Philippines Travel Budget: How Much Does It Cost to Visit? Real Breakdown & Tips
Traveling in the Philippines can be remarkably affordable with smart planning—primarily by mapping your itinerary and booking domestic flights ahead. Last-minute tickets can double the cost. If you're budgeting for a trip, this guide from my firsthand experience answers: How much does it cost to travel in the Philippines?
I've broken down my actual expenses and share key considerations for your own trip.
Note: Figures use 2015 rates (1 PHP = 0.02269 USD). 2020 update: 1 PHP = 0.020 USD. As of 2024, 1 PHP ≈ 0.0175 USD—rates fluctuate, so verify current values for accuracy.
Daily Travel Expenses in the Philippines
My average daily spend was US$56.55, including domestic flights (excluding international). Excluding flights, it dropped to US$43.45. While not the cheapest in Southeast Asia, it's under $50/day. With advance bookings, you can comfortably travel for $50/day (including flights) or $40/day without pricey activities like diving or motorbike rentals—though I recommend budgeting for some adventures.
Budget Breakdown: Costs for Accommodation, Transport, Food & More
For precise insights into accommodation, tours, transport, and food, see my detailed spending below.
Accommodation Costs
Prices vary by location and season. In high-season Boracay, cheapest private rooms were PHP 1,250/US$28.32; dorms PHP 600/US$13.60. Manila central dorms: ~PHP 600. Budget hotels like Red Planet in Makati start at US$25/night. Less touristy spots like Siquijor: private rooms from PHP 500/US$11.33; cheapest dorm nationwide: PHP 250/US$5.66. El Nido private room/dorm: ~PHP 600/US$13.60.
Average per night: PHP 500/US$11.33 (2020: US$10)
Transportation Costs
Domestic flights averaged US$100, but book ahead for US$15-30 deals. Ferries: PHP 25/US$0.57 (short) to PHP 395/US$9 (3-4 hours); longest mine: PHP 965/US$22 (incl. luggage/terminal). Buses: PHP 30/US$0.68 (2 hrs Bohol), PHP 175/US$3.95 (4 hrs Cebu), PHP 470-530/US$10.66-11.90 (Manila overnight). Motorbike rental: from PHP 250/US$5.66/day. Taxis/tricycles: Manila airport PHP 200/US$4.50; Boracay shared tricycle PHP 20/US$0.45.
Average: PHP 1,780/US$40 flight; PHP 210/US$4.70 ferry.
Tour Costs
Boracay island tours/sunset cruises: PHP 800/US$18. Manila walking tour: PHP 1,200/US$27. Apo Island snorkeling: PHP 1,000/US$22.50. El Nido island hopping: PHP 1,200-1,400/US$27-31.50. Sabang river: PHP 1,500/US$33.72. Siquijor motorbike tour: PHP 700/US$15.75.
Average: PHP 1,000/US$22.50 (2020: US$20)
Food Costs
Boracay/Manila meals: PHP 300/US$6.75 (standard), up to PHP 500/US$11.25 (nicer). Street food: PHP 25-50/US$0.56-1.12. Elsewhere: vegetarian ~PHP 200/US$4.50; meat/fish ~PHP 300/US$6.75. Breakfast: PHP 190/US$4.30 (up to PHP 350/US$8 tourist spots; PHP 650/US$14.72 fancy Manila). Water: PHP 30-50/US$0.68-1.13. Coffee: PHP 100-125/US$2.30-2.83. Fruit shake: ~PHP 110/US$2.50.
Average: PHP 200/US$4.50 vegetarian; PHP 300/US$6.75 non-vegetarian.
Entertainment Costs
Beer: PHP 40-60/US$0.89-1.35 (up to PHP 80/US$1.79). Cocktails: ~PHP 200/US$4.50 (higher in upscale spots). No cover fees at visited clubs/bars.
Average night out: PHP 250-500/US$5.66-11.33.
Key Budgeting Tips for the Philippines
Secure a Return Ticket
Immigration often requires proof of onward travel. I bought a Manila-Bangkok ticket last-minute to board my flight.
Plan Ahead
Detailed itineraries save big on flights. With 28-day visas, lock in dates early.
Account for Terminal Fees
Ferries/planes: PHP 14/US$0.32 to PHP 200/US$4.54; Manila departure: PHP 550/US$12. Sometimes included, often extra.
Compare Airlines Directly
Cebu Pacific often cheapest but unreliable; check PAL Express, AirAsia sites—aggregators miss fees/budget carriers.
Avoid Peak Season
Boracay/Palawan surge during Holy Week/Christmas. Time for dry weather too.
How I Tracked Expenses
I used Trail Wallet app—highly recommended for budgeting. Learn more here.
Visited the Philippines? Share your budget tips or lower spends in the comments!
