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Is the Philippines expensive? What things really cost in 2026
Short answer
The Philippines is affordable for daily costs, but island-hopping makes it more expensive than it first appears, because of domestic flights, ferries and boat tours. A budget day is about ₱2,400 per person (roughly US$42), mid-range about ₱6,100, and the money goes on island tours, transport between islands and beach resorts.
Daily budget: backpacker, mid-range, luxury
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing) | ₱800 | ₱2,500 | ₱7,000 |
| Food & drink | ₱600 | ₱1,200 | ₱3,000 |
| Sights & tickets | ₱800 | ₱1,800 | ₱4,000 |
| Local transport | ₱200 | ₱600 | ₱2,000 |
| Per person, per day | ₱2,400 | ₱6,100 | ₱16,000 |
Approximate 2026 prices, two people sharing a room. From our the Philippines day-cost table.
What things cost
| Item | Typical price* |
|---|---|
| Tricycle ride in town | ₱50–150 |
| El Nido Tour A with lunch | about ₱1,400–1,800 plus lagoon fees |
| El Nido environmental fee | about ₱400, valid 10 days |
| Fast ferry El Nido–Coron | roughly ₱2,000–2,800 |
| Coron Ultimate Tour | about ₱1,800–2,500 |
| Two wreck dives in Coron | about ₱4,000–5,500 |
| Grilled fish and rice in El Nido | about ₱300–500 |
| Guesthouse double in El Nido or Coron town | about ₱1,200–2,500 |
* Approximate prices, October 2026. They change with season and exchange rates.
Where the money goes
Island tours and activities take the largest share, followed by domestic flights and ferries, which are extra to daily costs. Accommodation in El Nido and Coron is pricier than elsewhere in the country, and private-island resorts cost ₱10,000–40,000. Food in local carinderias is cheap, while beach restaurants charge tourist prices.
When it is cheaper
June to November, the rainy season, brings lower resort rates, but typhoons can cancel boats and flights; Christmas, New Year and Holy Week are the most expensive.
How to spend less
- Book domestic flights early on Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines or AirSWIFT.
- Travel with hand luggage only on cheap fares, as checked bags cost extra.
- Join shared group tours rather than private boats.
- Eat at carinderias (local canteens) for cheap meals.
- Use tricycles and jeepneys instead of private vans.
- Base yourself in town, not on the beach, in El Nido and Coron.
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Common questions
Is the Philippines expensive?
Daily costs are low, but flights, ferries and island tours add up.
How much does a day in the Philippines cost?
About ₱2,400 per person on a budget, ₱6,100 mid-range and ₱16,000 in comfort, excluding flights.
How much is El Nido's Tour A?
About ₱1,400–1,800 with lunch, plus lagoon fees.