Retiring in the Philippines
Learn about retiring in the Philippines, including visa options, housing, healthcare, cost of living, and everything you need to plan your move.
The Best Places to Retire in the Philippines
The “Pearl of the Orient” offers everything from lively modern cities to quiet beach towns with a relaxed pace of life. Here are the best places to retire in the Philippines to suit every lifestyle.
Is the Philippines a Good Place to Retire?
Many expats see the Philippines as one of the best retirement destinations in the world. It offers warm weather, a lower cost of living, and a wide range of lifestyle options.
One of the biggest benefits is affordability. Living costs in cities like Manila can be more than 60% lower than in major Western cities such as New York. This allows many retirees to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on a modest budget.
Safety is another factor to consider. The Philippines ranks 105th on the 2025 Global Peace Index. However, safety varies across the country. Many expats report feeling safe in places such as Makati, Davao, Dumaguete, and Baguio.
Retirees also have plenty of choices when deciding where to live. Some people like big cities, such as Manila and Cebu. Some people enjoy cooler mountain towns, like Baguio. Others prefer coastal spots, such as Dumaguete and Panglao Island.
Many people speak English throughout the Philippines. The country ranks 28th out of 123 in the 2025 EF English Proficiency Index. This makes daily life easier for foreign residents. It is useful for accessing healthcare, dealing with government offices, or managing finances.
There are some downsides to consider. Infrastructure is often less reliable outside big cities. You might have difficulty finding specialist healthcare in rural areas. Some regions also experience typhoons and other weather-related risks.
The Philippines is a great place to retire. It offers affordable living, warm weather, and a relaxed lifestyle. The key is choosing a location that matches your needs and priorities.
Retiring Abroad
How to Plan Your Retirement Abroad
The Best Places to Live in the Philippines
The best place to retire in the Philippines depends on your lifestyle choices and budget. Some retirees want easy access to healthcare and airports. Others prefer a slower pace of life near the beach or in the mountains.
The destinations below are among the most popular with foreign retirees. They offer affordable living, good healthcare, reliable infrastructure, and welcoming expat communities.
Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines and one of the country’s most modern cities. It offers many of the familiar comforts of Western countries but at a much lower cost.
Many expats choose to live in areas such as Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC). These neighborhoods have modern condominiums, shopping centers, parks, restaurants, and reliable internet service. Many people speak English, which helps newcomers settle in.
One of Manila’s biggest advantages is its healthcare system. Top hospitals like St. Luke’s Medical Center and The Medical City offer excellent care. Medical costs are often lower than in the United States and other Western countries.
The city is also home to the country’s main international airport, making travel easy. However, heavy traffic is a common complaint and can lead to longer travel times.
Manila is one of the most expensive cities in the Philippines. Still, it’s cheaper than many other cities around the world. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about US$567 per month. A single retiree should budget around US$600 per month for extra living expenses.
Dumaguete
Dumaguete is a small university town. It has a relaxed vibe, affordable living, and a strong expat community. It is often one of the easiest places in the Philippines for foreigners to settle.
Many retirees enjoy the city’s walkable layout, waterfront path, and friendly atmosphere. Many locals speak English. The large international community makes newcomers feel at home.
Despite its smaller size, Dumaguete has good infrastructure. The local airport has regular flights to Manila and Cebu. Internet service is usually reliable. Healthcare is available at Silliman University Medical Center and various private clinics.
The city also provides easy access to nature. Retirees can spend time on nearby beaches and visit waterfalls. They can also escape to the cooler mountain town of Valencia.
Cost is one of Dumaguete’s biggest advantages. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around US$250 per month. Living expenses are also low. This allows many retirees to maintain a comfortable lifestyle on a modest budget.
Cebu City
Cebu City is the second-largest city in the Philippines. It’s a favorite place for retirees who want modern comforts but prefer less crowding than Manila.
The city offers a strong mix of urban convenience and island living. Many expats choose areas such as Cebu IT Park, Cebu Business Park, Banilad, and Lahug. Others prefer nearby Mactan Island, which offers a more resort-style lifestyle.
Cebu has excellent infrastructure by Philippine standards. It has an international airport, fast internet, and modern shopping centers. Also, it boasts excellent private hospitals, such as Chong Hua Hospital.
The city also provides easy access to beaches, diving destinations, and nearby islands. This makes it appealing to retirees who enjoy outdoor activities and weekend travel.
Cebu might be pricier than some provincial cities, but it’s still cheaper than many places in the West.
A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about US$530 per month. Meanwhile, monthly living expenses average around US$575 for a single retiree.
Baguio City
Baguio provides a unique retirement experience compared to much of the Philippines. It sits in the northern Luzon mountains. The area has a cooler climate and features pine-covered landscapes.
