How much does accommodation cost in the Philippines?

Accommodation ranges from $10/night in backpacker hostels to over $1000/night in 5-star hotels, with mid-range options around $30-80/night.

Is food expensive in the Philippines?

Food varies widely. Street food is very cheap but risky for stomach problems. Mid-range restaurants offer safe, affordable meals.

What is the biggest expense in Philippines vacation?

Travel costs, especially domestic flights to islands like Palawan and Boracay, can be a major expense along with accommodation.

Philippines Vacation Budget Guide: Realistic Costs for Accommodation, Food & More

Planning Your Philippines Vacation Budget

How much does a Philippines vacation budget need to cover? It all depends on how long you are staying, what type of accommodation you desire, what type of food and drink you consume, and what entertainment you partake in.

Accommodation costs

Your accommodation can be over $1000 a night in a 5-star hotel or as low as $10 a night in a backpacker’s hostel.

Staying a couple of weeks in a backpacker’s hostel has advantages. You meet fellow travelers and make friends very easily with no shortage of people to go out with.

The obvious downside is if you find a girlfriend there is no privacy in a room of 6 or so people. Single hostel rooms exist but are usually booked out.

Food budget

You can eat like a King in high-end foreign food restaurants that are as expensive or more so than the West, or buy Filipino street food from stalls which is super cheap but might cause stomach problems and “the runs” for a few days.

There are plenty of “in-between” eateries with safe food that is not too expensive. Middle Eastern shawarmas (meat wrapped in pita bread with salad) are popular and available in many Philippine cities.

Transportation expenses

Travel is another costly expense, especially if you want to fly to island destinations like Palawan, Boracay, or other cities. Add in taxis, trikes, and tricycles for local transportation.

Entertainment and activities

Entertainment includes sailing, scuba diving, hiking, or island hopping tours. Drinks at bars or nightclubs and buying souvenirs for yourself, friends, or family back home all add up.

Set your budget before you go

Make sure you have a set budget and do your research on the internet before you go to the Philippines to get an approximate figure of how much everything will cost. You can go way over budget quite easily without planning.

Travel with a local companion

Having a Filipina who knows the area helps you find authentic, affordable experiences that tourists usually miss. Connect with someone on FilipinaMeet before your trip to maximize your budget.