Best Places to Live Long-Term in the Philippines for Expats and Retirees
Choosing where to live long-term in the Philippines isn’t about finding a single “best” location — it’s about understanding how different places support different lifestyles. The country offers everything from well-connected regional cities to quieter coastal and island communities, each with its own balance of comfort, convenience, and trade-offs.
For expats and retirees planning to live long-term in the Philippines, the right location is shaped as much by practical realities as by personal preference. Access to healthcare, cost of living, infrastructure reliability, climate, and day-to-day convenience all play a major role in how sustainable and enjoyable daily life becomes.
This guide introduces a range of well-established and practical places to live long-term in the Philippines — locations with existing expat communities and the infrastructure needed to support everyday life. Rather than ranking destinations, it provides context, helping you compare locations clearly and decide which environments best fit your goals and expectations.
Table of Contents
Click a topic below to jump directly to that section of the guide.
2. Explore Places & Location Map
3. Dumaguete - Negros Oriental
5. Cebu City
9. Cagayan De Oro - Northern Mindanao
10. Bacolod - Negros Occidental
13. Siquijor Island
Live Life The Philippines - Highlighted Articles
The articles below focus on the practical systems you’ll deal with once you move beyond short-term travel in the Philippines. They cover private health insurance, long-term visa options, real cost of living, grocery prices, local banking, and how residency and visa pathways work in practice. If you’re planning an extended stay or relocation, these guides walk through the everyday details that shape long-term life here.
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Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Where to Live
In many European countries and the United States, factors such as reliable utilities, access to healthcare, transport links, and nearby amenities are often taken for granted. In the Philippines, these fundamentals are not uniform and can vary widely between cities, towns, and island communities.
How much that variation matters depends on your individual needs, expectations, and daily routine. Understanding how each location performs across these considerations helps you choose a place that genuinely supports comfortable, sustainable long-term living rather than relying on assumptions formed elsewhere.
| Consideration | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Healthcare Access | Access to private hospitals, clinics, and specialist services is a key consideration for long-term living in the Philippines. Locations with established private healthcare facilities reduce reliance on long-distance travel for routine treatment, emergencies, and ongoing medical care. |
| Cost of Living | Living costs in the Philippines vary significantly between major cities and provincial areas. Housing, utilities, food, and everyday expenses are generally higher in urban centres, while many provincial locations offer lower costs that can support more sustainable long-term living. |
| Climate & Natural Environment | The Philippines offers a wide range of living environments, from cooler highland areas such as Baguio and Tagaytay to breezy coastal and island locations. Climate, elevation, and proximity to the sea all influence daily comfort, energy use, and how enjoyable outdoor life feels over time. |
| Safety & Security | A consistent sense of personal safety is important for long-term living, affecting where people feel comfortable walking, socialising, and going about daily routines. Stable neighbourhoods, low levels of serious crime, and predictable local conditions all contribute to peace of mind over time. |
| Proximity to Amenities | Regular access to supermarkets, local markets, pharmacies, banks, and other essential services has a direct impact on daily convenience. Locations where these amenities are close by reduce travel time, reliance on transport, and the effort required to manage everyday tasks over the long term. |
| Transportation & Accessibility | Road quality, traffic conditions, and access to transport hubs all influence how easy it is to get around day to day. Proximity to airports and reliable transport links also matters for medical travel, domestic trips, and maintaining connections outside the local area. |
| Expat Community | Established expat communities often indicate locations that already support long-term foreign residents. They can ease the adjustment process, provide shared experience, and offer practical insight into navigating local systems and daily life. |
| Internet & Utilities | The reliability of electricity, water supply, and internet connectivity varies significantly by location. Consistent utilities are essential for everyday comfort, communication, and managing modern daily life without frequent disruption. |
Long-Term Living Options Across the Philippines
The map below highlights a selection of well-established locations across the Philippines, covering key regions such as Luzon, the Visayas, Mindanao, and Palawan. Together, these places represent a broad cross-section of urban centres, regional hubs, and island communities that are often considered when exploring long-term living options.
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.
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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.
Visa Options and Residency Paths for Foreigners
The Philippines offers a range of visa pathways for living long-term. Many expats begin with short-term entry options and later transition into more stable arrangements as their plans evolve, making it possible to stay legally for months or years with the right visa strategy.
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 approximately 45 minutes, with additional connections to Tagbilaran, Bohol. Siquijor Provincial Hospital handles routine care only; emergencies and specialised treatment require a ferry trip to Dumaguete’s Silliman University Medical Center. Internet access relies largely on mobile data, as fibre connections are limited and speeds remain well below 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions – Best Places to Live Long-Term in the Philippines
What are the most popular places in the Philippines for expats and long-term residents?
Common long-term choices include Dumaguete, Bohol and Panglao, Cebu City, Iloilo, Baguio, and Tagaytay. These locations are well established with foreign residents and offer a balance of healthcare access, infrastructure, affordability, and lifestyle options.
Is it better to live in a city or a provincial area in the Philippines?
Cities generally provide better access to private hospitals, transport links, and services, but at a higher cost of living. Provincial areas are often more affordable and quieter, though access to specialist healthcare and reliable infrastructure can be more limited.
How important is healthcare access when choosing where to live long-term?
Healthcare access is one of the most important factors for long-term living. Locations with nearby private hospitals and specialist services reduce the need for long-distance travel and make managing routine care or emergencies far easier.
Which areas of the Philippines have cooler climates for long-term living?
Higher-elevation areas such as Baguio and Tagaytay are known for cooler temperatures compared to lowland cities and coastal locations. These areas are often preferred by people who find year-round heat and humidity difficult to manage.
How reliable are internet, water, and electricity across the Philippines?
Reliability varies widely by location. Major cities and regional hubs generally have more stable internet and utilities, while smaller towns and islands may experience slower speeds, water interruptions, or regular power outages.
Does having an expat community nearby make a difference?
Established expat communities can make the transition to long-term living easier by providing local knowledge, shared experience, and social support. Even for those who prefer independence, being within reach of an expat hub can be helpful.
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