Global Budget Calculator
Plan your perfect trip with accurate cost estimates for 20+ countries. Get personalized budget breakdowns, local insights, and money-saving tips from your Kaibigan!
Why Accurate Estimates?
Avoid budget shock and plan confidently with real-world cost data from 20+ countries
Why Local Knowledge?
Understanding local prices, currencies, and hidden costs helps you budget like a local
Why Quick Planning?
Skip weeks of research - get comprehensive travel budgets in minutes, not hours
Master Your Travel Budget Planning
Planning a trip abroad? Whether you're a digital nomad exploring Asia, an OFW visiting family, or a tourist seeking adventure, accurate budget planning is the key to stress-free travel. Our AI-powered calculator analyzes real-world costs across 20+ countries, helping you plan every peso with confidence. No more budget surprises—just smart, informed travel decisions.
How to Use This Budget Calculator
Select Your Destination
Choose from 20+ countries including popular destinations like Thailand (₱30K-₱45K/month), Japan (₱80K-₱120K/month), USA (₱150K-₱250K/month), and more. Each country has up-to-date cost data for accommodation, food, transport, activities, and hidden expenses like visa fees and travel insurance.
Choose Your Budget Type
Budget: Hostels, street food, public transport, free attractions (₱800-₱1,500/day)
Mid-range: 3-star hotels, local restaurants, occasional taxis, paid tours (₱2,000-₱4,000/day)
Luxury: 4-5 star hotels, fine dining, private transport, premium experiences (₱5,000+/day)
Select the style that matches your comfort level and financial capacity.
Set Trip Duration & Travelers
Plan for 3-90 days and 1-10 travelers. The calculator adjusts for economies of scale—couples and groups save 15-30% per person on accommodation and transportation compared to solo travelers. Longer trips also benefit from weekly/monthly accommodation discounts.
Get Your Personalized Budget
Receive a detailed breakdown with min-max ranges for each expense category. You'll see accommodation costs, daily food budgets, local transport options, activity budgets, and one-time expenses like visa fees (₱3,000-₱8,000) and travel insurance (₱1,500-₱5,000). Plus, get money-saving tips specific to your destination!
Smart Budgeting Strategies for Travelers
- 💰The 50/30/20 Travel Rule: Allocate 50% to accommodation/transport (fixed costs), 30% to food/activities (variable costs), and keep 20% as emergency buffer for unexpected expenses or splurges.
- 💰Book accommodation early: Save 20-40% by booking hotels 2-3 months in advance. In Southeast Asia, monthly Airbnb rentals cost 50% less than nightly rates (₱25K vs ₱50K/month).
- 💰Eat like locals: Street food and local restaurants cost 60-80% less than tourist areas. In Thailand, a local meal is ₱100-150 vs ₱400-600 in tourist zones.
- 💰Use public transport: Metro/buses cost ₱50-100/day vs ₱500-1,000 for taxis. In cities like Bangkok, Tokyo, or Singapore, public transport is faster and cheaper.
- 💰Travel in shoulder season: Visit during April-May or September-October for 30-50% lower costs on flights and accommodation compared to peak December-February seasons.
- 💰Currency exchange strategy: Avoid airport exchanges (5-10% worse rates). Use local ATMs or money changers in city centers. Withdraw larger amounts to minimize ₱200-300 ATM fees.
Country-Specific Budgeting Tips
🇹🇭 Thailand Budget Tips
₱30K-₱45K/month: Stay in Chiang Mai (cheapest) vs Bangkok (30% pricier). Eat at markets (₱80-120/meal). Get a SIM card (₱500/month unlimited data). Motorbike rental: ₱150-250/day beats taxis. Budget tip: Free temple visits, paid activities ₱500-1,500 (cooking classes, island tours).
🇻🇳 Vietnam Budget Tips
₱25K-₱35K/month: Most affordable Southeast Asian destination. Hanoi/HCMC: ₱12K-₱18K/month rent. Pho breakfast: ₱60-80. Coffee culture: ₱50-100/cup. Grab transport: ₱50-150/trip. Must-try: ₱20 banh mi, ₱150 seafood dinners. Visa: ₱1,800 (30 days).
🇯🇵 Japan Budget Tips
₱80K-₱120K/month: Get JR Pass (₱12K/7 days, unlimited trains). Stay in capsule hotels (₱1,200/night) or hostels (₱800-1,000). Convenience store meals: ₱200-350 (quality!). Sushi chains: ₱100-150/plate. Free attractions: shrines, parks, city walks. Splurge on ramen (₱400-600) and onsen (₱300-800).
🇺🇸 USA Budget Tips
₱150K-₱250K/month: Most expensive destination. Rent Airbnb apartments with kitchens to save on food (eating out: ₱800-1,500/meal). Buy groceries (₱15K-₱25K/month). Rent cars (₱2,500/day) for road trips—cheaper than domestic flights. Free attractions: national parks (₱1,500 entry), museums, city tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are the budget estimates?
Our estimates are based on 2025 real-world costs from local sources, digital nomad communities, and travel databases. We provide min-max ranges to account for seasonal variations, personal spending habits, and location differences (city center vs suburbs). Accuracy is typically ±15% depending on your travel style.
Should I budget in pesos or local currency?
The calculator shows costs in both PHP (pesos) and local currency with current exchange rates. Budget in pesos for planning (easier to understand), but bring a mix of cash and cards for spending. Use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees (saves 3-5%). Withdraw cash in large amounts to minimize ATM fees (₱200-300 per transaction).
What's included in the "Activities" budget?
Activities cover paid attractions (museums ₱300-800, theme parks ₱2,000-4,000), tours (day tours ₱1,500-3,500, multi-day ₱8,000-20,000), adventure sports (scuba diving ₱3,000-5,000), and entertainment (nightlife, shows, concerts). Free activities like hiking, beaches, and city walks are noted separately in your budget plan.
Do I need travel insurance for all countries?
YES—mandatory for Schengen (Europe), highly recommended for Asia/Americas. Costs ₱1,500-₱5,000 depending on trip length and coverage. Insurance covers medical emergencies (hospital bills can be ₱500K+), trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation. Don't skip this—one medical emergency can cost more than your entire trip budget.
Can I save my budget plan for future reference?
Yes! Use the "Export PDF" button to download your complete budget breakdown. You can also email the plan to yourself or share with travel companions. The PDF includes all cost categories, money-saving tips, local insights, and a printable checklist for easy reference during your trip.
How do I handle unexpected expenses while traveling?
Always budget 20% extra as an emergency fund (included in our calculations). Common unexpected costs: flight delays (₱3,000-10,000), medical issues (₱5,000-50,000), lost belongings (₱2,000-20,000), visa extensions (₱2,000-5,000). Keep emergency cash separate, have multiple payment methods (2 credit cards + debit card), and save important numbers (embassy, insurance, bank) offline.
20+ Countries
Accurate cost data for popular destinations worldwide
Real-time Rates
Current exchange rates and local pricing information
Detailed Breakdown
Category-wise expense analysis and recommendations
Local Insights
Cultural tips, money-saving advice, and local customs
Plan Your Trip Budget
Ready to Plan Your Dream Trip?
Get accurate budget estimates, local insights, and money-saving tips for your next adventure. Your Kaibigan makes travel planning simple and stress-free!