Many retirees pick Baguio to escape the tropical heat found in other parts of the country. The city is walkable and has a vibrant arts scene. It also features popular attractions such as Burnham Park and Session Road.
The expat community is smaller than in places like Cebu or Dumaguete, but it is diverse and welcoming. Many foreign residents live in quieter neighborhoods such as Trancoville and Leonila Hill.
Expats can access healthcare at Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center. There are also a variety of private hospitals in the area. Residents can enjoy good internet service, although occasional power outages can affect reliability.
Baguio is also affordable. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around US$425 per month. Meanwhile, monthly living expenses average about US$520 for a single retiree.
One drawback is accessibility. The nearest major airport is Clark International Airport. It’s about a two- to three-hour drive away.
Davao City
Davao City is one of the largest cities in the Philippines. Residents praise it for its cleanliness, safety, and relaxed pace of life.
Many retirees choose Davao for its modern amenities. It offers a quieter atmosphere, free of Manila’s crowds and traffic. The city has a growing expat community. This includes retirees, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads.
Popular residential areas are Buhangin, Ecoland, and Lanang. Here, residents enjoy modern condominiums, shopping centers, and restaurants. The city is near beaches, nature parks, and outdoor attractions, including Mount Apo and Samal Island.
Davao has solid infrastructure, dependable internet, and an international airport. It connects to major destinations. You can seek healthcare at Davao Doctors Hospital and Metro Davao Medical Center.
The city is also affordable. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs about US$288 per month. Meanwhile, monthly living expenses average around US$565 for a single retiree.
One thing to note is that Davao has strict local regulations. This includes a ban on smoking across the city and limits on late-night alcohol sales.
Subic Bay
Subic Bay was once a U.S. naval base. Now, it’s a popular spot for retirees, especially American expats.
The area has an organized layout, gated communities, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Many retirees enjoy the familiar suburban vibe. It feels different from other areas in the Philippines.
Popular areas include Binictican, Kalayaan Heights, and Barrio Barretto. Residents have easy access to beaches, marinas, and golf courses. They can also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and sailing.
Subic also offers good healthcare facilities, modern shopping centers, and reliable services. Clark International Airport is within driving distance, making international travel convenient.
One of the area’s biggest advantages is affordability. A one-bedroom apartment in a central location costs around US$130 per month. This makes it one of the least expensive retirement destinations on this list.
There is a large expat community. This makes it easy for newcomers to meet other foreign residents and build a social network.
Tagaytay
Tagaytay is a popular mountain town located about two hours south of Manila. It offers a cool climate, scenic views, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Many retirees appreciate the views of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake from the area. The cooler temperatures are great for anyone looking to escape the tropical heat.
The expat community includes retirees, business owners, and wellness-focused residents. Many people live in places like Tagaytay Highlands and Crosswinds. These areas have larger homes and resort-style amenities.
Despite its smaller size, Tagaytay has good infrastructure. Residents enjoy high-speed internet, modern shops, quality healthcare, and easy access to Manila.
The cost of living is higher than in many provincial cities. However, it’s still more reasonable than most Western countries. A retiree can expect monthly costs, including rent, to range from US$1,150 to US$1,800.
Weekend traffic often gets heavy because many tourists from Manila visit. Many residents still think the cooler weather and natural beauty outweigh this hassle.
Panglao Island
Panglao Island is a top beach spot in the Philippines. It is popular with retirees seeking a relaxed island life.
Located in Bohol, Panglao features white-sand beaches, clear waters, and world-class diving. It offers a slower pace of life but still provides many services that foreign residents need.
The expat community is active and welcoming. Many retirees live near Alona Beach, Dauis, and other coastal areas. Cafes, restaurants, and beach resorts provide great opportunities to meet locals and socialize.
Infrastructure has made great strides in recent years. The island has high-speed internet, an international airport, and modern shops. It also provides access to healthcare at nearby hospitals and medical centers.
One challenge is that power and water interruptions can occur from time to time. Many long-term residents install backup systems to reduce disruptions.
Panglao remains affordable compared to many beach destinations around the world. A one-bedroom apartment in a central area costs around US$300 each month. Everyday expenses are usually much lower than in Western countries.
Iloilo City
Known as the “city of love,” this is one of the most livable cities in the Philippines. It emphasizes sustainable urban planning and heritage preservation.
Iloilo is also home to a small but welcoming expat community. They tend to live in the modern Mandurriao district or nearby areas. This includes Atira Park and Megaworld Iloilo Business Park. Residents socialize at the Shops at Atria and Iloilo Esplanade. They also feature safe, scenic walking paths and bike lanes.
Retirees appreciate the great healthcare at The Medical City Iloilo and Healthway QualiMed. They also enjoy easy access from Iloilo International Airport and reliable internet.
