Philippines Travel Budget - Visit Philippines on a Budget or Travel in Style


How much does it cost to travel to the Philippines?

You should plan to spend around $67 (₱3,768) per day on your vacation in the Philippines. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $16 (₱875) on meals
  • $21 (₱1,210) on local transportation
  • $50 (₱2,840) on hotels

A one week trip to the Philippines for two people costs, on average, $935 (₱52,749). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • An island paradise at affordable prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $67
    3,768
  • One Week Per person
    $468
    26,375
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $935
    52,749
  • One Month Per person
    $2,005
    113,034
  • One Week For a couple
    $935
    52,749
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,871
    105,498
  • One Month For a couple
    $4,009
    226,068
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to the Philippines cost?

A one week trip to the Philippines usually costs around $468 (₱26,375) for one person and $935 (₱52,749) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to the Philippines on average costs around $935 (₱52,749) for one person and $1,871 (₱105,498) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in the Philippines will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to the Philippines on average costs around $2,005 (₱113,034) for one person and $4,009 (₱226,068) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




How much do package tours cost in the Philippines?

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in the Philippines is $176 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.



Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Is the Philippines expensive to visit?

The Philippines is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.

Within Asia, the Philippines is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Cambodia or China.

For more details, see Is the Philippines Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to the Philippines?

The average Philippines trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Philippines travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.


Category Cost
Accommodation 1 (Double Occupancy) 2,840 ($50)
Local Transportation 1 1,210 ($21)
Food 2 875 ($16)
Entertainment 1 810 ($14)
Tips and Handouts 1 57 - 171 ($1 - 3)
Alcohol 2 314 - 941 ($6 - 17)
Accommodation Budget in the Philippines
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in the Philippines is $25 (₱1,420). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in the Philippines is $50 (₱2,840). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.


  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $25
    1,420
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $50
    2,840

Hotel Prices in the Philippines

Looking for a hotel in the Philippines? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

 

Actual Hotel Prices
The average hotel room price in the Philippines based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $41. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.


Recommended Properties


Local Transportation Budget in the Philippines
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The cost of a taxi ride in the Philippines is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $21 (₱1,210) per person, per day, on local transportation in the Philippines.


  • Local Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $21
    1,210

Recommended Services


Food Budget in the Philippines
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While meal prices in the Philippines can vary, the average cost of food in the Philippines is $16 (₱875) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in the Philippines should cost around $6.21 (₱350) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in the Philippines is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.


  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $16
    875

Recommended


Entertainment Budget in the Philippines
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Entertainment and activities in the Philippines typically cost an average of $14 (₱810) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.


  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $14
    810

Recommended Activities


Tips and Handouts Budget in the Philippines
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average cost for Tips and Handouts in the Philippines is $2.03 (₱114) per day. The usual amount for a tip in the Philippines is 5% - 15%.


  • Tips and Handouts1 For guides or service providers
    $2.03
    114


Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in the Philippines
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in the Philippines is $1.51 (₱85), as reported by travelers.


  • Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
    $1.51
    85


Alcohol Budget in the Philippines
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $11 (₱627) on alcoholic beverages in the Philippines per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.


  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $11
    627

Recommended


Water Budget in the Philippines
Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, people spend $1.45 (₱82) on bottled water in the Philippines per day. The public water in the Philippines is not usually considered safe to drink.


  • Water2 Bottled water for one day
    $1.45
    82


Last Updated: Dec 2, 2023
The Philippines On a Budget
Philippines Dining on crab in Palawan, Philippines
The Philippines is an island nation in Southeast Asia, and it includes over 7,000 islands. It has a beautiful coastline and friendly people, and, because of Spanish colonization, is considered to be Asia's largest Catholic country. The country is quite diverse with over one hundred different ethnic groups, a large international influence, and a Spanish/Latin twist. It makes for a very interesting take on Asian culture, combined with a beautiful, tropical destination. It has some great opportunities for scuba diving, wildlife spotting, and festival viewing. There are also countless opportunities to enjoy adventure sports while you're in the country. Whatever your interest, the Philippines likely has an activity or attraction that appeals to you.

