The Real Cost of Living in Siquijor for Digital Nomads (2025 Update)
- Andre Serrano
- Oct 16
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 18
Let me be straight with you - yesterday, October 15th, we had a 10-hour power cut in my area. Ten hours. No internet, no aircon, no fridge. This is Siquijor reality, and it's exactly why I'm writing this updated cost guide for 2025.
After 11 months living full-time on this island, I've learned that budgeting for Siquijor isn't just about counting pesos. It's about understanding what actually works for remote work - and what doesn't.
I've watched dozens of digital nomads arrive here, and the ones who thrive are the ones who budget realistically from day one. So let's break down the actual costs - not the "living on $500 a month" fantasy, but real numbers for remote workers who need reliable internet and a decent life.
Accommodation: Your Siquijor's Cost of Living Foundation
This is where most digital nomads make their first major decision, and honestly, it shapes everything else.
Hostel Life: The Smart Choice
I recommend two hostels: Blue House and Fable. Both have something 90% of places in Siquijor don't have - backup power (generators or solar). When the power dies (and it will), your internet stays up, your aircon keeps running, your work doesn't stop.
Cost: ₱600-900 per night
Yes, you're sharing space. But you're getting:
Internet that actually works
Power backup (this alone is worth it)
Great locations
Other digital nomads to grab dinner with
Air Con in the dorms
For digital nomads staying up to a month, this is honestly your best bet. The reliability is worth every peso.
Monthly: ₱18,000 - ₱27,000
Private Airbnb: Good Luck Finding One
Want a private place with a kitchen and backup power? You're hunting unicorns.
Private Airbnb accommodations are rare here. Finding one with a generator? Even rarer. Finding one suitable for remote work? You'll be searching for a while.
Cost: ₱2,000+ per night (if you find one)
Here's my honest take after nearly a year: I don't recommend getting a place with a kitchen in Siquijor. I know that sounds weird, especially for long stays. But restaurants here are so cheap that cooking at home costs almost the same - sometimes more when you factor in grocery shopping hassles, limited options, higher prices for imports, and transportation.
That said, I get it. Having your own kitchen is comfortable and convenient. If that matters to you, budget for it - but know you're paying for comfort, not savings.
Monthly: ₱60,000+ (if you find something)
The Power Cut Reality Check
Here's what matters: power cuts in Siquijor happen all the time. Yesterday's 10-hour outage wasn't unusual. This isn't Manila or Cebu. The infrastructure is different.
If you're a remote worker with deadlines, client calls, and deliverables, you need backup power. Period.
Now, here's the smart play: you can absolutely save money by staying in cheaper accommodation without a generator - but only if you use Eden Coworking as your working space. Many digital nomads do exactly this: budget accommodation for sleeping, Eden Coworking for working. That way you're protected from any problems with clients or deadlines, while keeping accommodation costs down. The key is separating where you sleep from where you work reliably.
Transport: Get a Scooter
Let's be clear: staying in Siquijor without driving is a bad decision. The island isn't walkable for daily life, and tricycle costs add up crazy fast. You need a scooter.
Short-term (4 days or less): ₱350-400 per day
Long-term (2+ weeks): ₱250-300 per day (with negotiation)
Pro tip: Staying a month or longer? Negotiate hard. Build a relationship with a rental shop. People get down to ₱6,000-7,000 per month with the right connections.
Monthly: ₱7,500 - ₱12,000
Don't forget:
Gas: ₱200-300 per week depending on how much you explore
Occasional maintenance (flat tires happen)
Food: Just Eat Out
The longer I live here, the more convinced I am that cooking costs almost the same as eating out. And honestly? Eating out is easier and often better.
High-End Local Spots
Cost: ₱600 per meal (including a drink)
These aren't fancy by international standards, but they're elevated local spots with great food and good vibes. I eat at Shikihoru once or twice a week.
