Explore The Philippines

Cost To Visit Philippines: Complete 2026 Budget Guide

In this Philippines travel cost guide we break down everything you’ll spend on lodging, food, attractions, and transportation to help you plan your travel budget.

Is the Philippines Expensive to Visit?

Not at all. The Philippines is one of the most affordable countries in Southeast Asia—even more so than Thailand in many cases. Compared to U.S. prices, the cost of living is significantly lower, and it's very possible to enjoy a tropical island vacation for under $50/day.

Regionally, it’s cheaper than Singapore, Malaysia, and Bali (Indonesia), and about on par with Vietnam and Cambodia. However, tourist hotspots like El Nido or Siargao can be more expensive due to limited infrastructure and high demand.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

When it's cheapest and most expensive to visit
Costs for accommodation, food, and local transport
Popular areas to stay (from budget to luxury)
Daily and weekly budget examples for all types of travelers

Seasonal Cost

Weather plays a huge role in cost. The Philippines has a tropical climate, so seasonality is based on wet vs. dry rather than summer vs. winter.

Peak Season (December–April)

Dry season with ideal beach weather
Highest prices for hotels, flights, and tours
Very popular for international travelers and locals on holiday

Shoulder Season (May & November)

Transition months—hot or slightly rainy but fewer tourists
Better deals on hotels and activities
Great value if you don’t mind occasional showers

Off-Season (June–October)

Monsoon season: heavy rain, storms possible
Lowest prices on flights and hotels
Some ferries, island tours, and roads may be impacted

Most Expensive Times To Visit Philippines

Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 – Jan 5) – most expensive time
Holy Week / Easter (March or April) – domestic travel peaks
Chinese New Year – certain islands see price spikes
December – February – best weather = high prices

Cheapest Months To Visit Philippines

June – October – off-season and rainy
May & November – transitional months with lower prices
Early December – before the holiday rush

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Region Cost Differences

The island or city you choose can drastically impact your cost. Some are backpacker havens; others cater to high-end travelers.

Most Expensive Areas To Stay

El Nido (Palawan)
- Famous for island hopping, limestone cliffs, and turquoise lagoons
- Limited supply of upscale resorts drives up costs
- Near: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Nacpan Beach
Boracay (Station 1)
- Luxury beachfront hotels and white powder sand
- Popular with honeymooners and luxury tourists
- Near: White Beach, Puka Beach, Willy’s Rock
Makati (Manila)
- High-end business and nightlife district
- International chains, rooftop bars, fine dining
- Near: Ayala Triangle, museums, malls

Affordable Areas To Stay

Cebu City / Mactan Island
- Many budget to mid-range options
- Good base for day trips and diving
- Near: Kawasan Falls, Moalboal, whale shark tours
Coron (Palawan)
- Cheaper than El Nido but equally beautiful
- More rustic; backpacker-friendly
- Near: Shipwreck diving, Kayangan Lake, hot springs
Siargao (Cloud 9 Area)
- Surf-town vibe with a mix of hostels and boutique hotels
- Prices rising, but still reasonable
- Near: Surfing, island hopping, Sugba Lagoon

Cheapest Areas To Stay

Dumaguete
- Laid-back university town with dive resorts and cheap eats
- Ideal for digital nomads or slow travelers
- Near: Apo Island, waterfalls, hot springs
Bohol (Tagbilaran or Panglao)
- Budget guesthouses and homestays available
- Cheaper than Palawan or Boracay
- Near: Chocolate Hills, tarsier sanctuary, Alona Beach
Iloilo or Bacolod
- Off-the-radar cities with budget-friendly accommodations
- Great for authentic cultural immersion
- Near: Historic churches, local food, mountain escapes

Philippines Vacation Costs

Here’s what you can expect for nightly accommodations, food, and other essential travel costs:

Average Accommodation Cost (Per Night)

Budget Traveler
- Hostels, guesthouses, simple beach huts
- ₱400–₱900 / $7–$16 USD
Moderate Traveler
- 2–3 star hotels, beach bungalows, Airbnbs
- ₱1,200–₱3,000 / $22–$55 USD
Luxury Traveler
- Beachfront villas, eco-resorts, or 4–5 star city hotels
- ₱4,000–₱10,000+ / $70–$180+ USD

Food Cost (Per Person, Per Day)

Budget
- Carinderias (local eateries), street food, fast food
- ₱150–₱300 / $3–$5.50 USD
Moderate
- Casual restaurants, cafés, seafood grills
- ₱500–₱800 / $9–$15 USD
Luxury
- Resort dining, Western food, wine or cocktails
- ₱1,200+ / $22+ USD

Transportation Cost

Local transport
- Jeepneys, tricycles, motorbike taxis
- ₱10–₱50 / $0.20–$1 USD per ride
Scooter Rental
- Popular on islands like Siargao or Bohol
- ₱350–₱600 / $6–$11 USD per day
Domestic Flights
- Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and PAL offer cheap flights
- ₱1,000–₱3,000 / $18–$55 USD one-way
Ferries & Boats
- Island hopping or port transfers
- ₱300–₱1,200 / $5–$22 USD

Attractions

Island Hopping Tours (El Nido, Coron, Siargao) – ₱1,200–₱2,500 / $22–$45 USD
Whale Shark Snorkeling (Oslob) – ₱1,000 / $18 USD
Entrance to hot springs, caves, or waterfalls – ₱50–₱200 / $1–$4 USD
Scuba Diving (2 Dives) – ₱2,500–₱3,800 / $45–$68 USD

Day Trips From Major Cities

From Cebu City
- Kawasan Falls & Canyoneering – ₱1,500–₱2,500 / $27–$45 USD
- Moalboal Sardine Run – Snorkeling trips around ₱1,200 / $22 USD
- Bantayan Island or Malapascua – Ferries + day trip cost around ₱1,500 / $27 USD
From Manila
- Tagaytay (Taal Volcano views) – ₱800–₱1,200 / $15–$22 USD
- Corregidor Island historical tour – ₱2,000 / $36 USD
- Pampanga food or adventure tours – ₱1,200–₱1,800 / $22–$33 USD
From Coron
- Island hopping (Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon) – ₱1,500–₱2,500 / $27–$45 USD
- Shipwreck diving – ₱3,000–₱4,000 / $54–$72 USD

Daily Budget (Per Person)

Budget Traveler
- Basic lodging, street food, DIY sightseeing
- $25–$40 USD per day
Moderate Traveler
- Hotel or Airbnb, restaurant meals, 1–2 tours
- $60–$90 USD per day
Luxury Traveler
- Resort stays, flights between islands, private boat tours
- $150–$250+ USD per day

Weekly Budget (7 Days)

Budget Level	Lodging	Food	Transport	Attractions	Total (USD)
Budget	$100–$150	$50–$70	$30–$50	$40–$60	$220–$330
Moderate	$250–$350	$100–$130	$80–$120	$100–$150	$530–$750
Luxury	$700+	$200+	$150+	$200+	$1,250+

Flight Cost

Round-trip flights from the U.S. to Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB) in 2026:

Peak Season: $1,100–$1,400
Shoulder Season: $850–$1,100
Off-Season: $600–$850

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