Top Retirement Havens In The Philippines From Just $1,000 A Month
With its low-key lifestyle, exotic culture, and natural beauty, it's easy to see why the Philippines is a popular retirement destination for many.
Retirees on a budget also benefit from the low cost of living you can enjoy there. In fact, a couple could live comfortably in the Philippines from as little as $1,000 a month. For $2,300 per month, you could enjoy a lux lifestyle.
Plus, if you don't want the hassle of learning a new language, the Philippines truly is a great option–English is widely spoken making daily life easy to navigate.
The Filipino culture is social and family oriented. If you're looking to be well-received among a community that is warm, welcoming, and respectful, the Philippines meets the bill.
In terms of residency, the Philippines offers specific, easy to attain programs to incentivize expats to move.
One such option is the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV), a non-immigrant visa that allows multiple-entry and indefinite stay in the Philippines.
The SRRV offers other special benefits, which allows you to work, study, or invest in the country, and also grants you discounts from the Philippine Retirement Authority partners.
The government has also introduced a new digital nomad visa for non-immigrant foreigners who want to stay in the country for a temporary maximum period of one year, and holders may renew the visa for an additional year.
The Philippines offers a wide variety of lifestyle options, too, from laid back coastal towns to buzzing city centers. Here are three of the best places to retire to in the country. Manila
Eleveted, night view of Makati, the business district of Metro Manila. getty
The capital of the Philippines, Manila is located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on the island of Luzon. You can travel to Manila from the United States on direct flights from major hubs like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami.
Retirees choose it because it provides easy access to top hospitals, embassies, shopping malls, and international restaurants.
For leisure, Manila offers a mix of cultural, historical, and gastronomic experiences that are highly appealing to retirees. Intramuros, the walled city of Manila, is the oldest district in the city. Here you can explore Fort Santiago and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Agustin Church. There's also the National Museum Complex, home to the museums of Fine Arts, Anthropology, and Natural History.
In the Cultural Center of the Philippines, you'll enjoy regular performances of ballet, classical concerts, and traditional Filipino shows.
If you're looking to connect with other expats, the American Association of the Philippines and other social clubs host events, talks, and mixers throughout the city.
In terms of health care, Manila has some fantastic options. You'll find English-speaking doctors, many who have trained in the U.S. Out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits and procedures can be much lower than in North America and Europe, with specialist consultations priced at about $20 to $50. The St. Luke's Medical Center is considered a world-class hospital and has international accreditation.
Overall monthly expenses for a couple are from $1,400 to $2,300—that's for a comfortable, middle-class lifestyle. Cebu
Kawasan Falls in Cebu Island, Philippines getty
About 350 miles southeast of Manila, the city of Cebu is located in central Philippines, on the eastern coast of Cebu Island. There's an international airport, and although no direct flights are available from the U.S., you can easily get here from a stop in any major Asian or Middle Eastern hub.
Retirees are drawn to Cebu for its coastal lifestyle, strong expat community, good health care, urban conveniences, and beach escapes. This city is more laid back than Manila but remains vibrant, with surrounding areas offering plenty of natural beauty.
For cultural and historical attractions, explore the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, the oldest Catholic church in the country or the Casa Gorordo Museum, located in a well-preserved colonial mansion.
In expat and retirement communities, senior-friendly yoga and tai chi classes are commonly available. From Cebu you can island hop to nearby Pandanon or Nalusuan, and also take easy nature trips and day tours.
Health care access in Cebu is great for retirees. It's not as extensive as in Manila, but this city has several high-quality hospitals, modern clinics, and English-speaking health professionals. The Chong Hua Hospital is one of the top private hospitals in the area with modern equipment and international standards. Out-of-pocket fees for consultations usually range between $15 and $30.
A couple can live a comfortable lifestyle in Cebu City for about $1,300 to $2,200 per month. Dumaguete
Rizal Boulevard, Dumaguete, Philippines getty
Dumaguete is on Negros Island, south of Cebu Island, which you can see across the water. It has its own airport, and you can get here through a connection from Manila or Cebu City.
This area is known as a retirement haven because of its affordability, walkability, laid back environment, and a growing expat population.
Retirees seeking a low-stress life will thrive in Dumaguete.
If you're looking for a slower pace, friendly locals, and low costs without choosing a completely rural location, this could be your idyll. It's a perfect blend of seaside living and small-town charm with plenty of access to nature.
Rizal Boulevard is a popular spot for walks. It's a seaside boardwalk with views of Siquijor Island and the best place to watch Dumaguete's sunsets. It's lined with cafés, bakeries, and plenty of benches to enjoy the view.
Silliman University has an anthropology museum and historic building for those looking to learn about the area, and it also offers cultural events, exhibits, and classes. For those seeking outdoor peaceful adventures, you can find lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs to spend the day in. Island hopping is also fun, easy and affordable.
The expat community of Dumaguete has weekly meetups and clubs for activities like chess, reading, and volunteering, making it easier to make new connections. You can start talking with your new community even before arriving by joining online groups like the Foreigners And Expat Families Living In Dumaguete Facebook group.
Because the Philippines has designated Dumaguete as one of the top five areas in the country that are retirement hubs, medical care here is excellent. Silliman Medical Center is considered one of the most modern in the country and offers emergency services and modern diagnostic units. A consultation here costs only about $9. Various private clinics in the fields of surgery, dentistry, cardiology, and geriatrics are available, as well as senior-friendly services.
A couple can live comfortably in Dumaguete for about $1,000 to $1,800 a month. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Everything To Know About Retiring In Italy By Kathleen Peddicord Forbes Retiring In The Philippines? Here's What You Need To Know By Kathleen Peddicord Forbes Escape The Crowds: The Best Portuguese Beaches Only The Locals Know By Kathleen Peddicord
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