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Cost of Living in Santa Elena

Santa Elena, Camarines Norte, Philippines · Population 42,585

▼ -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 Santa Elena

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 Santa Elena 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 Santa Elena

Santa Elena vs ManilaSanta Elena vs Quezon CitySanta Elena vs Zamboanga CitySanta Elena vs DavaoSanta Elena vs Caloocan CitySanta Elena vs Taguig City

Nearby Cities

Capalonga

20 km away · Camarines Norte

Calauag

27 km away · Quezon

Tagkawayan

28 km away · Quezon

Quezon

30 km away · Quezon

Guinayangan

32 km away · Quezon

Jose Pañganiban

35 km away · Camarines Norte

Lopez

36 km away · Quezon

Del Gallego

36 km away · Camarines Sur

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santa Elena expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₱21,716 ($371) per month in Santa Elena 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 Santa Elena?
A net salary of around ₱28,231 ($483) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Santa Elena with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Santa Elena is ₱22,113 ($378).
How much is rent in Santa Elena?
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 Santa Elena cheaper than Philippines on average?
Yes — Santa Elena is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Philippines average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
Figures for Santa Elena are estimates based on Philippines national averages adjusted for city size (population 42,585). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.