Cost of living in Boracay Philippines
relaxing on the beach is free
A true tropical paradise, Boracay has been long a target for retirees and expat ‘relocationists’ who want to slow down and live closer to nature. However, because of its touristy nature, the cost of living in Boracay can unfortunately be a bit higher than in other Philippine islands and provinces.
That being said, living in Boracay is still very manageable by Western standards. Ultimately, it is your lifestyle that would dictate your real cost of living, and the more extravagant your day-to-day activities are, the more financially stable you must be to survive this party island.
Accommodation costs in Boracay
The most expensive part of residing in Boracay is housing. There is a considerable number of rental condominiums and apartment houses to choose from on the island, and rates may range from Php20,000 to Php40,000 (US$430 to US$870) per month. This largely depends on the location and the size of the apartment or condominium unit. These rates may or may not be inclusive of basic utilities like water and electricity, or phone, cable TV and internet connection. More on property.
Food costs in Boracay
Food is relatively cheap if you shop in the island’s D’Talipapa market, as most of the staple products there are locally produced (especially seafood). Eating out, on the other hand, may cost somewhere between Php700-750 (US$15) for a hearty meal.
Known for its party atmosphere, Boracay also offers good food and great beer by night. If you can’t shake off the pull of the nightlife, expect to pay about Php50 (a dollar or so) for a bottle of beer.
Transportation costs in Boracay
The main form of transport within Boracay is the tricycle. The basic rate from Manoc Manoc (where the ferry from Caticlan’s Jetty port docks) to the White Beach’s D’Mall is about Php100 (US$2.50). A shared ride, on the other hand, costs Php7 (US$0.10) per passenger. Hiring a tricycle for yourself may cost you around Php20 (US$0.40). You should also be advised that tricycle rates may double during nightfall, and are variable depending on the length of trip. More on transportation.
Miscellaneous expenses in Boracay
All manner of clothing is available in White Beach’s D’Mall, which features an array of shops and stalls that stocks every possible item, from clothes to footwear. You can buy a cheap t-shirt for as low as Php100 (US$2).
Boracay is a pretty safe place to live in, offering good security through its local police station and good health care through its hospital, clinics, both dental and optical, as well as laboratories. Medical care is generally inexpensive, but it is still important to take out good quality travel insurance as a precaution.
International calls may be expensive, while local calls cost only about Php7 (US$0.10) per minute. Computer rental with internet connection costs about Php10 every 30 minutes, although most hotels and apartment complexes have WiFi connections offered for free or for a certain monthly fee. The best way to cut costs on your communication expenses is to buy a cheap mobile phone that comes with a local prepaid SIM card, which can be pre-loaded as your budget allows.
Most expats in Boracay come to the island for its unique offerings, slow pace of life, and fairly low cost of living. It is a good place to retire in, especially for people who want to relish the tropical life and also for adventure seekers. More on shopping.
