Best Places in the Philippines for Foreign Retirees | Lamudi (2024)

Last Updated on December 20, 2021 by Lamudi

Thanks to its many great locations, retiring in the Philippines is a no-brainer, even if you’re a foreigner.

With 7,107 islands featuring gorgeous beaches, upland communities, and busy metropolises, the Philippines offers the best retirement options for almost any person (even expats) of any lifestyle. Thousands of islands can be challenging to choose from, especially if you are a nonresident retiree. By considering the cost of living, the presence of necessities, and the overall retirement atmosphere of an area, it becomes easier to narrow the list down.

1. Imus, Cavite

Imus is an ideal retirement location because it is very close to Metro Manila (approximately 19 km south of the capital), giving foreign retirees a quiet suburb to live in that is not too far from the conveniences of the capital. Earning cityhood in 2012, Imus itself is not one to lack in lifestyle amenities, as it is currently home to 14 commercial centers. While very urbanized, Imus still retains most of its provincial charm. There are also a number of residential developments to choose from, a few of which are upcoming projects by Ayala Land, Vista Land, and Megaworld.

Rent per month: Range fromPhP 6,000for a two-bedroomhouse and lottoPhP 55,000for asix-bedroom house and lot
Hospitals:7
Commercial centers: 14

2. Bacoor, Cavite

Widely described as a bedroom community where many of its residents are employees who commute to and from Metro Manila, Bacoor is currently transitioning from being a mainly agricultural economy to one that’s focused on residential and commercial development. Property developers have been keen on developing projects in rural–urban fringes like Bacoor, which will become the future southern terminus of the Manila Light Rail Transit System. Also, part of the city will be traversed by the future Cavite–Laguna Expressway, making travel to nearby Laguna very easy.

Along with several shopping centers, the city has several resorts, cultural landmarks, and festivals. And similar to Imus, it is very near Metro Manila but still has a laid-back, rural atmosphere, making it one of the best places in the Philippines for local and foreign retirees.

Rent per month: Range fromPhP 10,000 to PhP 120,000 for three-bedroom houses and lots
Hospitals: 8
Commercial centers: 14

3. Tagaytay City

While widely known as a tourist destination, Tagaytay City is also an ideal retirement destination thanks to its cool climate. Located in relatively short distance from Metro Manila, it is still far enough to provide the peace and quiet that many come to the area for—not to mention spectacular views of the Taal Lake and Volcano. Although Tagaytay’s popularity as a vacation spot makes it quite costly to live in compared to the other cities on this list, Cavite’s agricultural areas ensure that fresh produce here at least is very cheap. Further, if retirees suddenly feel a need to soak up some sun, the sandy coves of Nasugbu are just a short drive away.

Hospitals: 2
Commercial centers: 4 (including partially opened Twin Lakes’ retail area)

4. Cebu City

Among the Philippines’ top three cities, Cebu may not seem the best place for a retiree. But on the contrary, it is ideal because of its comprehensive urban amenities. And being an island locale, it is near many tropical resorts and natural attractions, including the white sand beaches of Mactan Island. Properties can sometimes be a little costly in Cebu, especially those insidesubdivisions, given that it is a major city, but this also means that there are many options available in various estates developed by some of the country’s most prominent real estate companies. Bungalow houses in the Philippines abound in Cebu City which is perfect for retirees and aging homeowners who may have limited mobility.

Rent per month: Range fromPhP 15,000for a two-bedroomhouse and lotinBacayantoPhP 200,000for a five-bedroom house in Banilad
Hospitals: At least 16 major hospitals
Commercial centers: 29

5. Santa Rosa, Laguna

Another area predominantly serving as a suburban residential community of Metro Manila, Santa Rosa, is a mere 38 kilometers south of the National Capital Region. The premier city and hub of South Luzon are often called the Makati of the South due to its economic activity sans the density and level of urbanization. The city is popular for being the location of Nuvali, a massive estate developed by Ayala Land. Sta. Rosa also has several special economic zones, industrial parks, and master-planned communities, increasing the city’s comprehensive modern amenities. There are plenty ofhouses and lots for rent in Santa Rosa, Lagunaincluding loft-type houses with high ceilings.

Rent per month: Range fromPhP 8,000 for a two-bedroom townhouse unit to PhP 180,000 for a four-bedroom fully furnished house and lot.
Hospitals: 10
Commercial centers: 9

6. Calamba, Laguna

Calamba is often referred to as the Resort Capital of the Philippines because of its many hot spring resorts located on the slopes of Mount Makiling. However, the city has as of late come to be known as a residential destination as well, thanks to the emergence of developments like Ayala-Greenfield Estates and Ciudad Verde.

To complement the resort-like living retirees can enjoy in Calamba, its local economy is fueled by a number of lifestyle and commercial centers, providing residents’ basic needs. If the city gets too crowded for a retiree’s liking, however, the very laid-back campus of the University of the Philippines Los Baños and the National Arts Center are just a short drive away.

Rent per month: Range from Php8,000 for a one-bedroom house to Php150,000 for a six-bedroom house in Brgy. Canlubang
Hospitals: 10
Commercial centers: 9

7. Subic Freeport Zone, Zambales

Renowned for being a former overseas U.S. military installation, the Subic Freeport Zone is perfect for foreign retirees who want to continue their American suburban lifestyle in the Philippines. Along with its duty-free shopping, there are also several great schools, hospitals, hotels, and resorts in the city. While there is plenty to do and see in the Freeport Zone, one of its biggest draws as a retirement area is its cleanliness and orderliness. Despite having plenty of expats living in Subic, you can still find traditional designed Philippine houses here if you prefer homey aesthetics.

