Philippines Budget Itinerary: How Much Does a Trip to the Philippines Actually Cost?

Philippines daily budget overview

All prices are in USD per person per day and reflect 2024–2025 conditions. Exchange rate used: ₱56 = $1 (approximate). Costs exclude international flights and travel insurance — these are in-country costs only.

Budget breakdown by island

Palawan budget

Palawan sits at the mid-range end for accommodation due to limited supply in El Nido, but island hopping is affordable if you join shared tours. Budget: $35–55/day. Mid-range: $80–150/day.

• Island hopping tours (shared): $10–25/person including lunch
• El Nido accommodation (budget): $15–30/night
• Local meals (carinderia/market): $1.50–4/meal
• Van PP to El Nido: $10–15/person
• El Nido to Coron ferry: $30–45/person

Get the full Palawan itinerary for detailed cost advice.

Siargao budget

Siargao is the cheapest of the three main islands. Budget: $25–40/day. Mid-range: $60–100/day.

• Surf lesson + board rental: $15–25 for 2–3 hours
• Island hopping (shared): $10–15/person
• Motorbike rental: $7–10/day
• Guesthouse accommodation: $12–25/night
• Local meals: $1.50–3.50/meal

Get the full Siargao itinerary for detailed cost advice.

Boracay budget

Boracay is the most expensive of the three. Budget: $40–65/day. Mid-range: $100–200/day.

• Budget accommodation (off-beach): $20–40/night
• Beachfront mid-range hotel: $80–150/night
• Water sports (parasailing, SUP, etc.): $15–30/activity
• E-trike around island: ₱15–30 shared, ₱150 private
• Restaurant meals: $5–20/meal

Get the full Boracay itinerary for detailed cost advice.

Sample budget routes

Route 1: Siargao on $30/day (7 days, $210 total)

• Guesthouse dorm or budget private: $15/night
• Eat at local carinderias and market stalls: $10/day
• Rent motorbike 2 days, habal-habal rest: ~$5/day
• Island hopping shared tour (1 day): $10–15
• Sugba Lagoon day trip (1 day): $20

This is genuinely achievable and still lets you see Siargao's main highlights.

Route 2: Palawan on $50/day (10 days, $500 total)

• Mix of budget guesthouses: $20–25/night
• 5 island hopping shared tours: $10–20/each
• PP to El Nido van: $12
• El Nido to Coron ferry: $38
• Market and mid-priced restaurant meals: $12–18/day

Transport between Palawan hubs is the biggest cost on this island. Budget carefully around ferry bookings.

How to save money in the Philippines

• Eat where locals eat. Carinderias (local canteens) serve rice meals with a protein for ₱50–80 ($0.90–$1.45). The food is often better than tourist restaurants anyway.
• Book shared island hopping tours. Private boat charters are great but 2–3x the price. Shared tours on El Nido Tour A or Siargao's island hop get you the same places for a fraction of the cost.
• Fly with Cebu Pacific. The Philippines' main budget airline has fares between islands from under $15 if booked in advance.
• Buy a local SIM immediately. A Smart or Globe SIM with a data package ($5–8 for 15–30 days of mobile data) saves you constantly buying Wi-Fi or draining roaming plans.
• Travel off-peak. Accommodation prices in El Nido and Boracay drop 20–40% outside December–March peak season.
• Avoid tourist-facing water sports pricing. Negotiate, or walk one beach down from the main strip to find the same activity at a better price.

What you should never cut corners on

• Travel insurance. Medical evacuation from the outer islands is expensive. Get proper travel insurance with medical cover before you fly.
• Sunscreen. Tropical sun on open water is brutal. Good sunscreen (reef-safe where possible) prevents a ruined trip.
• Advance ferry and van bookings. Cheap now, very expensive to rebook if you miss your slot. Book transport in advance, especially in high season.
• Accommodation in El Nido December–February. Availability genuinely runs out. Do not assume you can book on arrival.