Best Places to Live Long-Term in the Philippines for Expats and Retirees

Most of us will already have experienced some of what the Philippines has to offer — from its vibrant cities to its more peaceful islands. By the time we start thinking about living long-term in the Philippines as an expat or retiree, we often have a lifestyle in mind — and that helps narrow down our destination choices among the best places to live.

My personal choice was Panglao, Bohol. I had visited before and enjoyed the lifestyle. It’s a key hub, with an airport offering direct flights to Manila and several regional towns and cities. Panglao is also close to Tagbilaran City, which provides access to malls, banking, and healthcare facilities. Being in the Central Philippines, it benefits from some protection against seasonal monsoons and typhoons — and it’s a great base for exploring the region more widely.

Of course, Panglao has its challenges — from regular brownouts due to infrastructure upgrades and occasional water supply interruptions to the usual quirks of day-to-day life.

Living in the Philippines will always come with change, whether that’s external — like local infrastructure — or internal, as we adjust our expectations and routines. But over time, you learn to adapt, stay flexible, and focus on what makes your choice of destination to live long-term in the Philippines and lifestyle truly rewarding.

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Table of Contents

Click a topic below to jump directly to that section of the guide.

1.Key factors to Consider

2.Explore Places & Location Map

3.Dumaguete - Negros Oriental

4.Bohol & Panglao

5.Cebu City

6.Tagaytay - Cavite Province

7.Baguio - North Luzon

8.Iloilo - Western Visayas

9.Cagayan De Oro - Northern Mindanao

10.Bacolod - Negros Occidental

11.Davao - South Mindanao

12.Puerto Princesa - Palawan

13.Siquijor Island

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Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Where to Live

To help you get started, we’ve included key considerations to guide your decision-making — so you can compare locations clearly and choose one that fits your goals and lifestyle.

Explore the Most Livable Places in the Philippines

Now that you have a clearer idea of what matters when choosing where to live, here’s an overview of some of the most livable and expat-friendly locations across the country. These places consistently attract expats, long-term visitors, and retirees — and can help guide your own decision as you narrow down your options.

From breezy coastal towns to well-connected provincial hubs, each destination has its own feel. As you explore them, think about how the local lifestyle aligns with your goals — and whether it’s somewhere you can genuinely see yourself settling into.

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Map View – Explore the Best Long-Term Places to Live in the Philippines

The Philippines: Destination Map - Click the map pins for location snippets
Map Source: John Hawkins | Leaflet | 2025

Why Dumaguete Appeals to Expats and Long-Stay Visitors

Dumaguete has built a reputation as one of the Philippines' most expat-friendly cities, largely due to its manageable scale and quality infrastructure. Silliman University Medical Center anchors the city’s healthcare network, offering a range of medical services that many long-term residents rely on for routine and specialized care. The cost of living is generally lower than in Metro Manila or Cebu City, though individual budgets vary depending on lifestyle.

The city's compact, walkable layout makes daily life easy, especially around Rizal Boulevard and the university belt where cafés, restaurants, and weekend markets are concentrated. For those considering a long-term base, Dumaguete offers a practical middle ground — reliable enough for everyday needs, yet relaxed enough to avoid the chaos of larger urban centers.

Bohol: Balanced Island Living with Access and Comfort

Bohol-Panglao International Airport on Panglao Island connects to Manila, Cebu, Clark, Seoul, and Singapore. Tagbilaran City anchors provincial administration and commerce, with Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital and Ramiro Community Hospital providing general medical care. Specialized treatment typically requires a ferry to Cebu City (approximately 2 hours) or a short flight.

Panglao Island has become the expat and tourism center, with Alona Beach concentrating dive shops, restaurants, and accommodations. Tagbilaran's Cogon and Dao districts house banks, supermarkets, and government offices. Beyond these two areas, towns like Anda, Loboc, and Carmen offer rural quiet but sacrifice services and amenities. Most long-term residents use motorbikes as the primary mode of transportation, as it's the most practical way to navigate the island independently.

