Cost of Living in Siargao 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 30,000 - PHP 50,000 Price per square meter outside city center: PHP 20,000 - PHP 30,000
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: PHP 20 - PHP 30 Monthly transport pass: PHP 1,000 - PHP 1,500 Taxi starting tariff: PHP 40 - PHP 50 Taxi fare per km: PHP 15 - PHP 20 Gasoline (1 liter): PHP 45 - PHP 55
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): PHP 70 - PHP 90 Bread (500g): PHP 40 - PHP 60 Rice (1kg): PHP 40 - PHP 60 Eggs (12): PHP 60 - PHP 80 Chicken breasts (1kg): PHP 150 - PHP 200 Beef (1kg): PHP 300 - PHP 400 Apples (1kg): PHP 100 - PHP 150 Oranges (1kg): PHP 80 - PHP 120 Tomatoes (1kg): PHP 40 - PHP 60 Potatoes (1kg): PHP 60 - PHP 80 Water (1.5-liter bottle): PHP 20 - PHP 30
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: PHP 100 - PHP 200 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: PHP 500 - PHP 1,000 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): PHP 50 - PHP 80 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): PHP 80 - PHP 120 Cappuccino: PHP 60 - PHP 100 Soft drink (0.33-liter bottle): PHP 20 - PHP 30 Water (0.33-liter bottle): PHP 10 - PHP 20
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: PHP 3,000 - PHP 5,000 per month Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): PHP 1,500 - PHP 2,500 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool: PHP 20,000 - PHP 50,000 per year Elementary School: PHP 50,000 - PHP 100,000 per year Middle School: PHP 60,000 - PHP 120,000 per year High School: PHP 80,000 - PHP 150,000 per year

Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on the specific location within Siargao Island and individual preferences. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Siargao Island

"The cost of living in Siargao Island, is relatively affordable compared to other tourist destinations in the country. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts. Eating out at local restaurants and street food stalls is inexpensive, while groceries and fresh produce from local markets are also reasonably priced. Transportation, such as tricycles and motorbike rentals, is quite cheap, and various recreational activities like surfing, island hopping, and exploring natural attractions are available at moderate prices. Overall, Siargao Island offers a cost-effective living experience for both short-term visitors and long-term residents," said one expat living in Siargao Island.

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

"I've been living in Siargao Island 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. The cost of living here is generally lower than in more developed countries, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending, especially if you're used to modern amenities.First, you'll need to find affordable housing. I recommend looking for a place in General Luna, which is the main tourist area and has a good mix of local and expat residents. You can find a decent house or apartment for around $300 to $500 a month, depending on the size and location. Avoid the more upscale neighborhoods like Cloud 9, as the prices there can be significantly higher.Next, you'll need to adjust your expectations when it comes to dining out and entertainment. While there are some nice restaurants and bars in Siargao, they can be quite expensive, especially if you're used to Western prices. Instead, try to eat at local eateries called "carinderias" where you can get a delicious meal for just a couple of dollars. You can also save money by cooking at home, as groceries are relatively cheap here.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Instead of renting a car, consider getting a motorbike or bicycle, which are much more affordable and practical for getting around the island. Public transportation like tricycles and jeepneys are also available and very cheap.As for utilities and internet, you'll need to be prepared for some sacrifices. Electricity can be quite expensive in the Philippines, so try to be mindful of your usage. Internet service can be slow and unreliable, especially in more remote areas of the island. You might need to invest in a mobile hotspot or visit local cafes with Wi-Fi to stay connected.Lastly, you'll need to be prepared for the occasional power outage and water shortage, which are common in Siargao. It's a good idea to have backup supplies like bottled water and a portable generator or solar charger for your devices.Overall, living in Siargao Island on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be prepared to make some lifestyle adjustments and be more conscious of your spending. Embrace the local culture and enjoy the natural beauty of the island, and you'll find that the sacrifices are well worth it," commented an expat living in Siargao Island.

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

"I've been living in Siargao Island 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 might have to make to ensure you stay within your budget.Firstly, you'll need to find affordable accommodation. I'd recommend looking into neighborhoods like General Luna, which is a popular area for expats and has a good mix of local and international restaurants, bars, and shops. You can find a decent house or apartment for around $500 to $800 per month, depending on the size and location. I'd avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Cloud 9, which is a famous surf spot and tends to have higher rental prices due to its popularity.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your utility bills, especially electricity. The cost of electricity in Siargao can be quite high, so it's essential to use energy-efficient appliances and be conscious of your usage. You might also want to consider using a prepaid electricity meter to help you monitor and control your consumption.Transportation is another expense you'll need to factor in. While public transportation is available, it's not always reliable or convenient. I'd recommend renting a motorbike, which can cost around $100 to $150 per month. This will give you the freedom to explore the island and get around easily.When it comes to food, eating out can be quite affordable, especially if you stick to local eateries. You can expect to spend around $5 to $10 per meal at a local restaurant. However, if you prefer to cook at home, groceries can be a bit more expensive, especially for imported products. I'd suggest shopping at local markets for fresh produce and seafood, which are not only cheaper but also fresher and more delicious.Lastly, you'll need to be mindful of your entertainment and leisure expenses. While Siargao offers plenty of free or low-cost activities like surfing, swimming, and hiking, you might need to cut back on more expensive hobbies or outings. For example, you might want to limit how often you go out for drinks or attend events with entrance fees.Overall, living in Siargao on $3,000 a month is doable, but it requires some adjustments and careful budgeting. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your utility usage, and finding ways to save on food and entertainment, you can enjoy a comfortable life on this beautiful island," said one expat living in Siargao Island.

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

"I've been living in Siargao Island for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even 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 be mindful of where you choose to live. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods, like General Luna, can be quite pricey, especially if you're looking for a place with modern amenities. I'd recommend looking into more affordable areas like Dapa or Del Carmen, where you can still find decent housing options without breaking the bank.Another thing to consider is transportation. While Siargao is a relatively small island, getting around can be a bit of a challenge if you're used to having your own car. Most locals rely on motorcycles or tricycles to get around, which can be a bit of an adjustment if you're not used to it. However, it's a great way to save money and immerse yourself in the local culture.In terms of food, you'll find that eating out can be quite affordable, especially if you stick to local eateries. However, if you're craving Western or international cuisine, you might have to pay a bit more. To save money, I'd recommend cooking at home as much as possible and shopping at local markets for fresh produce.One of the biggest sacrifices you might have to make is adjusting to the slower pace of life on the island. While Siargao has a growing expat community, it's still a far cry from the hustle and bustle of a big city. You'll need to be prepared for limited shopping options, slower internet speeds, and fewer entertainment options. However, if you're willing to embrace the laid-back island lifestyle, you'll find that Siargao has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty and outdoor activities.Overall, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Siargao is definitely doable, but it will require some adjustments and sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being mindful of your transportation and food expenses, and embracing the slower pace of life, you'll be able to make the most of your time on this beautiful island," commented an expat living in Siargao Island.