Cost of Living in Bohol Island

Betsy Burlingame

If you're moving to Bohol Island, understanding the the cost of living in Bohol Island helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

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 10,000 – 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 15,000 – PHP 30,000
Transportation	One-way local transport ticket: PHP 8 – PHP 20 Monthly transport pass: PHP 1,000 – PHP 1,500 Taxi starting tariff: PHP 40 Taxi fare per kilometer: PHP 13 – PHP 20 Gasoline (1 liter): PHP 45 – PHP 60
Groceries	Milk (1 liter): PHP 60 – PHP 90 Bread (500g): PHP 40 – PHP 60 Rice (1kg): PHP 40 – PHP 60 Eggs (12): PHP 60 – PHP 90 Chicken breasts (1kg): PHP 150 – PHP 250 Beef round (1kg): PHP 300 – PHP 450 Apples (1kg): PHP 100 – PHP 200 Oranges (1kg): PHP 60 – PHP 120 Tomatoes (1kg): PHP 40 – PHP 80 Potatoes (1kg): PHP 60 – PHP 100 Water (1.5-liter bottle): PHP 20 – PHP 40
Restaurants	Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: PHP 100 – PHP 200 Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: PHP 500 – PHP 1,000 McMeal at McDonald’s: PHP 150 – PHP 200 Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): PHP 50 – PHP 100 Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): PHP 80 – PHP 150 Cappuccino: PHP 60 – PHP 120 Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): PHP 20 – PHP 40 Water (0.33-liter bottle): PHP 10 – PHP 20
Utilities	Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: PHP 3,000 – PHP 6,000 per month 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): PHP 6 – PHP 8 Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): PHP 1,500 – PHP 3,000 per month
Private School Tuition	Preschool: PHP 20,000 – PHP 50,000 per year Elementary School: PHP 30,000 – PHP 80,000 per year Middle School: PHP 40,000 – PHP 100,000 per year High School: PHP 50,000 – PHP 120,000 per year

Please note that the costs provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific location within Bohol Island and the current economic situation. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices in the area you plan to live in.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Bohol Island

“The cost of living in Bohol Island, is relatively affordable compared to other popular tourist destinations in the country. Housing and rental prices are quite low, with a variety of options available, from simple apartments to more luxurious villas. Food and groceries are also reasonably priced, with local markets and supermarkets offering a wide range of products at competitive prices. Eating out at local restaurants is also inexpensive, with a variety of delicious Filipino dishes available at low costs.Transportation costs are minimal, as public transportation options like jeepneys and tricycles are widely available and affordable. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also accessible at reasonable rates. Utilities, such as electricity, water, and internet, are moderately priced, although they may be slightly higher in more remote areas of the island.Healthcare services are available at a lower cost compared to more developed countries, with both public and private hospitals and clinics offering a range of services. However, it is essential to have health insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses.Overall, the cost of living in Bohol Island is quite manageable, making it an attractive destination for both tourists and expats looking for a more affordable and laid-back lifestyle in the Philippines,” said one expat living in Bohol Island.

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

“I’ve been living in Bohol 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 and sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking into neighborhoods like Tagbilaran City, Panglao, and Dauis. These areas have a good mix of local and expat communities, and you can find decent apartments or houses for rent within your budget. I would avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Anda and Loboc, as they tend to cater more to tourists and have higher prices.When it comes to utilities and internet, you might have to compromise on the quality and speed of your connection. The internet in Bohol can be slow and unreliable at times, but it’s manageable if you’re not doing heavy online work. You can also save on electricity by using fans instead of air conditioning, as the weather can be quite hot and humid.For transportation, you can save money by using local transportation options like tricycles, jeepneys, and buses. Owning a car or motorcycle can be expensive due to maintenance and fuel costs, so it’s best to stick to public transportation if you’re on a tight budget.Eating out can be quite affordable in Bohol, especially if you stick to local eateries and carinderias. You can find delicious Filipino dishes for just a couple of dollars per meal. However, if you prefer to cook at home, groceries can be a bit more expensive, especially for imported products. I suggest shopping at local markets for fresh produce and seafood, as they tend to be cheaper than supermarkets.As for entertainment and leisure, there are plenty of affordable activities to do in Bohol. You can visit the famous Chocolate Hills, go island hopping, or explore the beautiful beaches. Just be mindful of your spending on activities and try to find local deals or discounts whenever possible.Overall, living in Bohol on $1,500 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, utilities, and transportation. It’s a beautiful place to live, and the friendly local community makes it a great experience for expats,” commented an expat living in Bohol Island.