The climate in the Philippines is tropical and the hottest months are between March and May. In June the rains start and this lasts through October when strong typhoons are possible. The coolest months are between November and February. Probably the best time to visit is between the middle of January and the end of February when the weather is at its coolest and the area is dry. Whenever you decide to visit the Philippines you can expect sudden weather changes. As an island nation the weather can be highly unpredictable so come prepared for anything.

The Philippines are divided into three major island groups. Luzon is the northernmost part of the country and is the economic and political center. It's also where you will find the country's capital city of Manila. The country's best beaches are on the middle islands, known as Visayas. This is the area with the richest biodiversity and the best wildlife. To the south is the Mindanao. This is where you find most of the indigenous culture in the Philippines.

The Philippines is a cheap travel destination, even by Southeast Asian standards. Some hotels may be more expensive than you would expect, but as a whole it is a very affordable travel destination. You may decide to take some domestic flights to explore the area. These are reasonably priced but there are often more affordable alternatives if you do some research. Food in the Philippines is very cheap, particularly if you dine at local establishments. Street food is always an affordable option as well.
At A Glance
  • If you're interested in Filipino culture and history head to the Banaue area. There are rice terraces that have existed for over 2000 years. It's a very scenic area that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and shouldn't be missed if you're in the area.

  • Because the Philippines is made of the many different islands you'll likely find yourself taking several different flights while you're in the country (compare prices here). Some of the most popular and affordable airlines include Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Airphil Express. Flights are usually reasonable in price but do increase around major holidays or during peak travel times. Most flights are economy class only.

  • If you decide to take a trip on the Bicol Express Train you can decide between four different classes. These include the executive sleeper class which has private, air conditioned cabins with one bed; the family sleeper class which includes four beds in an air conditioned cabin; the deluxe class which offers reclining chairs in air conditioned cabins; and the economy class which includes benches and fans for ventilation.

  • There are ferries that connect many of the islands. While this is a cheap form of transportation it is also somewhat unsafe. Use commonsense when you board a ferry. If the boat seems to be over capacity, do not get on it. Also make sure you check the weather reports prior to taking a ferry as some captains sail even in rough waters. Generally speaking, ferries are not safer than flying.

  • Don't overlook the historic sights while you're in the Philippines. The natural beauty is perhaps the most impressive part of the country, but there are still some excellent museums and cultural areas that are well worth a visit.

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Top Tourist Attractions
Tamaraw Falls: This is a popular thirty meter high waterfall with nearby swimming pools. It's about 14 kilometers from Puerto Galera and is a crowded destination on weekends, particularly on Sundays when admission is free. If you're there during the week the crowds will be much less. Bring a packed picnic lunch and there are facilities where you can enjoy your meal while looking out over the waterfall.

Hundred Islands National Park: Hundred Islands National Park is a small but lovely national park just off the Alaminos coast. It is made up of over one hundred islands, but only three of them have been developed for tourists.

Pagudpud: Pagudpud is probably one of the most popular tourist beaches in the Philippines. It has a beautiful white sand beach and blue water perfect for swimming. It's relatively secluded but still conveniently located and is accessible by public transportation.

Popular Foods
Filipino food is heavily influenced by many different cultures including Chinese, Malay, Spanish, European and American cuisines. It's probably the least spicy cuisine in all of Southeast Asia but it still has a strong flavor as it is typically seasoned with garlic, onions and ginger. Many of the dishes cook for long periods of time so the flavors are well integrated. Some examples are listed below, but for more details check out this guide to Filipino food on our blog.

Sinangag: This is a fried garlic rice dish made with dried shrimp and mixed with sausage or hot dogs. It's ubiquitous around the Philippines and it's one of the most popular dishes in restaurants around the country.

Chicharron: These are salted and deep fried pork rinds. They're available at many balut vendors and are often served with vinegar, chillis, or a liver sauce. Another variation of the dish is made with deep fried pig intestines.

Hamonado: This is a honey cured meat dish that is served on special occasions. It's most often made with pork and honey or pineapple juice is used to sweeten it. It's most commonly served during the Christmas or New Years holidays and is a favorite around the country.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.