Cost of Living in Palawan Island

Category	Cost
Apartment Rentals	1-bedroom apartment in city center: PHP 10,000 - PHP 15,000 per month 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: PHP 5,000 - PHP 10,000 per month 3-bedroom apartment in city center: PHP 20,000 - PHP 30,000 per month 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: PHP 15,000 - PHP 20,000 per month
Apartment Purchases	Price per square meter in city center: PHP 50,000 - PHP 80,000 Price per square meter outside city center: PHP 30,000 - PHP 50,000
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: PHP 10 - PHP 20 Monthly transport pass: PHP 1,000 - PHP 1,500 Taxi starting tariff: PHP 40 - PHP 50 Taxi fare per kilometer: PHP 15 - PHP 20 Gasoline (1 liter): PHP 45 - PHP 60
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): PHP 70 - PHP 90 Bread (500g): PHP 30 - PHP 60 Rice (1kg): PHP 40 - PHP 60 Eggs (12): PHP 60 - PHP 90 Chicken breasts (1kg): PHP 150 - PHP 250 Beef (1kg): PHP 300 - PHP 400 Apples (1kg): PHP 100 - PHP 200 Oranges (1kg): PHP 60 - PHP 120 Tomatoes (1kg): PHP 40 - PHP 80 Water (1.5-liter bottle): PHP 20 - PHP 40
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: PHP 100 - PHP 200 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: PHP 500 - PHP 1,000 McDonald's combo meal: PHP 150 - PHP 200 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): PHP 50 - PHP 100 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): PHP 80 - PHP 150 Cappuccino: PHP 80 - PHP 150 Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): PHP 20 - PHP 40
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: PHP 3,000 - PHP 6,000 per month Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): PHP 1,500 - PHP 3,000 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool: PHP 20,000 - PHP 50,000 per year Elementary School: PHP 30,000 - PHP 80,000 per year Middle School: PHP 40,000 - PHP 100,000 per year High School: PHP 50,000 - PHP 120,000 per year

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific location within Palawan Island and individual preferences. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices in the area you plan to live in to get a more accurate understanding of the cost of living.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Palawan Island

"The cost of living in Palawan Island, is relatively affordable compared to other tourist destinations in the country. Housing and rental prices are generally low, with a variety of options available for different budgets. Food and groceries are also reasonably priced, with local markets and supermarkets offering fresh produce and goods at competitive rates. Transportation costs are minimal, as public transportation such as tricycles and jeepneys are widely available and inexpensive. Utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, are also affordable but may vary depending on usage and location. Overall, Palawan Island offers a comfortable and budget-friendly lifestyle for both locals and expats," said one expat living in Palawan Island.

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

"I've been living in Palawan Island for a few years 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 Puerto Princesa, as it's the largest city on the island and has a good mix of affordable and more upscale neighborhoods. Some affordable neighborhoods to consider are San Pedro, San Miguel, and San Manuel. These areas have a good mix of local and expat residents, and you can find a decent house or apartment for around $300 to $500 a month. I would avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Bancao-Bancao and Canigaran, as rents can be much higher there.Next, you'll need to adjust your expectations when it comes to dining out and entertainment. While there are plenty of restaurants and bars in Puerto Princesa, eating out every night can quickly eat into your budget. I recommend cooking at home most of the time and treating yourself to a meal out once or twice a week. Local markets are a great place to buy fresh produce, meat, and fish at affordable prices. When you do go out, stick to local restaurants and bars, as they tend to be much cheaper than establishments catering to tourists.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Public transportation is quite affordable in Palawan, with tricycles and jeepneys being the most common modes of transport. You can also rent a motorbike for around $100 a month if you prefer to have your own transportation. I would avoid taxis and private car rentals, as they can be quite expensive.As for other expenses, you'll need to be mindful of your utility usage, especially air conditioning, as electricity can be quite expensive in the Philippines. I recommend using fans and natural ventilation as much as possible to keep your electricity bill down. Internet and mobile phone plans are relatively affordable, with unlimited data plans available for around $20 a month.In terms of healthcare, there are public and private hospitals in Puerto Princesa, but the quality of care can vary. I recommend getting a health insurance plan that covers private hospitals, as they tend to have better facilities and English-speaking staff.Overall, living in Palawan on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cooking at home, using public transportation, and being conscious of your utility usage, you can live comfortably and enjoy the beautiful island life," commented an expat living in Palawan Island.

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

"I've been living in Palawan Island for a few years 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 might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to choose the right neighborhood. Some of the more affordable areas in Palawan include Puerto Princesa City, Roxas, and Taytay. These areas have a lower cost of living compared to more expensive neighborhoods like El Nido and Coron, which are popular tourist destinations. In the affordable areas, you can find decent apartments or houses for rent at reasonable prices, usually ranging from $200 to $500 per month.When it comes to utilities, you might have to adjust your expectations a bit. While electricity and water are generally reliable in Palawan, there might be occasional power outages and water shortages, especially during the dry season. Internet connectivity can also be a bit slow and unreliable at times, so you might need to invest in a good mobile data plan as a backup.Transportation is relatively cheap in Palawan, with tricycles and jeepneys being the most common modes of public transport. However, if you prefer to drive, you can rent a car or motorcycle for a reasonable price. Just be prepared for some rough roads, especially in more remote areas.Eating out can be quite affordable, with local restaurants and street food vendors offering delicious Filipino cuisine at low prices. However, if you prefer to cook at home, groceries can be a bit more expensive, especially for imported products. You might need to adjust your diet and opt for more local produce to save on costs.Lastly, while Palawan offers beautiful beaches and natural attractions, you might have to limit your leisure activities and travel to stay within your budget. This means avoiding high-end resorts and touristy areas, and instead, exploring more off-the-beaten-path destinations and engaging in low-cost activities like hiking and snorkeling.Overall, living in Palawan on $3,000 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing the right neighborhood, being mindful of your utility usage, and opting for more affordable leisure activities, you can enjoy a comfortable life on this beautiful island," said one expat living in Palawan Island.

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

"I've been living in Palawan Island for a few years 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 want to consider is where you want to live. There are a few different neighborhoods that cater to expats, and some are more affordable than others. For example, Puerto Princesa is the capital city of Palawan, and it has a lot of modern amenities like shopping malls, hospitals, and international schools. You can find a nice house or apartment in a gated community for around $500 to $1,000 a month, depending on the size and location.If you're looking for something a bit more laid-back, you might want to consider living in El Nido or Coron. These towns are smaller and more focused on tourism, so you'll find a lot of beautiful beaches and natural attractions nearby. The cost of living is also a bit lower, so you can find a nice place to live for around $300 to $800 a month.As for sacrifices, you might find that some things are more expensive here than you're used to, especially imported goods. However, local products and services are generally quite affordable, so you can save money by shopping at local markets and eating at local restaurants. You might also need to adjust to the slower pace of life and the occasional power outage, but these are relatively minor inconveniences compared to the overall quality of life.In terms of expensive neighborhoods, you might want to avoid some of the more upscale resorts and gated communities, as these can be quite pricey. However, even in these areas, you can often find more affordable options if you're willing to look around and negotiate.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Palawan Island on $5,000 a month is not only possible but also quite enjoyable. With a bit of research and some flexibility, you can find a great place to live that suits your needs and budget," commented an expat living in Palawan Island.