Palawan’s twin jewels – El Nido and Coron – both deliver breathtaking islandscapes, but their costs diverge sharply. After crunching numbers from recent travelers and local operators, Coron generally offers 10-20% lower prices across core budget categories like lodging, food, and local transport. However, El Nido provides more free beach access and walkable town amenities. This guide dissects every expense with updated 2025 data to reveal where your pesos stretch furthest.
El Nido or Coron: Quick Cost Overview
| Expense Category | El Nido (USD) | Coron (USD) | Cheaper Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Accommodation (per night) | $15–$30 | $9–$30 | Coron |
| Local Restaurant Meal | $5–$8 | $4–$7 | Coron |
| Island Hopping Tour | $22–$26 | $28–$41 | El Nido |
| Airport Transfer (shared) | $7 | $7 | Equal |
| Daily Backpacker Budget | $48 | $43 | Coron |
Source: Comparative data aggregated from traveler expense reports
Accommodations: El Nido or Coron Sleep Costs
Coron’s Accommodation Advantage
Coron wins for budget sleep options, with dorm beds starting at $9 and decent private rooms averaging $30–$45. Properties like Bangles Homestay ($28) and Jai-cob’s Suites ($45) offer exceptional value with AC and WiFi. Luxury stays also undercut El Nido – the overwater bungalows at SETIR provide 5-star vibes at 4-star pricing.
El Nido’s Tradeoffs
You’ll pay 20% more for comparable digs in El Nido. Budget rooms start at $15 (e.g., Erlittop Eco Garden), but expect cold showers and spotty electricity. Mid-range hotels like Sea Cocoon Hotel hit $36–$80. The upside? Many include breakfast and have prime beachfront locations.
Food Costs: El Nido or Coron Dining
Coron’s Diverse Food Scene
- Local eateries: $4–$7 for grilled fish/rice
- Must-try spots: KTM Burger Night ($5 sisig), Follow Your Taste (yogurt bowls), Trattoria Altrove ($7 pizzas)
- Street food: $1 skewers with rice
Coron offers better variety and lower prices at casual restaurants.
El Nido’s Premium Pricing
- Local restaurants: $5–$8 per meal
- Top-value picks: Happy Home Restaurant ($9 fish curry), Sam’s Canteen ($7 lechon)
- Health warning: Street food carries higher food-poisoning risk
Save by choosing eateries inland rather than along the beach strip.
Tours & Activities: El Nido or Coron Value
Island Hopping: El Nido’s Tour Structure vs. Coron’s Premiums
El Nido’s standardized tours (A/B/C/D) cost $22–$26 for full-day trips including lunch and gear. However, overcrowding is rampant – boats may hold 30+ people. Coron’s tours run $28–$41 but visit iconic sites like Kayangan Lake and shipwrecks with fewer crowds. Private charters cost $100–$140 in both locations.
The Budget Game-Changer: Multi-Day Expeditions
For $450–$600, operators like Big Dream Boatman run 3–4 day El Nido–Coron sailing trips covering both destinations. Includes:
- All meals + drinking water
- Accommodation in beach huts
- Private island hopping
- 20kg luggage allowance
This eliminates separate transfer costs ($47–$95) and provides uncrowded access to top sites.
Getting There & Around: El Nido or Coron
Flights
El Nido advantages: Direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Boracay ($120+). Lio Airport is 15 mins from town.
Coron savings: Flights to Busuanga start at $24 (Skyjet), but require a 45-minute transfer.
Track flights on Skyscanner for promo deals.
Ferries & Local Transport
El Nido–Coron ferry: $47–$54 (3.5–6.5 hours). Operators: Montenegro, Atienza, Jomalia.
Local travel: Tricycles cost $5 per 15 mins in both towns. Scooter rentals average $7–$9/day.
Book ferries via 12Go for lowest prices.
Hidden Expenses: El Nido or Coron Factors
The Beach Access Factor
Coron’s drawback: No swimmable beaches in town – you must pay for tours to reach beaches. El Nido’s free options: Las Cabañas, Nacpan, and Duli beaches are accessible via scooter ($9 rental + $1 gas).
Crowd Avoidance Costs
El Nido’s mass tourism inflates prices for solitude:
- Private boat tours: $100–$120 vs. $22 group rate
- Sunset zipline at Las Cabañas: $15 extra
- Off-season (Jun–Oct) stays save 20% on lodging
Real Budget Scenarios: El Nido or Coron
The Thrifty Traveler ($35/day)
→ Pick Coron
- Dorm bed: $9
- Street food + market meals: $10
- Scooter to hot springs: $7
- One group tour: $28 (split over 3 days)
- Total: $34/day
Comfort Seeker ($75/day)
→ Equal Value
- Private AC room: $45 (Coron) vs $60 (El Nido)
- Restaurant meals: $15
- 2 group tours + 1 private day: $35/day average
- Coron total: $75 | El Nido: $80+
The Verdict: El Nido or Coron?
🏆 Coron is cheaper for: Accommodation, food, diving, airport transfers, and travelers prioritizing underwater experiences. Expect 10–15% savings overall, but budget extra for island tours to access beaches.
💎 El Nido justifies its costs for: Beach bums (free beaches), social travelers (bars/nightlife), and luxury seekers (high-end resorts). Walkability reduces transport costs.
Pro tip: Visit both via a multi-day expedition – the $450–$600 cost often undercuts doing them separately with flights/ferries.
Frequently Asked Questions: El Nido or Coron
1. Is food cheaper in Coron or El Nido?
Coron wins for food value. Local eateries serve meals for $4–$7 vs. $5–$8 in El Nido. Coron also has better international options like Italian and healthy cafes.
2. Which has cheaper luxury resorts?
Coron offers better luxury deals. Overwater bungalows at SETIR start around $200, while El Nido’s comparable resorts (e.g., Pangulasian) exceed $350.
3. Is island hopping cheaper in El Nido?
Yes. Standard group tours cost $22–$26 in El Nido vs. $28–$41 in Coron. However, Coron’s tours visit more unique sites like shipwrecks and Kayangan Lake.
4. Which destination is better for avoiding crowds on a budget?
Coron receives 30% fewer tourists. Combine this with lower base costs, and it’s easier to find solitude without paying premium prices for private tours.
5. Should I visit both El Nido or Coron to save money?
Yes! The El Nido–Coron ferry ($47) or multi-day boat trip ($450–$600) often costs less than flying between them. You’ll also maximize sightseeing per dollar.
Final Cost Insights: El Nido or Coron
Coron delivers better value for divers, budget travelers, and those seeking fewer crowds. El Nido justifies its higher costs with walkable beaches, vibrant nightlife, and iconic lagoons. For under $50/day, Coron wins on pure affordability. But if beaches and social energy top your list, El Nido’s 20% premium may be worthwhile. Smart travelers split the difference: sail between them on an expedition trip to experience both without doubling transport costs. Palawan remains a bargain by global standards – even at “peak prices,” both destinations deliver paradise below Western budget-break points.
