Palm-lined white-sand beach on Malapascua Island, Cebu

Your next chapter
starts in the Philippines.

Cost of living data, visa guides, and city comparisons — everything you need to make the move.

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Cover of the Retire in the Philippines Decision Pack, Retiree Edition, by Frank Barros. A screenprint-style illustration shows an older couple walking along a palm-lined seafront toward a low sun.

For retirees still deciding

Test the move before you make it

A printable workbook for retirees from the US, UK, Canada and Australia.
Map out a scouting trip, test each town against your own list, and sign your answer: Go, Not yet or No.

See what's inside

Free Scout Trip Starter Kit

A sample chapter and three printable tools, sent by email.

You'll get the kit, a short series of emails about it, and the weekly newsletter. You can unsubscribe any time.

Turn your research into a plan

Set a realistic budget →

Compare city costs and separate monthly bills from move-in cash.

Compare countries →

Weigh the Philippines against other places on your shortlist.

Work through your move →

Choose a checklist for departure, arrival, or settling in.

Your free Move Planner

A big move.
One clear next step.

Turn all those open tabs into your own plan. Organize what to do before you leave, budget your first 90 days, compare apartments, and decide what to bring, ship, buy or leave.

Create my free move plan

Free to use. Start without an account. Sign in when you want to sync.

Your move, coming together.

Example

  • Before you leave

    A checklist for your departure country

  • Your first 90 days

    A moving budget in your currency + PHP

  • Your first place

    Viewing notes and apartment comparisons

  • Bring, ship, buy or leave

    Every item, one less decision

Your cityYour timeline

Popular cities for expats

Makati

Makati

Moderate estimate: $1,600/mo

Bonifacio Global City

Bonifacio Global City

Moderate estimate: $2,100/mo

Cebu

Cebu

Moderate estimate: $1,300/mo

Davao

Davao

Moderate estimate: $1,100/mo

Dumaguete

Dumaguete

Moderate estimate: $900/mo

Show all cities

Live like an expat in the Philippines

Explore daily life, from local markets to the practical details of remote work and retirement.

Digital nomad working from a cafe

Remote Work

Find a workspace that fits your day

Tropical fruit market in the Philippines

Local Markets

Shop for seasonal fruit and everyday essentials

Morning coffee on a balcony overlooking nature

Retirement

Plan a routine around the things you enjoy

Why this guide exists

Moving abroad shouldn't mean piecing together Reddit threads.

Most Philippines expat info is scattered across outdated blogs, vlogger opinions, and forum posts from 2019. We built the single resource that should have existed years ago.

Browse Guides
75In-depth guidesCities, visas, topics
Your budgetCost calculatorAdjust the estimates to your needs
19Cities coveredCost data & rankings
FreePlanning toolsChecklists, budgets, comparisons

Recently published

New guides, fresh fixes.

Real edit dates — not a re-verification stamp. Visa rules and prices move, so this is what I actually changed, and when.

Last edit

Guides Blog
  1. ACR I-Card for Foreigners in the Philippines: Who Needs OneGuideUpdated
  2. GCash for Foreigners: GTourist vs Full VerificationGuideUpdated
  3. Moving from AustraliaMoving fromUpdated
  4. Iloilo vs Cebu vs Dumaguete: Best City to Retire?BlogUpdated
  5. Batangas cost of livingCostsUpdated

Plan your move with free tools

Not just content — actual utility. Calculate costs, find your visa, and compare cities.

Cost of Living Calculator

Enter your expenses and see what your budget gets you in any Philippine city.

Visa Checker

Answer 4 questions and get a ranked list of visa options with requirements.

City Comparison

Compare 2-3 cities side by side — cost, internet, safety, and lifestyle.

Guides tailored to how you're moving

Retirees

Retirees

SRRV visa, healthcare rankings, best cities, pension-friendly budgets.

Explore guide
Digital Nomads

Digital Nomads

Internet speeds, coworking, digital nomad visa, best cafe culture.

Explore guide
Families

Families

13(a) marriage visa, international schools, family-friendly cities.

Explore guide

Your questions, answered

How much does it cost to live in the Philippines?
A comfortable lifestyle costs $1,000-1,500/month in most cities. Budget expats can live on $600-800/month in smaller cities like Dumaguete or Baguio. Manila runs $1,200-2,500/month depending on your neighborhood.
Do I need a visa to live in the Philippines?
Visa options depend on nationality, family ties, employment, and your intended stay. Use our visa guides to compare routes, then confirm eligibility and current requirements with BI or PRA before booking.
What's the best city for expats?
Manila for career opportunities. Cebu for beaches plus infrastructure. Dumaguete for small-town charm. Baguio for cool weather. Davao for the best value. Our city comparison tool helps you decide.
Is the Philippines safe for foreigners?
Risk varies by region and address. Check your government’s current travel advisory, including its Mindanao guidance, and investigate local conditions before booking.
Who writes this guide?
A Filipino who helps expats navigate life in the Philippines. Local knowledge, not secondhand blog posts. We cite official government sources for visa and cost data.

Your Philippines life starts here.

75 published articles. Written by Frank Barros.

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