Cost of Living in Baguio for Students

Baguio, often called the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” is one of the most popular destinations for international students, especially those studying English. The city offers a cool climate, safe environment, and a wide range of cultural and leisure activities. Most English language schools in Baguio provide accommodation and three meals a day, which already covers the largest portion of a student’s expenses.

However, life outside the classroom involves additional costs that students should prepare for. These expenses may not seem large individually, but they can add up over weeks or months. Understanding the cost of living beyond tuition and board will help students budget wisely and enjoy their stay in Baguio to the fullest.

Below, we break down the typical living expenses for students in Baguio beyond school fees and meals.

1. Transportation Costs

Baguio is a compact city, but students will often use transportation to get around, especially when exploring or going to shopping centers.

• Jeepneys: The most affordable mode of transport. Minimum fare starts at ₱13–₱15 per ride. A one-way trip usually costs less than ₱20.

• Taxi: Unlike in Manila, Baguio taxis are known for being honest and safe. The flag-down rate is around ₱40, and a short trip within the city may cost ₱80–₱120.

• Grab (ride-hailing app): Not as common as in Manila or Cebu, but available in some cases. Expect to pay ₱120–₱200 for a standard ride.

• Walking: Because Baguio is a student city with many schools and dormitories clustered together, walking is a popular option, especially in areas like Session Road, Governor Pack Road, and near universities.

Estimated monthly transportation budget:

• Light users (walk most of the time): ₱500–₱800

• Regular users (mix of jeepneys and taxis): ₱1,200–₱2,000

2. Snacks and Eating Out

Although meals are included in most English schools, students often want to explore Baguio’s food culture. The city is famous for its affordable restaurants, cafés, and night markets.

• Street food: Fish balls, kwek-kwek (fried quail eggs), and other street snacks cost ₱20–₱50.

• Fast food chains: Jollibee, McDonald’s, and Chowking meals range from ₱100–₱150.

• Local restaurants: Expect to spend ₱150–₱300 per meal.

• Cafés and coffee shops: Coffee ranges from ₱100–₱180, and pastries add another ₱80–₱150.

• Buffets and sit-down dining: Around ₱400–₱600 for a full meal.

Students usually spend extra money on snacks, coffee, and occasional dining out with friends.

Estimated monthly food/snack budget:

• Minimal spenders: ₱1,000–₱2,000

• Social eaters (cafés + restaurants weekly): ₱3,000–₱6,000

3. Groceries and Personal Items

Even with meals provided, students often buy groceries for snacks, fruits, or personal cooking (if their dorm allows it). Essentials such as toiletries and laundry supplies are also part of daily life.

• Groceries (per trip): Fruits, instant noodles, biscuits, and drinks usually cost ₱300–₱700.

• Toiletries: Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc. average ₱300–₱500 per month.

• Laundry: Laundry shops charge ₱25–₱40 per kilo. A student typically spends ₱400–₱700 monthly depending on clothing volume.

Estimated monthly grocery and personal items budget: ₱1,500–₱3,000

4. Entertainment and Social Life

Baguio offers a wide range of leisure activities, from karaoke bars to outdoor adventures. While some students prefer quiet weekends, others spend more on nightlife and excursions.

• Cinema tickets: Around ₱280–₱350.

• KTV (karaoke rooms): Group sessions average ₱150–₱250 per person.

• Night market shopping (Harrison Road): Clothes and accessories from ₱100–₱400.

• Bars and clubs: Drinks cost ₱80–₱150 for beer, and cocktails are ₱150–₱250.

• Day trips (La Trinidad, Burnham Park activities, Mines View Park, etc.): Transportation and entrance fees combined cost around ₱300–₱700 per outing.

Estimated monthly entertainment budget:

• Quiet lifestyle: ₱1,000–₱2,500

• Active lifestyle (frequent outings): ₱3,500–₱7,000

5. Fitness and Hobbies

Some students like to stay active or pursue hobbies outside school.

• Gym membership: Around ₱800–₱1,500 per month.

• Dance or fitness classes: ₱150–₱300 per session.

• Sports (basketball, badminton, etc.): Court rentals are often ₱100–₱200 per hour split among players.

Estimated monthly hobby/fitness budget: ₱1,000–₱2,500

6. Mobile Data and Internet

Wi-Fi is usually available in dorms and schools, but many students also maintain their own mobile plans.

• Prepaid SIM with data: ₱300–₱600 monthly for 20–40 GB data packages.

• Postpaid plans: ₱800–₱1,200 monthly for unlimited data and calls.

Estimated monthly communication cost: ₱400–₱1,000

7. Shopping and Clothing

Baguio is famous for ukay-ukay (secondhand clothes shops), where students can buy jackets, sweaters, and branded items for cheap.

