vs
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇵🇭 El Nido
🇵🇭 Puerto Princesa
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 8.2 rating
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $58/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $29/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.45, dorms avg $21
★★★★★
Coffee $2.45, dorms avg $14
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $1.14, 15 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $1.14, 15 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
26 attractions
★★★★★
24 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇵🇭 El Nido | 🇵🇭 Puerto Princesa | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $18 | $18 | — |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $31 | $31 | — |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $53 | $53 | — |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇵🇭 El Nido | 🇵🇭 Puerto Princesa |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $4.02 | $4.02 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $12.85 | $12.85 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $1.14 | $1.14 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.45 | $2.45 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.86 | $0.86 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇵🇭▼
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
🇵🇭▼
Puerto Princesa
Philippines
50
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $12/night). Strong hostel scene (15 hostels). Plenty to see (24 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelLas Residencias Bed And Breakfast (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$12/night
Total hostels15
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇵🇭 El Nido
🇵🇭 Puerto Princesa
🇪🇺 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 El Nido & Puerto Princesa
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇵🇭 El Nido
31°C
High
/
27°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 86mm/month
Best months: Feb, Mar
🇵🇭 Puerto Princesa
31°C
High
/
26°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 105mm/month
Best months: Apr
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇵🇭 El Nido
1. Life Church
2. Jesus is Lord Church
3. Public Market
4. The Philippine Experience
5. Papaya Beach
🇵🇭 Puerto Princesa
1. Iwahig Penal Colony
2. Plaza Cuartel
3. San Exequiel Moreno (1848–1906)
4. Aloha House
5. Aviary
Common Questions
FAQ
Is El Nido or Puerto Princesa cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in El Nido vs Puerto Princesa?+
Do I need a visa for El Nido or Puerto Princesa?+
When is the best time to visit El Nido or Puerto Princesa?+
What's the cheapest month to visit El Nido and Puerto Princesa?+
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