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Cost of Living in San Esteban

San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, Philippines · Population 8,621

▼ -16% vs Philippines average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)₱21,716 ($371)
Couple, monthly₱38,883 ($665)
Family of four, monthly₱50,613 ($865)

Estimated Prices in San Esteban

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant₱221 ($3.78)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range₱885 ($15.12)per meal
Cappuccino₱66.34 ($1.13)each
Monthly groceries (single person)₱5,012 ($85.68)per month
Monthly public transport pass₱811 ($13.86)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment₱2,138 ($36.54)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)₱619 ($10.58)per month
Fitness club membership₱619 ($10.58)per month
Cinema ticket₱162 ($2.77)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre₱10,025 ($171)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre₱6,974 ($119)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre₱20,923 ($358)per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in San Esteban is ₱22,113 ($378) per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of ₱21,716 ($371) with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly ₱28,231 ($483) per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre (₱6,974 ($119)) represents about 32% of the total single-person budget.

Compare San Esteban

San Esteban vs ManilaSan Esteban vs Quezon CitySan Esteban vs Zamboanga CitySan Esteban vs DavaoSan Esteban vs Caloocan CitySan Esteban vs Taguig City

Nearby Cities

Santiago

4 km away · Ilocos Sur

Burgos

5 km away · Ilocos Sur

Santa Maria

6 km away · Ilocos Sur

Narvacan

10 km away · Ilocos Sur

Candon

15 km away · Ilocos Sur

Galimuyod

17 km away · Ilocos Sur

Santa

17 km away · Ilocos Sur

Pilar

18 km away · Abra

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Esteban expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₱21,716 ($371) per month in San Esteban including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for Philippines.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in San Esteban?
A net salary of around ₱28,231 ($483) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in San Esteban with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in San Esteban is ₱22,113 ($378).
How much is rent in San Esteban?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated ₱10,025 ($171) per month in the city centre and ₱6,974 ($119) outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about ₱20,923 ($358).
Is San Esteban cheaper than Philippines on average?
Yes — San Esteban is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Philippines average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
Figures for San Esteban are estimates based on Philippines national averages adjusted for city size (population 8,621). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.