Dumagueteis 4% cheaper — BDI "Good Deal" (56/10) vs El Nido "Fair" (50/10). Dorms avg $9/night vs $21/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇵🇭 Dumaguete
🇵🇭 El Nido
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
7 hostels, avg 9.0 rating
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 8.2 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $32/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $58/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.47, dorms avg $9
★★★★★
Coffee $2.45, dorms avg $21
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $1.51, 7 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $1.14, 15 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
22 attractions
★★★★★
26 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇵🇭 Dumaguete | 🇵🇭 El Nido | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $18 cheaper | $18 | $1/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $29 cheaper | $31 | $2/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $48 cheaper | $53 | $5/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇵🇭 Dumaguete | 🇵🇭 El Nido |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $4.26 | $4.02 6% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $10.35 19% less | $12.85 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $1.51 | $1.14 25% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.47 | $2.45 1% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.26 70% less | $0.86 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇵🇭▼
Dumaguete
Philippines
56
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $9/night). Strong hostel scene (7 hostels). Plenty to see (22 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelMad Monkey Dumaguete (9.6)
Annual dorm avg$9/night
Total hostels7
🇵🇭▼
El Nido
Philippines
50
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $21/night). Strong hostel scene (15 hostels). Plenty to see (40 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelHappiness Hostel (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$21/night
Total hostels15
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇵🇭 Dumaguete
🇵🇭 El Nido
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (30d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (30d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (30d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (30d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (30d)
Visa Free (30d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Dumaguete & El Nido
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇵🇭 Dumaguete
30°C
High
/
26°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 93mm/month
Best months: Mar
🇵🇭 El Nido
30°C
High
/
27°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 59mm/month
Best months: Feb, Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇵🇭 Dumaguete
1. Sisters of Saint Paul of ChartresFree
2. Bacong TreehouseFree
3. Dumaguete Springs ResortFree
4. Lady's GardenFree
5. Non Omnis Moriar Knights of RizalFree
🇵🇭 El Nido
1. Coral Bay ResortFree
2. El Nido Reef Strand ResortFree
3. El Nido Zipline eastboundFree
4. Elnido Four Seasons Beach ResortFree
5. Kalinga Beach ResortFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Dumaguete or El Nido cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Dumaguete vs El Nido?+
Do I need a visa for Dumaguete or El Nido?+
When is the best time to visit Dumaguete or El Nido?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Dumaguete and El Nido?+
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