Eating like this twice daily: ₱1,200/day = ₱36,000/month
The Daily Go-To Spots
Places like Enchantead and Tambayanan
These are my actual daily spots. Enchantead? I'm there at least 5 times a week. Tambayanan is right next to Eden Coworking, so I'm there almost every day. Less fancy, more local, but solid and consistent to maintain a low Siquijor's cost of living.
Cost: ₱400 per meal (including a drink)
This is the sweet spot for most digital nomads. Good food, reliable quality, comfortable enough.
Eating like this twice daily: ₱800/day = ₱24,000/month
True Local Experience
Places like Annabelle's and Lovez
Very simple. Truly eating like a local. The venues are acceptable (not Instagram-worthy), the food is good (not excellent), but it's honest food at honest prices.
Cost: ₱200 per meal
I still eat at these places regularly. Sometimes you just want simple Filipino food without frills.
Eating like this twice daily: ₱400/day = ₱12,000/month
Realistic Food Budget
Most digital nomads (including me) mix it up. Some days Enchanted, some days Annabelle's, occasionally BahaBar. A realistic monthly food budget:
₱18,000 - ₱25,000
Add ₱2,000-3,000 for coffee, snacks, and drinks = ₱20,000-28,000 total
Coworking: Non-Negotiable for Serious Work
Full transparency: Eden is the only coworking space on the island.
Weekly pass: ₱3,500
Monthly membership: ₱12,000
What You're Actually Paying For
Eden Coworking is open 24 hours. We run entirely on solar - no power cuts, ever. When the rest of the island goes dark (like yesterday's 10-hour outage), Eden stays online. Your deadline doesn't care about infrastructure problems, and neither do we.
You're paying for:
Guaranteed internet (multiple backup systems)
Uninterrupted power (solar)
Professional workspace designed for actual work
Community of remote workers who get it
Air conditioning that works
Fast WiFi tested for video calls
If you're serious about remote work in Siquijor, Eden isn't optional - it's essential. Working from your accommodation might seem cheaper, but one missed client call during a power cut costs more than a month of coworking.
Monthly: ₱12,000
The Complete Monthly Breakdown
Three realistic scenarios for digital nomads in Siquijor:
Budget Digital Nomad
Accommodation: ₱18,000 (hostel)
Transport: ₱7,500 (scooter)
Food: ₱20,000 (mix of local spots)
Coworking: ₱12,000 (Eden monthly)
Gas & misc: ₱3,000
Total: ₱60,500/month (~$1,100 USD)
Tight but doable. You're in a hostel, eating mostly at local spots, being careful. But you have what you need to work reliably.
Comfortable Digital Nomad (The Sweet Spot)
Accommodation: ₱24,000 (hostel, better room)
Transport: ₱9,000 (scooter)
Food: ₱25,000 (regular nice meals, good coffee)
Coworking: ₱12,000 (Eden monthly)
Gas, snacks, drinks: ₱5,000
Activities & fun: ₱5,000
Total: ₱80,000/month (~$1,450 USD)
This is where most digital nomads at Eden land. You're comfortable, you can enjoy the island, you're not stressed about money.
Premium Digital Nomad
Accommodation: ₱60,000 (private place, if you found one)
Transport: ₱10,000 (scooter + occasional car rental)
Food: ₱35,000 (eating wherever, whenever)
Coworking: ₱12,000 (Eden monthly)
Gas, activities, entertainment: ₱10,000
Buffer for trips, diving, etc: ₱10,000
Total: ₱137,000/month (~$2,500 USD)
Premium island living. Private space, no compromises, full freedom to explore and enjoy everything Siquijor offers.
Come Prepared, Leave Happy
Budget realistically. Prioritize reliable internet and backup power. Don't try to live on rice and beans to save money - you'll burn out.
And when you arrive, stop by Eden. I'll show you around, introduce you to the community, and probably recommend where to get the best Pork Sisig on the island.
Because that's the thing about Siquijor - yes, the costs matter. But what really matters is building a life here that lets you do your best work while actually enjoying where you are.
See you on the island.
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