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Live like an expat in the Philippines
This is what $1,200/month looks like. Beach mornings, fresh markets, and work-from-anywhere freedom.
Remote Work
Fast wifi, $3 lunches, ocean views
Local Markets
Fresh mangoes for $0.50/kg
Retirement
Your pension goes 3x further
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Most Philippines expat info is scattered across outdated blogs, vlogger opinions, and forum posts from 2019.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 Guides70+In-depth guidesCities, visas, topics
$800Avg monthly budgetIn smaller cities
20+Cities coveredCost data & rankings
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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?
Tourists get 30 days visa-free (extendable to 3 years). Retirees can apply for the SRRV visa. Those married to Filipinos qualify for the 13(a) permanent visa. Digital nomads can use tourist extensions or the new digital nomad visa.
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?
Generally yes, especially in major cities and tourist areas. Filipinos are famously hospitable. Common-sense precautions apply — avoid flashing expensive items and stick to well-known areas at night.
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.
70+ guides. Real data. Written by a local.