allows for a comfortable lifestyle," said one expat living in Moalboal.
Can I live in Moalboal on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Moalboal for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 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 neighborhoods like Poblacion East or Poblacion West, where you can find decent apartments or houses for rent at a lower cost compared to more expensive areas like Panagsama Beach or White Beach. You can expect to pay around $300 to $500 per month for a comfortable place in these affordable neighborhoods.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills. Electricity can be quite expensive in the Philippines, so try to use energy-efficient appliances and be conscious of your usage. Water and internet bills are generally more affordable, but it's still a good idea to monitor your consumption.When it comes to food, eating out at local restaurants or street food stalls can be quite cheap, with meals costing around $2 to $5. However, if you prefer to cook at home, you'll need to shop at local markets and avoid imported goods, as they can be quite pricey. Also, keep in mind that some Western food items might not be readily available, so you may need to adjust your diet accordingly.Transportation is generally affordable in Moalboal, with tricycles and jeepneys being the most common modes of transport. However, if you plan on traveling around the island frequently, you might want to consider renting a motorbike, which can cost around $100 to $150 per month.Lastly, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of affordable activities to enjoy in Moalboal, such as snorkeling, diving, and exploring the beautiful beaches, you'll need to budget for these accordingly. Additionally, if you enjoy going out for drinks or socializing at bars, you'll need to be conscious of your spending, as this can add up quickly.Overall, living in Moalboal on $1,500 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By being mindful of your expenses and choosing more affordable neighborhoods, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while staying within your budget," commented an expat living in Moalboal.
Can I live in Moalboal on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Moalboal for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even 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 a neighborhood that's affordable but still offers the amenities you're used to. I recommend looking into areas like Poblacion East and Poblacion West, as they have a good mix of local and expat residents, and the cost of living is relatively low. You can find decent apartments or houses for rent within the range of $300 to $500 per month. On the other hand, I would avoid neighborhoods like Panagsama Beach and White Beach, as they are more touristy and expensive.When it comes to utilities, you can expect to pay around $100 to $150 per month for electricity, water, and internet. Keep in mind that power outages are quite common in Moalboal, so you might want to invest in a generator or a UPS system to ensure you have a continuous power supply.In terms of food, you can save a lot by eating at local eateries and buying groceries at the local markets. A meal at a local restaurant will cost you around $2 to $4, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant can go up to $10 or more. Groceries are relatively cheap, and you can expect to spend around $200 to $300 per month if you cook most of your meals at home.Transportation is also quite affordable in Moalboal. You can get around using tricycles or motorbike taxis, which usually cost less than a dollar per ride. If you prefer to have your own vehicle, you can rent a motorbike for around $100 to $150 per month.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of affordable options in Moalboal. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, go snorkeling or diving, or explore the nearby waterfalls and natural attractions. Most of these activities are either free or have a minimal entrance fee.Overall, living in Moalboal on a $3,000 monthly budget is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, eating local food, and enjoying the natural attractions, you can live comfortably and still have some money left over for savings or travel," said one expat living in Moalboal.
Can I live in Moalboal on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Moalboal for a while now, and I can confidently say that it's possible for an expat to live comfortably on $5,000 a month. In fact, you can enjoy a pretty good lifestyle with that budget. However, there are some sacrifices you might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose the right neighborhood. Moalboal is a small town, so there aren't really any "expensive" neighborhoods to avoid. However, some areas are more touristy and therefore more expensive. I'd recommend looking for a place to live in the Poblacion area, which is more local and affordable. You can find a decent house or apartment for around $300 to $500 a month.As for utilities, they can be a bit more expensive than what you might be used to, especially if you want to maintain a modern lifestyle. Electricity can be costly, especially if you use air conditioning a lot. To save on electricity, you might have to use fans instead of air conditioning or limit your usage. Water and internet services are relatively affordable, but you might have to compromise on the speed and reliability of your internet connection.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite affordable, especially if you stick to local eateries. However, if you prefer to cook at home, you might find that imported groceries can be expensive. To save on food costs, you'll need to adapt to the local cuisine and buy fresh produce from the local markets.Transportation is generally cheap in Moalboal, with tricycles and habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) being the most common modes of transport. However, if you want to maintain a more comfortable lifestyle, you might consider renting a car or a scooter, which can be more expensive.Lastly, entertainment and leisure activities can also be affordable if you stick to local options. There are plenty of beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and other natural attractions to explore in the area. However, if you're into more luxurious activities like fine dining, high-end shopping, or international travel, you might have to cut back on those to stay within your budget.Overall, living in Moalboal on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, but you'll need to make some adjustments to your lifestyle and prioritize your expenses," commented an expat living in Moalboal.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.