| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom in City Center) | Approximately PHP 10,000 – PHP 15,000 per month |
| Apartment Rentals (1 bedroom Outside of City Center) | Approximately PHP 5,000 – PHP 10,000 per month |
| Apartment Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately PHP 50,000 – PHP 80,000 per square meter |
| Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of City Center) | Approximately PHP 30,000 – PHP 50,000 per square meter |
| Transportation (Monthly Pass) | Approximately PHP 1,000 – PHP 1,500 |
| Transportation (Taxi Start) | Approximately PHP 40 – PHP 50 |
| Transportation (Taxi 1km) | Approximately PHP 13 – PHP 20 |
| Groceries (Milk, 1 liter) | Approximately PHP 70 – PHP 90 |
| Groceries (Bread, 500g) | Approximately PHP 40 – PHP 60 |
| Groceries (Rice, 1kg) | Approximately PHP 40 – PHP 60 |
| Groceries (Chicken Breasts, 1kg) | Approximately PHP 150 – PHP 200 |
| Restaurants (Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant) | Approximately PHP 100 – PHP 200 |
| Restaurants (Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course) | Approximately PHP 500 – PHP 1,000 |
| Utilities (Monthly for 85m2 Apartment) | Approximately PHP 2,000 – PHP 3,500 |
| Private School Tuition (Preschool) | Approximately PHP 20,000 – PHP 40,000 per year |
| Private School Tuition (Elementary School) | Approximately PHP 30,000 – PHP 60,000 per year |
| Private School Tuition (Middle School) | Approximately PHP 40,000 – PHP 80,000 per year |
| Private School Tuition (High School) | Approximately PHP 50,000 – PHP 100,000 per year |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Puerto Princesa City
“The cost of living in Puerto Princesa City is relatively affordable compared to other cities in the country. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is quite inexpensive, while outside the city center, it is even cheaper. The cost of utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage is also low. Groceries in Puerto Princesa are reasonably priced. Local markets offer fresh produce, meat, and fish at lower prices than supermarkets. Eating out is also affordable, with local restaurants offering meals at low prices. Fast food and international cuisine are also available at moderate prices.Transportation costs in Puerto Princesa are also low. Public transportation such as jeepneys and tricycles are the most common and cheapest means of getting around. Taxis are also available and are reasonably priced. Healthcare in Puerto Princesa is affordable, with both public and private hospitals offering services at reasonable prices. Education, from primary to tertiary levels, is also relatively affordable, with both public and private institutions available.Overall, the cost of living in Puerto Princesa City is quite low, making it an attractive place for both locals and expatriates,” said one expat living in Puerto Princesa City.
Can I live in Puerto Princesa City on $1,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Puerto Princesa City for a few years now and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, even if you’re used to modern amenities. However, you’ll need to make some adjustments and be smart about your spending. For instance, you might have to give up some luxuries like eating out at high-end restaurants frequently or having a large, luxurious apartment. In terms of housing, I’d recommend looking at neighborhoods like San Pedro or San Miguel. These areas are quite affordable and you can find a decent apartment or house for around $200-$300 a month. They’re also close to the city center, so you’ll have easy access to markets, shops, and other amenities. On the other hand, areas like Bancao-Bancao or Canigaran tend to be more expensive. You might find more upscale housing options there, but the cost can easily go up to $500 or more a month. If you’re trying to stick to a $1,500 budget, I’d suggest avoiding these neighborhoods. Groceries and eating out can be quite affordable here. You can get a decent meal at a local restaurant for around $2-$3, and street food is even cheaper. Groceries for a month might cost around $100-$150, depending on your eating habits. Transportation is also quite cheap. You can get around the city by tricycle for less than a dollar per ride, or you can rent a motorcycle for around $100 a month. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet might cost around $100-$150 a month, depending on your usage. So, if you add it all up, you can live quite comfortably on $1,500 a month. You’ll have enough for housing, food, transportation, utilities, and even some left over for entertainment and personal expenses. However, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and avoid unnecessary luxuries. It’s all about finding the right balance between comfort and affordability,” commented an expat living in Puerto Princesa City.
Can I live in Puerto Princesa City on $3,500 a month?
“I’ve been living in Puerto Princesa City 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. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For instance, you can rent a decent two-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood for around $300 to $400 a month. If you prefer to live in a more upscale neighborhood, like the ones near the city center or close to the beach, you might have to pay a bit more, maybe around $500 to $600. But even then, it’s still quite affordable compared to what you’d pay in the US or Europe. As for utilities, including electricity, water, and internet, you’re looking at around $100 to $150 a month. Food is also quite cheap here. You can eat out at a local restaurant for less than $10, and if you cook at home, you can cut your food expenses even further. Transportation is another area where you can save a lot. Public transportation is very cheap, and even if you decide to buy a car, gasoline prices are much lower than in many Western countries. However, there are a few sacrifices you might have to make. For one, while Puerto Princesa City has many modern amenities, it’s not as developed as some other cities. So, you might not find some of the high-end brands or products you’re used to. Also, while healthcare is generally good and affordable, it might not be up to the standards you’re used to. But overall, I’d say that living in Puerto Princesa City on $3,000 a month is not only doable, but you can live quite comfortably. Just avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like the ones near the city center or the beach if you want to save money. Stick to the more affordable neighborhoods like San Pedro or San Miguel, and you should be fine,” said one expat living in Puerto Princesa City.
Can I live in Puerto Princesa City on $5,000 a month?
“I’ve been living in Puerto Princesa City for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is not only possible, but you can live quite comfortably. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western countries. For instance, you can rent a nice, modern apartment in a good neighborhood for around $500 a month. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like Hartman or San Pedro, you might have to pay a bit more, maybe around $800 to $1,000 a month. But even then, that leaves you with plenty of money for other expenses. Groceries are also quite affordable. You can expect to spend around $200 to $300 a month on groceries if you cook at home. Eating out is also quite cheap. A meal at a decent restaurant will cost you around $5 to $10. If you prefer high-end restaurants, you might have to pay around $20 to $30 per meal. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet are also quite affordable. You can expect to pay around $100 to $150 a month for all these services. Transportation is also quite cheap. You can get around the city by tricycle or jeepney for less than a dollar. If you prefer to drive, gasoline is also quite cheap compared to Western countries. Healthcare is also quite affordable. A visit to a doctor will cost you around $10 to $20. If you need to go to a hospital, the cost can be a bit higher, but it’s still quite affordable compared to Western countries. The only thing that might be a bit more expensive than you’re used to is imported goods. If you’re used to certain brands from your home country, you might have to pay a bit more for them here. But local brands are quite good and much cheaper. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to adjust to the slower pace of life here. Things don’t always run on time and you might have to be patient. But the people are friendly and the weather is great, so it’s a small price to pay. Overall, I think you can live quite comfortably on $5,000 a month in Puerto Princesa City. You can enjoy modern amenities and still have plenty of money left over for travel and entertainment,” commented an expat living in Puerto Princesa City.
