Darrell P. Says:
What do you know about retiring in the Philippines?
IL Executive Editor Jennifer Stevens Says:
Hi Darrell,
Over 200,000 expats have made their home in the Philippines. It’s an easy transition because almost everyone has some English and is keen to practice what they’ve learned. People are so often happy to drop everything and chat; for them it’s a chance to perfect their English skills, for you it’s an opportunity to make new friends.
Another huge bonus, of course, is the low cost of living. In more rural areas, a couple can live well for $1,140 a month, while in others, like the heart of a big city, that could rise to $2,285—but that’s to live a really good life, one where you won’t feel like you’re sacrificing anything.
Since the cost of living is so affordable, you won’t feel guilty having that weekly massage ($5), or having a cleaning service or a gardener spruce up your home for $8 a day.
If you want to live in luxury in the heart of a bustling, dynamic city, there are plenty of cities to choose from.
Cebu City is one of the largest cities in the Philippines, but it’s a very livable place—and friendly to boot.
It’s the oldest city in the Philippines but it’s also modern and vibrant with high-end boutiques, glittering skyscrapers, and international grocery stores—Italian salami… French cheese… wine—getting your hands on your favorite foods here won’t be a problem.
Temperatures in the Philippines average 80 F, so if you’re looking for something cooler, there are options. Tagaytay, located in the mountains of the Cavite province only 37 miles south of the capital, Manila, sits at 2,000 feet above sea level, meaning cooler temperatures and the perfect climate for farmers. You can get fantastic local produce here and the city’s eateries take great advantage, too—local spot Antonio’s was recently voted one of the top restaurants in Asia.
Higher (5,000 feet above sea level) and cooler still is the city of Baguio. Temperatures here rarely reach above the high 70s F. It’s also where the president goes in the summer to escape the heat.
Both Tagaytay and Baguio are within a few hours’ drive to crystal clear beaches, making weekend getaways an option.
Read more about life in the Philippines on the dedicated resource pages of our website here.
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