Iloilo isn’t the cheapest place to live in the Philippines, but it’s still affordable. It’s about 62% less expensive than Chicago.
An expat can expect to spend around US$465 each month. On top of that, they’ll pay about US$275 for rent on a one-bedroom apartment in the city center.
Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is perfect for nature lovers and eco-friendly retirees. It’s a clean and green city. It offers many beaches, national parks, river systems, and more.
New arrivals value the local expat community. This group includes long-term retirees and business owners.
They often gather at local coffee spots, such as Itoy’s Coffee Haus, and co-working spaces like Think Space. However, many live in areas like Bancao-Bancao and San Jose.
The region is also undergoing infrastructure upgrades to stabilize supplies. This includes a new water line and widening the road along the North National Highway.
There’s also an international airport with flights to local and international destinations.
Retirees can access healthcare at Palawan Adventist Hospital and AACE Medical Center. However, for specialized care, they might need to fly to Manila.
Still, Puerto Princesa is very affordable for expat retirees. A one-bedroom apartment in the center rents for about US$295 per month. For context, rent here is about 88% cheaper than in Chicago, while eating out is about 70% cheaper.
Bacolod
On Negros Island, Bacolod is famous for its sugar industry and vibrant festivals. There is also a friendly expat community, which makes it easy for new arrivals to integrate.
Many expats prefer upscale living in planned estates, such as Parkville by SMDC. They also like living in condos, such as Smile Residences. They can socialize in Mandalagan and its Art District or in modern malls. This includes Ayala Malls Capitol Central.
Bacolod also has a strong, improving infrastructure. Residents enjoy shorter travel times to the international airport. They also have easy access to Manila and Cebu. They also have easy access to Manila and Cebu. and the Bacolod–Negros Occidental Economic Highway.
Healthcare is available at Riverside Medical Center and the Riverside Cancer Care Center. There is also reliable, high-speed broadband available.
For most expats, Bacolod remains very affordable. To rent a one-bedroom apartment in the town center would cost about US$375 per month. This is almost 90% cheaper than rent in Chicago, while restaurants cost about 80% less.
How to Choose Where to Retire in the Philippines
Choosing where to retire in the Philippines comes down to the lifestyle you want. Some retirees like big cities such as Manila and Cebu. These areas feature modern infrastructure. They also have international airports and top private Filipino hospitals. Others, meanwhile, look for quieter places. Here, life moves slowly, and nature is part of daily life.
Affordability is a major advantage in the country, but costs differ by location. Cities like Dumaguete, Bacolod, and Puerto Princesa often have the lowest living costs. Tagaytay and Cebu are usually pricier. However, they provide better access to amenities and services.
Safety, infrastructure, and healthcare should also factor into your decision. Some places are famous for their good healthcare and reliable services. But others need more planning, especially if you have ongoing medical needs.
For this reason, many retirees also choose health insurance in the Philippines. It helps them access top hospitals, get faster care, and connect with more specialists.
The Philippines offers a variety of opportunities for nearly every retiree. Finding the right spot for your retirement abroad is key. You can choose city life, mountain views, or beach access. Each choice can improve your experience.
Best Places to Retire in the Philippines: At a Glance
Compare the 11 most popular retirement spots by monthly rent, overall living costs, climate, and the lifestyle each one best suits. All figures are in US dollars and reflect a one-bedroom apartment in or near the city center.
| Location | Avg. Rent (1-BR) | Est. Monthly Living Cost* | Climate | Best For |
| Manila | ~$567 | ~$600 | Tropical | City living, top hospitals, main int’l airport |
| Cebu City | ~$530 | ~$575 | Tropical | Urban comfort + island access, less crowded than Manila |
| Davao City | ~$288 | ~$565 | Tropical | Safety, cleanliness, relaxed big-city pace |
| Baguio City | ~$425 | ~$520 | Cool / mountain | Tropical/coastal |
| Dumaguete | ~$250 | Low | Tropical | Easiest first move, walkable, strong expat community |
| Subic Bay | ~$130 | Low | Tropical / coastal | Lowest cost, suburban feel, American expats |
| Tagaytay | Incl. below | $1,150–$1,800 (incl. rent) | Cool / highland | Cool climate near Manila, resort-style living |
| Panglao Island | ~$300 | Low | Tropical / beach | Beach life, diving, slower island pace |
| Iloilo City | ~$275 | ~$465 | Tropical | Livable, walkable/bikeable, heritage city |
| Puerto Princesa | ~$295 | Low | Tropical | Nature lovers, eco-living, beaches & parks |
| Bacolod | ~$375 | Low | Tropical | Festivals, friendly community, very affordable |
*Monthly living cost excludes rent unless noted, and assumes a single retiree. Figures are indicative and vary with lifestyle and exchange rates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retiring in the Philippines