Rent per month: Can reach up to PhP 120,000 for a five-bedroom house and lot
Hospitals: 3
Commercial centers: 5

8. Dumaguete City

More popularly known as the “City of Gentle People,” Dumaguete City is the capital and primary seaport of Negros Oriental. Typical of a provincial capital of an island province, the city is full of beach resorts and dive sites, and is considered one of the best places for beachfront living on a budget. In fact, the city was listed among some of the most affordable and ideal places to retire to in the 2014 Retire Overseas Index.

Rent per month: Range fromPhP 16,000 to PhP 90,000 for a two to five-bedroom house and lot.
Hospitals: 3 (tertiary)
Commercial centers: 5

9. Bacolod City

Identified by the Department of Science and Technology as a center of excellence for business process outsourcing (BPO) and information technology, the city hosts a number of BPO companies and voice call centers. While this has resulted in rapid urbanization, sugarcane plantations and heritage houses are still typical sights in the city. Like the island locale that it is, Bacolod also has a number of beach and resort properties suitable for retirement.

Rent per month: Range from PhP 6,000 to PhP 28,000 for houses and lots with two to four bedrooms
Hospitals: 10
Number of malls/commercial centers: 20

10. Cagayan de Oro City

Cagayan de Oro City has long been Mindanao’s melting pot. Situated along the northern shores of the island, its economy is driven by agricultural activity and real estate developments, most notably commercial and leisure projects. However, the city also offers plenty of natural attractions, including white-water rafting in Cagayan de Oro River.

While highly urbanized and currently ranked the 10th most populated city in the Philippines, Cagayan de Oro is ideal for retirement thanks to still being somewhat rural and laid-back but also being a place with plenty of leisure and medical facilities. The city is also very accessible, with regular scheduled flights to Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

Rent per month:Ranges fromPhP 10,000 to PhP 80,000
Hospitals: 11
Commercial centers: 18

11. Davao City

Arguably Mindanao’s commercial and business center, Davao City is a budding business hub and a popular tourist destination that many expat retirees have chosen as their retirement destination. It helps that the United States, Japan, Palau, and Malaysia have consular offices here. For such a fast-growing city, the cost of living in Davao is relatively affordable. The city is served by an international airport with regular scheduled flights to Manila, Cebu, and even Singapore, while it is also a jump-off point to Samal Island for those who would like a weekend R&R.

Rent per month: Ranges fromPhP 4,000 for a one-bedroom house and lot to PhP 150,000 seven-bedroom house and lot with a swimming pool
Hospitals: 31
Commercial centers: 18

12. Baguio City

AlthoughBaguio Cityhas experienced rapid urbanization in the last two decades, the City of Pines has retained most of its old charm. It continues to have the trappings of a highland resort, such as quaint B&Bs, cozy cafés, breezy tourist spots, and fresh produce from neighboring La Trinidad Valley. This and the cool climate make the city popular with vacationers and retirees.

Although it is significantly smaller than other cities like Manila or Cebu, it is by no means inconvenient. It has a good number of commercial centers, BPO centers, good schools, and hospitals within its boundaries. Baguio’sLoakan Airportresumed its commercial flight operations, offering regular flights to and from Cebu via Philippine Airlines. Local and foreign retirees living in Baguio can take advantage of this and travel closer to the beach whenever they want when they live in the City of Pines.

Rent per month: Range from Php13,000 toPhP 200,000
Hospitals: 5
Commercial centers: 6

13. Tagum City

Although this city has always been overshadowed by its more popular neighbor Davao City, Tagum (the provincial capital of Davao Del Norte) has been getting a lot of attention in recent years. It is cited as one of the most livable cities in the Philippines, and is home to a number of festivals including one that celebrates music and another that celebrates bananas (one of its main crops is the beloved fruit enjoyed all over the world). The city also has a number of good hospitals, branches of national banks, tertiary schools, and shopping centers, and is conveniently accessible to Davao’s international airport through the Pan-Philippine Highway.

Rent per month: Starts at PhP 12,000 for a two-bedroom house and lot
Hospitals: 6
Commercial centers: 4

14. Lipa City

A recreational, religious, commercial, industrial, and educational center for the province of Batangas, Lipa City offers an adequate deal of urban amenities set upon a rural backdrop. Its location between Mount Malarayat and Mount Makulot gives it a relatively cooler climate than its neighboring towns, making it an ideal location for leisure estates that target vacationers and retirees alike. It is home to several health resorts, golf estates, and gated communities, perfect for local and foreign retirees in the Philippines who want to enjoy recreational activities now that they have more time.

Rent per month: A typical newly built, three-bedroom house rents for Php25,000
Hospitals: 10
Commercial centers: 2 (major shopping malls)

15. Batangas City

The largest city and provincial capital of Batangas, it is deemed as one of the fastest growing cities in the Philippines. Dubbed as the industrial port city of the CALABARZON region, Batangas City’s economy is mainly driven by trade, services, and manufacturing. Despite all this, the city is still relatively laid-back. Living in Batangas City gives retirees a central location that is accessible to beach resorts and trek sites. It is also the jump-off point to Puerto Galera in Mindoro Island.

Rent per month: A typical newly built, three-bedroom house rents for Php25,000
Hospitals: 5
Commercial centers: 9

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