CostLens
HomePhilippines › Santa Monica

Cost of Living in Santa Monica

Santa Monica, Surigao del Norte, Philippines · Population 9,757

▼ -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 Monica

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 Monica 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 Monica

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

Nearby Cities

San Isidro

11 km away · Surigao del Norte

Del Carmen

18 km away · Surigao del Norte

Pilar

19 km away · Surigao del Norte

Dapa

29 km away · Surigao del Norte

General Luna

29 km away · Surigao del Norte

Cagdianao

42 km away · Dinagat Islands

Socorro

45 km away · Surigao del Norte

Basilisa

49 km away · Surigao del Norte

Other Major Cities in Philippines

Manila

Manila · pop. 24,922,000

₱32,338 ($553) / mo

Quezon City

Quezon · pop. 3,084,270

₱28,045 ($479) / mo

Zamboanga City

Zamboanga · pop. 2,100,000

₱28,045 ($479) / mo

Davao

Davao · pop. 1,848,947

₱28,045 ($479) / mo

Caloocan City

Caloocan · pop. 1,712,945

₱28,045 ($479) / mo

Taguig City

Taguig · pop. 1,308,085

₱28,045 ($479) / mo

Cebu City

Cebu · pop. 965,332

₱25,920 ($443) / mo

Antipolo

Rizal · pop. 887,399

₱25,920 ($443) / mo

Living in Santa Monica

Santa Monica is one of the key cities in Philippines. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is ₱21,716 ($371), placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around ₱6,974 ($119) per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to ₱50,613 ($865) per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately ₱38,883 ($665) monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Santa Monica is ₱22,113 ($378). To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least ₱28,231 ($483) per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Santa Monica expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated ₱21,716 ($371) per month in Santa Monica 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 Monica?
A net salary of around ₱28,231 ($483) per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Santa Monica with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Santa Monica is ₱22,113 ($378).
How much is rent in Santa Monica?
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 Monica cheaper than Philippines on average?
Yes — Santa Monica is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the Philippines average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Santa Monica?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at ₱5,012 ($86) in Santa Monica. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about ₱221 ($4) and a cappuccino runs around ₱66 ($1).
How do transport costs in Santa Monica compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Santa Monica is estimated at ₱811 ($14). Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Santa Monica are estimates based on Philippines national averages adjusted for city size (population 9,757). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.