• Ukay-ukay finds: ₱100–₱300 per item.

• Mall shopping: ₱500–₱1,500 per item for new clothes and shoes.

Since Baguio’s climate is colder than other parts of the Philippines, many students purchase extra sweaters, hoodies, or blankets.

Estimated monthly shopping budget: ₱500–₱2,000 (varies by lifestyle)

8. Health and Medical Costs

Healthcare in Baguio is relatively affordable, but students should budget for small medical needs.

• Medicine for colds, fever, flu: ₱150–₱300.

• Doctor consultation: ₱300–₱600.

• Emergency clinic visit: ₱1,000–₱3,000 depending on services.

Estimated monthly healthcare allowance: ₱500–₱1,000

9. Travel and Weekend Trips

Students often take weekend trips to nearby tourist destinations like La Union, Sagada, or Banaue.

• Bus to La Union (beach): ₱200–₱250 one way.

• Bus to Sagada: ₱300–₱400 one way.

• Accommodation for weekend trips: ₱800–₱1,500 per night for budget hotels.

Estimated monthly travel budget (if trips are taken): ₱2,000–₱5,000

Sample Monthly Budget (Outside School Fees)

Conclusion

The cost of living in Baguio for students depends heavily on lifestyle choices. Since most schools already cover housing and meals, daily expenses can remain low if students stick to essentials like transportation, snacks, and laundry. On the other hand, those who frequently go out, travel on weekends, or shop for new clothes will spend significantly more.

On average, international students in Baguio spend between ₱10,000 and ₱20,000 per month outside their school fees. Careful budgeting ensures that students can enjoy Baguio’s unique lifestyle without financial stress.

FAQ:Cost of Living in Baguio for Students

What monthly expenses should I expect outside school fees and three meals?

Most English schools in Baguio include accommodation and three daily meals, so your out-of-pocket costs center on transportation, snacks and café visits, groceries and toiletries, laundry, mobile data, entertainment, fitness, occasional shopping, basic healthcare, and weekend trips. A conservative student can keep monthly spending near ₱7,000–₱10,000, while a social or highly active student might spend ₱18,000–₱30,000+ depending on dining out, nightlife, and travel frequency.

How much should I budget for transportation in Baguio?

Baguio is compact and walkable, but you will likely use jeepneys and taxis. Jeepney rides typically cost ₱13–₱20 for common routes. Honest, metered taxis usually total ₱80–₱120 for short hops, starting at a ₱40 flag-down. Mixing walking with jeepneys and occasional taxis places a typical student’s monthly transport at ₱1,200–₱2,000; light walkers may keep it between ₱500–₱800 if their campus and errands are nearby.

Do I need to spend much on food if my school provides three meals?

Core meals are covered, but most students still buy snacks, coffee, and occasional restaurant meals. Street snacks run ₱20–₱50, fast-food combos ₱100–₱150, casual local meals ₱150–₱300, and café drinks ₱100–₱180. If you go out once or twice a week, expect ₱3,000–₱6,000 monthly. Minimal snackers might spend only ₱1,000–₱2,000. Your café habit and social dinners with classmates are the main drivers here.

What about groceries, toiletries, and other small essentials?

Even with meals provided, you will buy fruits, instant noodles, drinks, or dorm-safe snacks, plus toiletries and cleaning items. A small grocery run might be ₱300–₱700. Monthly, plan for ₱1,500–₱3,000 including shampoo, soap, toothpaste, paper goods, and occasional kitchen basics if your accommodation allows light cooking. Buying store brands, refills, and multi-packs can reduce per-unit costs without compromising quality.

How much does laundry typically cost for students?

Self-service is uncommon; most students use laundry shops that charge by weight, often ₱25–₱40 per kilo. Light wardrobes or weekly washing often total ₱400–₱700 per month. To save, group loads with a roommate, schedule regular wash days to avoid rush surcharges, and air-dry items when allowed. Pack quick-dry clothing and a portable laundry bag to keep dirty clothes organized between drop-offs.

What is a realistic monthly budget for entertainment and social life?

Entertainment spans cinemas (₱280–₱350), karaoke with friends (₱150–₱250 per person), bars (beer ₱80–₱150; cocktails ₱150–₱250), and night-market shopping (₱100–₱400 items). A quiet month may stay within ₱1,000–₱2,500. If you enjoy weekly outings, live music, and group dinners, ₱3,500–₱7,000 is more realistic. Free options—parks, viewpoints, campus clubs—help balance your budget without missing out on Baguio’s culture.

How much should I set aside for fitness and hobbies?

