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Baguio, often called the \u201cSummer Capital of the Philippines,\u201d 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\u2019s expenses.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Below, we break down the typical living expenses for students in Baguio beyond school fees and meals.<\/p>\n
Baguio is a compact city, but students will often use transportation to get around, especially when exploring or going to shopping centers.<\/p>\n
Jeepneys<\/strong>: The most affordable mode of transport. Minimum fare starts at \u20b113\u2013\u20b115<\/strong> per ride. A one-way trip usually costs less than \u20b120.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Taxi<\/strong>: Unlike in Manila, Baguio taxis are known for being honest and safe. The flag-down rate is around \u20b140<\/strong>, and a short trip within the city may cost \u20b180\u2013\u20b1120<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Grab (ride-hailing app)<\/strong>: Not as common as in Manila or Cebu, but available in some cases. Expect to pay \u20b1120\u2013\u20b1200<\/strong> for a standard ride.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Walking<\/strong>: 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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Estimated monthly transportation budget<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Light users (walk most of the time): \u20b1500\u2013\u20b1800<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Regular users (mix of jeepneys and taxis): \u20b11,200\u2013\u20b12,000<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Although meals are included in most English schools, students often want to explore Baguio\u2019s food culture. The city is famous for its affordable restaurants, caf\u00e9s, and night markets.<\/p>\n Street food<\/strong>: Fish balls, kwek-kwek (fried quail eggs), and other street snacks cost \u20b120\u2013\u20b150<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Fast food chains<\/strong>: Jollibee, McDonald\u2019s, and Chowking meals range from \u20b1100\u2013\u20b1150<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Local restaurants<\/strong>: Expect to spend \u20b1150\u2013\u20b1300<\/strong> per meal.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Caf\u00e9s and coffee shops<\/strong>: Coffee ranges from \u20b1100\u2013\u20b1180<\/strong>, and pastries add another \u20b180\u2013\u20b1150<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Buffets and sit-down dining<\/strong>: Around \u20b1400\u2013\u20b1600<\/strong> for a full meal.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Students usually spend extra money on snacks, coffee, and occasional dining out with friends.<\/p>\n Estimated monthly food\/snack budget<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Minimal spenders: \u20b11,000\u2013\u20b12,000<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Social eaters (caf\u00e9s + restaurants weekly): \u20b13,000\u2013\u20b16,000<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n 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.<\/p>\n Groceries (per trip)<\/strong>: Fruits, instant noodles, biscuits, and drinks usually cost \u20b1300\u2013\u20b1700<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Toiletries<\/strong>: Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc. average \u20b1300\u2013\u20b1500<\/strong> per month.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Laundry<\/strong>: Laundry shops charge \u20b125\u2013\u20b140 per kilo<\/strong>. A student typically spends \u20b1400\u2013\u20b1700 monthly<\/strong> depending on clothing volume.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Estimated monthly grocery and personal items budget<\/strong>: \u20b11,500\u2013\u20b13,000<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Cinema tickets<\/strong>: Around \u20b1280\u2013\u20b1350<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n KTV (karaoke rooms)<\/strong>: Group sessions average \u20b1150\u2013\u20b1250 per person<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Night market shopping (Harrison Road)<\/strong>: Clothes and accessories from \u20b1100\u2013\u20b1400<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Bars and clubs<\/strong>: Drinks cost \u20b180\u2013\u20b1150<\/strong> for beer, and cocktails are \u20b1150\u2013\u20b1250<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Day trips (La Trinidad, Burnham Park activities, Mines View Park, etc.)<\/strong>: Transportation and entrance fees combined cost around \u20b1300\u2013\u20b1700<\/strong> per outing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Estimated monthly entertainment budget<\/strong>:<\/p>\n Quiet lifestyle: \u20b11,000\u2013\u20b12,500<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Active lifestyle (frequent outings): \u20b13,500\u2013\u20b17,000<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Some students like to stay active or pursue hobbies outside school.<\/p>\n Gym membership<\/strong>: Around \u20b1800\u2013\u20b11,500 per month<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Dance or fitness classes<\/strong>: \u20b1150\u2013\u20b1300 per session<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Sports (basketball, badminton, etc.)<\/strong>: Court rentals are often \u20b1100\u2013\u20b1200 per hour<\/strong> split among players.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Estimated monthly hobby\/fitness budget<\/strong>: \u20b11,000\u2013\u20b12,500<\/strong><\/p>\n Wi-Fi is usually available in dorms and schools, but many students also maintain their own mobile plans.<\/p>\n Prepaid SIM with data<\/strong>: \u20b1300\u2013\u20b1600 monthly for 20\u201340 GB data packages.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Postpaid plans<\/strong>: \u20b1800\u2013\u20b11,200 monthly for unlimited data and calls.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Estimated monthly communication cost<\/strong>: \u20b1400\u2013\u20b11,000<\/strong><\/p>\n Baguio is famous for ukay-ukay (secondhand clothes shops), where students can buy jackets, sweaters, and branded items for cheap.<\/p>\n Ukay-ukay finds<\/strong>: \u20b1100\u2013\u20b1300 per item.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Mall shopping<\/strong>: \u20b1500\u2013\u20b11,500 per item for new clothes and shoes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Since Baguio\u2019s climate is colder than other parts of the Philippines, many students purchase extra sweaters, hoodies, or blankets.<\/p>\n Estimated monthly shopping budget<\/strong>: \u20b1500\u2013\u20b12,000<\/strong> (varies by lifestyle)<\/p>\n Healthcare in Baguio is relatively affordable, but students should budget for small medical needs.<\/p>\n Medicine for colds, fever, flu<\/strong>: \u20b1150\u2013\u20b1300.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Doctor consultation<\/strong>: \u20b1300\u2013\u20b1600.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Emergency clinic visit<\/strong>: \u20b11,000\u2013\u20b13,000 depending on services.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Estimated monthly healthcare allowance<\/strong>: \u20b1500\u2013\u20b11,000<\/strong><\/p>\n Students often take weekend trips to nearby tourist destinations like La Union, Sagada, or Banaue.<\/p>\n Bus to La Union (beach)<\/strong>: \u20b1200\u2013\u20b1250 one way.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Bus to Sagada<\/strong>: \u20b1300\u2013\u20b1400 one way.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Accommodation for weekend trips<\/strong>: \u20b1800\u2013\u20b11,500 per night for budget hotels.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Estimated monthly travel budget (if trips are taken)<\/strong>: \u20b12,000\u2013\u20b15,000<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n2. Snacks and Eating Out<\/h2>\n
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\n3. Groceries and Personal Items<\/h2>\n
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\n4. Entertainment and Social Life<\/h2>\n
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\n5. Fitness and Hobbies<\/h2>\n
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\n6. Mobile Data and Internet<\/h2>\n
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\n7. Shopping and Clothing<\/h2>\n
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\n8. Health and Medical Costs<\/h2>\n
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\n9. Travel and Weekend Trips<\/h2>\n
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\nSample Monthly Budget (Outside School Fees)<\/h2>\n