What Counts as "Spending Money"?
Spending money covers daily living costs not included in your program fees: meals (when not provided), local transport, a phone SIM, laundry, weekend travel, and leisure. It does not include tuition, accommodation, or international flights. Understanding this helps you budget accurately.
High-Cost Destinations: Western Europe, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia
In these regions, expect to pay $1,000-$1,500 per month beyond tuition. Here's a typical breakdown:
- Food: $400-$600 (eating out and groceries)
- Transport: $100-$200 (public transit passes)
- Phone/Data: $30-$60 (prepaid or monthly plan)
- Laundry: $20-$50 (coin laundromats)
- Leisure: $200-$400 (cafés, bars, trips)
- Miscellaneous: $100-$200 (toiletries, minor costs)
These numbers vary by city - London, Paris, Sydney are higher, while smaller cities like Valencia or Vancouver can be lower. Also, accommodation and some meals are often not included in tuition, driving up overall costs.
Low-Cost Destination: The Philippines
The Philippines stands out as the most affordable because most English schools offer all-in packages covering tuition, on-campus dormitory, and three meals a day. That means your essential living costs are already paid, leaving only personal extras. Typical monthly spending money is $150-$300:
- Local food/treats: $50-$100 (eating out a few times weekly)
- Transport: $20-$50 (tricycles, jeepneys, occasional Grab)
- SIM/data: $10-$20 (prepaid, very cheap)
- Laundry: $10-$20 (school or nearby service)
- Weekend trips: $50-$150 (island hopping, tours)
- Miscellaneous: $20-$50
Overall, the Philippines offers the lowest all-in cost: roughly $900-$1,400 per month for tuition, room, and meals combined. That's why it's consistently ranked among the cheapest places to learn English.
What Changes Your Spending?
- City: Metro Manila or Cebu may cost more than provincial areas; similarly, London costs more than Liverpool.
- Room type: In the Philippines, a shared twin room is cheaper than a single; in Western countries, apartments are pricier than dorms.
- Lifestyle: Eating out daily, drinking, and frequent travel inflate costs. Cooking and staying local save money.
- Meals included: In the Philippines, on-campus meal plans curb food costs; in Western schools, you often pay per meal.
How to Budget Smartly
Before choosing a school, compare not only tuition but total costs. Many students underestimate living expenses in high-cost countries, leading to stress. For a clear side-by-side, see our cost of learning English abroad guide.
In the Philippines, almost all schools bundle meals and lodging, so your out-of-pocket is minimal. For more detail, read our cost breakdown for the Philippines to see how inclusive packages work.
If you're weighing options, check our guide to the cheapest English destinations to see how the Philippines compares.
Making the Right Choice
Comparing schools and costs online can be confusing, and hidden fees may surprise you. That's why a free, independent matching service can help. Julia, who has personally visited campuses, matches students to schools based on real strengths and advises on enrolment - including your student visa - at no extra cost to you (schools pay the fee, so you pay the school's own price).
To find a school that fits your budget and goals, get a free, no-mark-up school match and start your journey without overspending.