Basic gym memberships often range ₱800–₱1,500 per month. Drop-in classes for dance, yoga, or fitness are commonly ₱150–₱300 per session. Shared court rentals for basketball or badminton might be ₱100–₱200 per hour split among players. Budget ₱1,000–₱2,500 for an active routine. Take advantage of outdoor jogging routes, bodyweight workouts, and student club activities to keep costs manageable.

What are typical mobile data and connectivity costs?

If your dorm Wi-Fi is stable, a prepaid data pack at ₱300–₱600 monthly (20–40 GB) may be enough for maps, messaging, and occasional streaming. Students who rely heavily on mobile internet or want unlimited calls/data might choose postpaid plans around ₱800–₱1,200. Keep usage efficient by downloading lectures and media over dorm Wi-Fi, and disabling background data on nonessential apps.

Is shopping for clothes expensive in Baguio’s cooler climate?

Because Baguio is cooler, you may want extra sweaters, hoodies, or blankets. Ukay-ukay (thrift) shops offer excellent value at ₱100–₱300 per piece. New items at malls typically run ₱500–₱1,500. A modest monthly shopping buffer of ₱500–₱2,000 covers seasonal needs. To save, layer existing clothes and buy a versatile jacket rather than multiple single-purpose items you will rarely use.

How much should I allocate for basic healthcare and medicine?

Set aside a small health fund for colds, allergies, and common ailments—basic medicines often cost ₱150–₱300. Doctor consultations are commonly ₱300–₱600 for general concerns. Keep ₱500–₱1,000 monthly as a buffer. Pack a simple first-aid kit (pain relievers, lozenges, bandages) and maintain good sleep and hydration, as Baguio’s cool air and busy schedules can challenge your immune system.

What do weekend trips near Baguio usually cost?

Many students visit La Union for beaches, Sagada for caves and vistas, or nearby highland towns. Bus fares are roughly ₱200–₱400 one way depending on destination. Budget stays often cost ₱800–₱1,500 per night. Including meals and activities, a simple overnight may fall between ₱1,500–₱3,000. Plan ₱2,000–₱5,000 per month if you travel regularly; carpooling and early booking lower costs.

Can I live comfortably on a conservative budget?

Yes. If you primarily eat at school, walk when possible, use jeepneys for longer errands, limit café runs, and choose free or low-cost activities, you can keep monthly spending near ₱7,000–₱10,000. The biggest risks to a tight budget are frequent café visits, ride-hailing, nightlife, and spontaneous shopping. Tracking daily expenses and setting weekly spending caps help you stay disciplined.

What spending habits push costs into the higher range?

Multiple café drinks each day, weekly bar nights, frequent restaurant meals, recurring taxi or ride-hailing trips, branded mall shopping, and back-to-back weekend getaways quickly add up. Students who value convenience and social activities typically spend ₱18,000–₱30,000+ monthly beyond school payments. Consider “swap strategies”: two café visits become one, taxi becomes jeepney plus a short walk, and monthly trips become every six weeks.

Are there student-specific ways to save money day-to-day?

Yes. Use jeepneys for predictable routes and taxis only late at night or during heavy rain. Schedule errands into one efficient trip. Bring a reusable tumbler and water bottle to cut beverage costs. Share laundry loads with a classmate. Buy snacks in multipacks, and compare supermarket promos. Explore free student clubs, park workouts, public viewpoints, and night-market deals instead of defaulting to malls and bars.

How should I plan and track my budget in practice?

Start with three buckets: “Essentials” (transport, toiletries, laundry), “Flex” (snacks, cafés, entertainment), and “Buffer” (healthcare, small repairs, unexpected fees). Assign weekly envelopes or app-based limits for each bucket. Review every Sunday: if cafés exceeded plan, trim next week’s entertainment. Keep a small emergency reserve in cash for power or signal outages. This rhythm stabilizes spending while leaving room for social events and trips.

What is a sample monthly budget for different lifestyles?

Conservative: Transport ₱800, Snacks/Dining ₱1,500, Groceries/Toiletries ₱1,500, Entertainment ₱1,000, Fitness ₱800, Mobile ₱400, Shopping ₱500, Health ₱500, Trips ₱0 → about ₱7,000–₱8,000. Average: ₱18,000 total with modest outings and a short trip. Social/Active: Transport ₱2,500, Snacks/Dining ₱6,000, Entertainment ₱6,000, Trips ₱5,000 plus other categories → ₱30,000+. Adjust each line to your habits.

Any final tips to enjoy Baguio without overspending?

Anchor your routine around school-provided meals and free campus or city activities. Pick one or two “premium” treats per week—your favorite café or a movie—while keeping other days light. Plan travel every 4–6 weeks instead of every weekend. Use thrift shops for warmth and style. Above all, track expenses honestly. Baguio rewards intentional students with a rich cultural life that doesn’t require a big wallet.

Baguio Study Guide
Philippines Cebu Study Complete Guide