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

“I’ve been living in Bohol Island for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 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 choose a neighborhood that’s affordable but still offers the amenities you’re looking for. I’d recommend looking into areas like Tagbilaran City, Panglao, or Dauis. These areas have a good mix of local and expat communities, and you can find decent housing options within your budget. I’d avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Anda or some parts of Panglao Island, where prices can be significantly higher due to the tourist attractions and beachfront properties.When it comes to housing, you might have to settle for a smaller or older apartment or house, but you can still find comfortable and modern options within your budget. You can expect to pay around $300 to $500 a month for a decent apartment or house in the areas I mentioned earlier.As for utilities and other expenses, you’ll find that they’re generally cheaper than in Western countries. However, you might have to be more conscious of your electricity usage, especially when it comes to air conditioning, as electricity costs can add up quickly. Internet and cable TV packages are also available at reasonable prices, but the quality and speed might not be as good as you’re used to.Transportation is quite affordable in Bohol, with options like tricycles, jeepneys, and buses being the most common modes of transport. If you prefer to have your own vehicle, you can rent or buy a motorbike or car, but keep in mind that this will add to your monthly expenses.Eating out and groceries are also relatively cheap, especially if you’re open to trying local cuisine and shopping at local markets. However, if you prefer to stick to Western food and imported products, your grocery bill might be higher than you’d expect.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there’s plenty to do in Bohol without breaking the bank. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, go island hopping, or explore the countryside and its many attractions. However, you might have to cut back on more expensive activities like scuba diving or fine dining to stay within your budget.Overall, living in Bohol Island on $3,000 a month is definitely doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and lifestyle choices,” said one expat living in Bohol Island.

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

“I’ve been living in Bohol Island for a few years 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. In fact, you might even find that you can enjoy a higher standard of living here than you would in many Western countries.One of the first things you’ll need to consider is where you want to live. There are plenty of affordable neighborhoods in Bohol, such as Tagbilaran City, Panglao, and Dauis. These areas offer a good mix of local culture and modern conveniences, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and other amenities nearby. You can find a nice apartment or house for rent in these areas for around $300 to $500 a month, depending on the size and location.On the other hand, there are also some more expensive neighborhoods that you might want to avoid if you’re trying to stick to a budget. These include some of the more upscale resorts and gated communities in Panglao, where rents can be significantly higher. However, even in these areas, you can still find some reasonably priced accommodations if you’re willing to shop around.As for other expenses, you’ll find that the cost of living in Bohol is generally quite low. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are all relatively inexpensive, so you should be able to cover your basic needs without any trouble. Eating out at local restaurants is also quite affordable, with meals typically costing just a few dollars.One sacrifice you might have to make is adjusting to the slower pace of life in Bohol. While there are plenty of modern amenities available, you might find that things don’t always move as quickly or efficiently as you’re used to. This can be a bit frustrating at times, but it’s also part of the charm of living in the Philippines.Another thing to consider is the quality of healthcare in Bohol. While there are some good hospitals and clinics on the island, the overall standard of care might not be quite as high as you’re used to. If you have any serious health concerns, you might want to consider living in a larger city like Cebu or Manila, where there are more advanced medical facilities available.Overall, I think you’ll find that living in Bohol on $5,000 a month is not only possible but also quite enjoyable. You’ll be able to experience the beauty and culture of the Philippines while still enjoying many of the modern amenities you’re used to. Just be prepared to make a few adjustments and embrace the laid-back island lifestyle,” commented an expat living in Bohol Island.

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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