Cost of Living in Puerto Galera
Summary: If you're moving to Puerto Galera, understanding the the cost of living in Puerto Galera 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 of Puerto Galera 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 $250 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside the city center can range from $250 to $500 per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The cost of purchasing an apartment in Puerto Galera can range from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on the size and location. The cost of purchasing a house in Puerto Galera can range from $100,000 to $200,000 depending on the size and location. |
Transportation | The cost of public transportation in Puerto Galera is very affordable. A one-way ticket on a bus or jeepney costs around $0.50. A one-way ticket on a tricycle costs around $1.00. The cost of a taxi ride in Puerto Galera is around $2.00. |
Groceries | The cost of groceries in Puerto Galera is very affordable. A loaf of bread costs around $1.00. A liter of milk costs around $1.50. A dozen eggs costs around $2.00. A kilogram of rice costs around $2.00. |
Restaurants | The cost of eating out in Puerto Galera is very affordable. 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 Puerto Galera is very affordable. The cost of electricity is around $0.15 per kilowatt-hour. The cost of water is around $0.50 per cubic meter. The cost of internet is around $20.00 per month. |
Private School Tuition | The cost of private school tuition in Puerto Galera is very affordable. The cost of preschool tuition is around $50.00 per month. The cost of elementary school tuition is around $100.00 per month. The cost of middle school tuition is around $150.00 per month. The cost of high school tuition is around $200.00 per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Puerto Galera
"The cost of living in Puerto Galera is considered to be relatively low compared to many Western countries. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite affordable, while outside the city center, it can be even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water is also quite low. Groceries in Puerto Galera are also reasonably priced. Local markets offer fresh produce, meat, and fish at lower prices than supermarkets. Eating out at restaurants is also affordable, with local eateries offering meals at lower prices than high-end restaurants. Transportation costs are also low in Puerto Galera. Public transportation such as jeepneys and tricycles are commonly used and are very affordable. Taxis and private car rentals are also available at reasonable rates. Healthcare in Puerto Galera is also affordable, with both public and private hospitals offering services at reasonable prices. However, it's important to note that the cost can vary depending on the type of treatment or procedure needed. Overall, the cost of living in Puerto Galera is quite low, making it an attractive destination for expats and retirees. However, it's important to note that these costs can vary depending on lifestyle and personal spending habits," said one expat living in Puerto Galera.
Can I live in Puerto Galera on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Puerto Galera 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 adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's within your budget. I recommend looking for a house or apartment in neighborhoods like Sabang, White Beach, or Poblacion. These areas are more affordable and still offer a decent quality of life. You might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Muelle Bay or Tamaraw Beach, as they tend to cater more to tourists and have higher prices.Next, you'll need to adjust your expectations when it comes to modern amenities. While Puerto Galera does have some modern conveniences like internet and cable TV, the quality and reliability might not be what you're used to. You'll also need to be prepared for occasional power outages and water shortages, which are common in the Philippines.Transportation is another area where you'll need to make some sacrifices. Public transportation in Puerto Galera is limited to tricycles and jeepneys, which can be crowded and uncomfortable. If you want more freedom and convenience, you might consider buying a motorbike, but be prepared for the additional costs of maintenance and fuel.Eating out can be quite affordable in Puerto Galera, especially if you stick to local Filipino cuisine. However, if you're craving Western food or more upscale dining options, you'll need to budget accordingly, as these can be more expensive. Groceries are generally affordable, but imported items can be pricey, so you might need to adjust your diet to include more local produce and products.Finally, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of affordable activities like hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the beautiful beaches, you'll need to budget for any additional hobbies or interests you might have. Overall, living in Puerto Galera on $1,500 a month is doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices to your lifestyle," commented an expat living in Puerto Galera.
Can I live in Puerto Galera on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Puerto Galera 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 a neighborhood that's affordable but still offers the amenities you're used to. I recommend looking into areas like Sabang, White Beach, or Poblacion. These neighborhoods have a good mix of local and expat residents, and you can find decent housing options within your budget. On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like Muelle Bay or Tamaraw Beach, as they tend to be more expensive and cater to tourists.When it comes to housing, you'll likely have to settle for a smaller space than you're used to. You can find a decent one-bedroom apartment or studio for around $300 to $500 a month, but don't expect anything too luxurious. If you're willing to share a space with roommates, you can save even more on rent.As for utilities, you'll need to be mindful of your usage, especially when it comes to electricity. The cost of electricity in the Philippines is quite high, so you'll want to limit your use of air conditioning and other high-energy appliances. You can expect to pay around $100 to $150 a month for utilities, depending on your usage.Transportation is relatively cheap in Puerto Galera, with options like jeepneys, tricycles, and motorbike rentals. However, if you plan on traveling frequently to other parts of the Philippines, you'll need to budget for those expenses as well.When it comes to food, you can save a lot by eating at local restaurants and markets instead of dining at more expensive tourist spots. A meal at a local eatery can cost as little as $2 to $3, while a meal at a more upscale restaurant can easily set you back $10 to $15.Lastly, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While there are plenty of affordable activities in Puerto Galera, such as hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the local beaches, you'll want to limit your spending on more expensive activities like scuba diving or island hopping tours.Overall, living in Puerto Galera on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices to ensure you stay within your budget," said one expat living in Puerto Galera.
Can I live in Puerto Galera on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Puerto Galera 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. There are some sacrifices you might have to make, but overall, I think you'll find that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.One of the first things you'll need to consider is where you want to live. There are some more expensive neighborhoods, like White Beach and Sabang, which are popular with tourists and expats. These areas tend to have higher prices for housing and other amenities, so you might want to avoid them if you're trying to stick to a budget. On the other hand, there are plenty of more affordable neighborhoods, like Poblacion and Sinandigan, where you can find reasonably priced housing and still have access to modern amenities.In terms of sacrifices, you might find that some of the things you're used to aren't as readily available here. For example, you might not have access to the same variety of food and products that you're used to back home. However, there are plenty of local markets and grocery stores where you can find fresh produce and other essentials at a reasonable price. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to try some delicious local cuisine!Another thing to consider is transportation. While there are plenty of options for getting around, like jeepneys and tricycles, you might find that they're not as comfortable or convenient as what you're used to. However, you can always rent a car or motorcycle if you prefer, which can be quite affordable.One of the biggest benefits of living in Puerto Galera is the cost of living. You'll find that your money goes a lot further here than it would in many other places. For example, you can easily find a nice apartment or house for rent for around $300 to $500 a month, depending on the location and size. Utilities and other expenses are also quite affordable, so you should have no problem living comfortably on $5,000 a month.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Puerto Galera is a great experience. There are some sacrifices you'll have to make, but the lower cost of living and the beautiful surroundings more than make up for it. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and make some amazing memories. I hope this helps, and I'm sure you'll love it here," commented an expat living in Puerto Galera.
About the Author
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.