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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $18 | $18 | — |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $31 | $31 | — |
Flashpacker 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
39
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $21/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelHappiness Hostel (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$21/night
Total hostels15
🇵🇭▼
Puerto Princesa
Philippines
38
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $14/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelLas Residencias Bed And Breakfast (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$14/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
30°C
High
/
27°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 59mm/month
Best months: Feb, Mar
🇵🇭 Puerto Princesa
30°C
High
/
26°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 100mm/month
Best months: Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇵🇭 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
🇵🇭 Puerto Princesa
No attraction data
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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