Living in Cebu City: Urban Comfort with Island Charm

Cebu City serves as the central hub of the Visayas, with Mactan-Cebu International Airport providing direct connections to major Asian cities including Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Tokyo. Hospitals like Chong Hua and Cebu Doctors’ University Hospital are well-regarded for both routine and specialized care, with medical tourism drawing patients from across the region.

The IT Park and Business Park districts function as Cebu’s modern lifestyle centers, concentrating cafés, international restaurants, and condominiums within walkable compounds. Ferry terminals connect to Bohol, Negros, and other Visayan islands, making Cebu a convenient base for regional travel. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, but ride-hailing apps provide reliable alternatives to jeepneys and taxis.

Tagaytay: A Cool, Calm Base Near Metro Manila

Tagaytay sits at approximately 600 meters above sea level, delivering temperatures that average 3–5°C cooler than Metro Manila year-round. This makes it the closest escape from tropical heat for those who still need regular access to the capital. Travel time from Makati ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 hours via CAVITEX and SLEX, depending on traffic.

Weekend markets offer locally grown pineapples, coffee, and vegetables from surrounding farms, while the restaurant scene has expanded significantly in recent years. Tagaytay Medical Center handles basic medical needs, though residents typically travel to Dasmariñas or Metro Manila for specialized care. Internet reliability varies considerably by subdivision—a consideration worth investigating before committing to a specific area. The city remains primarily residential with limited urban amenities beyond dining and weekend recreation.

Baguio City: Highland Living with Creative Energy

At roughly 1,500 meters above sea level, Baguio is the coolest major city in the Philippines, with December to February temperatures dropping to 10–15°C. The 5–7 hour bus journey from Manila via Kennon Road, Marcos Highway, or Tuba-La Trinidad-Baguio Road is a necessary trade-off for the climate. Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center serves as the primary facility, supplemented by private clinics throughout the city.

University of the Philippines Baguio and Saint Louis University drive the city's creative character, sustaining affordable eateries, bookshops, and art spaces that give Baguio its distinct personality. Session Road remains walkable, but congestion during peak tourist seasons—especially December holidays—can make the city feel overcrowded. The public market is exceptional, offering fresh highland vegetables, strawberries, and locally roasted coffee beans unavailable elsewhere in the country.

Iloilo City: Organized, Accessible, and Culture-Rich

Iloilo City stands out for its urban planning and preservation efforts. The Jaro and Molo districts showcase Spanish colonial churches and heritage houses that give the city its historic character, while the 9-kilometer Iloilo River Esplanade provides dedicated space for joggers and cyclists. West Visayas State University Medical Center and Iloilo Doctors' Hospital handle most medical needs without requiring travel to Manila or Cebu.

Iloilo International Airport offers connections to Manila, Cebu, and select international destinations. A Bus Rapid Transit system is under development, which would significantly improve mobility across the city. Iloilo Business Park concentrates modern shopping, dining, and services, while the port maintains regular ferry connections to Guimaras, Bacolod, and other Visayan destinations. The city projects a quieter confidence compared to Cebu's bustle.

Cagayan de Oro: Gateway to Nature and Modern Living

Cagayan de Oro serves as Northern Mindanao's commercial hub, with Laguindingan Airport located 50 kilometers west—a 1 to 1.5 hour drive that can feel inconvenient compared to cities where airports sit closer to urban centers. Capitol University Medical City and Northern Mindanao Medical Center provide adequate healthcare for most needs.

The Cagayan River defines the city's character, offering whitewater rafting that draws adventure tourists year-round. Divisoria Night Market and Limketkai Center anchor commercial activity, concentrating banking, dining, and retail services. Ferry access to Camiguin Island makes CDO the practical jump-off point for that destination. Traffic remains lighter than Metro Manila or Cebu, and the jeepney-taxi-multicab network functions efficiently for daily transportation.

Bacolod City: Friendly, Affordable, and Easygoing

Bacolod-Silay Airport sits 15 kilometers north of the city center—about 30–40 minutes away. Riverside Medical Center and Bacolod Adventist Medical Center handle general and specialized care locally. The city has earned its reputation for chicken inasal, with eateries along Lacson Street serving the dish that originated here.

Beyond food, Bacolod functions as the gateway to Negros Occidental's sugar plantation heritage, with historic sites in nearby Silay and Talisay. Lacson Street concentrates banks, restaurants, and shopping centers in a straightforward commercial district. Ferry services from Banago Port connect to Iloilo and Guimaras. The pace here is noticeably slower than other provincial capitals, which appeals to those prioritizing ease over stimulation.

Davao City: Safe, Green, and Self-Sufficient

Davao City is the largest city in the Philippines by land area and Mindanao's primary commercial center. Francisco Bangoy International Airport connects to Manila, Cebu, Singapore, and Quanzhou. The city operates three major hospitals—Southern Philippines Medical Center, Davao Doctors Hospital, and Brokenshire Hospital—providing comprehensive medical services that reduce the need to travel elsewhere for care.

The city's strict smoking ban and no-contact traffic enforcement reflect its reputation for order and discipline. J.P. Laurel Avenue and Lanang concentrate shopping and dining, while Mount Apo—the Philippines' highest peak—remains accessible for day trips or multi-day climbs. Designated loading and unloading zones for public transport show the level of regulation that defines Davao's approach to city management.

Puerto Princesa: Laid-Back Living Close to Nature

Puerto Princesa International Airport offers flights to Manila, Cebu, Incheon, and Taipei. Adventist Hospital Palawan and Ospital ng Palawan provide basic medical services, but specialized care requires travel to Manila or Cebu—a significant consideration for long-term residents. Internet speeds decrease notably in outlying barangays and coastal areas.

The city serves as the staging point for El Nido, Coron, and the Puerto Princesa Underground River UNESCO site. Rizal Avenue concentrates banks, restaurants, and markets in a single commercial strip. Tricycles and multicabs dominate transportation, with taxis being rare. Imported goods cost more here than in Luzon or the Visayas due to shipping logistics—a practical detail that affects monthly budgets. The trade-off is proximity to some of the country's most stunning natural environments.

Siquijor: Simple Island Life for Independent Expats

Siquijor Island has no airport. Daily ferries from Dumaguete take 1–1.5 hours, with additional connections to Tagbilaran, Bohol. Siquijor Provincial Hospital handles only routine care—emergencies and specialized treatment require the ferry trip to Dumaguete's Silliman University Medical Center. Internet depends on mobile data, as fiber connections barely exist and speeds lag far behind urban standards.

Siquijor Town and Larena offer basic grocery stores, hardware shops, and a handful of restaurants. Transportation means your own motorbike or habal-habal motorcycle taxis near the ports. There are no international schools and minimal dining variety. The island attracts those who actively choose isolation and basic infrastructure over convenience. This is not a place to "settle for less"—it's a deliberate choice for those who want exactly what Siquijor offers.

Frequently Asked Questions – Best Places to Live Long-Term in the Philippines

What are the most popular cities in the Philippines for expats and long-term visitors?

Dumaguete, Cebu, Baguio, and Iloilo are consistently ranked among the most expat-friendly cities. They combine livability, access to healthcare, and affordability — making them ideal for retirees, long-term visitors, or anyone seeking a slower pace without losing key services.

Is it better to live in a city or a coastal town in the Philippines?

That depends on what matters most to you. Cities offer stronger infrastructure, hospitals, and transport links. Coastal or provincial towns offer quiet, scenery, and a simpler pace. Both come with trade-offs, so it’s worth weighing your priorities carefully.

What should I consider when choosing a long-term place to live in the Philippines?

Start by thinking about your day-to-day life — not just the scenery. Factors like healthcare, internet reliability, safety, and transport can make or break long-term comfort. You’ll find a full comparison table earlier in this guide to help you weigh these factors.

Can I work remotely or run an online business while living in the Philippines?

Yes, many long-term visitors and part-time residents work online here. Cities like Cebu or Baguio tend to have the most reliable internet. Just be sure to understand the visa implications and whether you need to register as self-employed or a business entity.

How do I know which destination is the right fit for me?

You don’t need to live in multiple places to find the right fit — but it helps to do your homework. Think about your lifestyle, healthcare needs, climate preferences, and daily habits. Read firsthand accounts, check infrastructure like hospitals and airports, and if you can, visit your top one or two choices before deciding. A short stay can reveal a lot.