The Philippines is a fantastic place to retire. It’s a hidden treasure that combines the feel of Southeast Asia with the affordability and charms of the Caribbean. If you’ve been dreaming about retiring abroad, read our guide to get started!

Are you one of those that are looking for the best place to retire in the Philippines? Often, people think they need to spend everything they have and blow it on one extravagant trip when they retire. However, if you’d rather not spend all of your savings just a few years away from your retirement, you should look over this top 3 list of the best places to retire in the Philippines. There’s something for everyone, no matter what kind of personality or hobbies you have. Whether you like the sand and sun or snow and skiing, there is a place here for you to enjoy your retirement with minimal spending.

Top 3 best places in the Philippines where you can spend your retirement years 

Dumaguete

Dumaguete is a city in the Philippines, with an area of 11,512 hectares on the island of Negros, with roughly 100,000 people. It’s a coastal city located on the island of Negros, about 350 miles south of Manila. Dumaguete has been cited as the “Best Place to Retire” by Filipinos and British and American magazines.

Here are considerations why Dumaguete is the best place to retire in the Philippines

Dumaguete is the best place to retire because of its mild climate and cool weather.

The temperature here is usually around 23-32 degrees Celsius (73-89 degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the year, with no extreme cold or heat that could cause health problems to senior citizens, like heart disease and high blood pressure, among others. 

There are plenty of activities for retirees.

Dumaguete offers plenty of activities to keep you active and engaged as you age. There are tours around the city and nearby areas, as well as sports events like tennis tournaments and swimming competitions that you can join. You can also take advantage of volunteer opportunities or take cooking classes at the local university if you want to learn something new!

Dumaguete is the best place to retire in the Philippines because it is one of the world’s top retirement destinations

Dumaguete City has been considered one of the best places to retire globally, according to the 2014 Retire Overseas Index released by the Overseas Retirement Letter. The city has many senior citizens who enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and mild weather. They have access to excellent healthcare, a concern for many retirees.

Dumaguete is known as “The City of Gentle People,” so you’ll be sure to make friends quickly.

The place is known for being one of the most welcoming places in the country. You’ll find that the people are friendly and kind, and they love meeting new people—whether they’ve lived there their whole lives or just arrived from out of town.

It is the best place to retire because the level of crime is low.

According to Numbeo, the city has a crime index of 21.59. This means that for every 1000 people (population of Dumaguete), only 22 are likely to have been victims of a crime. What’s more, there are only seven thefts per 1000 people in this city—so even if someone did steal from you, they’d probably only get away with your wallet or purse (assuming they weren’t armed).

It got a true island lifestyle, a chill island vibe, and plenty of activities to keep you busy.

You’ll be able to relax in your own home while enjoying an eclectic mix of local and international cuisine. It’s a place where everyone knows everyone else and is there because they want to be. People come here for the weather, beach, and food—they stay because they love it here so much. You can also take advantage of the many activities that are available at your disposal—everything from surfing to scuba diving!

Availability of the airport

Retired people can get bored quickly, which may lead to depression, which can be very dangerous for their health. People need a way to escape their boredom, and Dumaguete offers just that with its nearby airport. It’s an excellent way for them to travel and see other places without worrying about driving or taking public transportation.

Low cost of living

The city has a lot of cheap accommodation options, including hotels, boarding houses, and apartments. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dumaguete is around $300. Plenty of cheap restaurants also serve delicious food for about $4 per meal. You can eat at excellent restaurants daily without spending more than $100 a week on food! According to Expatistan, Dumaguete is an affordable city with an average cost of living of $1,844 per month; it seems to offer an incredible value for your money—and you’ll still be able to enjoy all the conveniences of modern living!

Well-equipped hospitals

Dumaguete has well-equipped hospitals that are always prepared to serve their patients. There’s no need to worry about getting sick in Dumaguete: you can get treated any time of day or night, whether for an emergency or just a routine check-up. Not only will you be able to get the care you need when you need it, but some of the best doctors around do it—and they’ll treat you like family!

Cebu

Cebu is a city in the Philippines located on the island of Cebu. Its capital, Metro Cebu, is home to over 2.5 million residents and is one of the country’s most densely populated areas. It is the best place to retire because it has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation, a mountain getaway, or just somewhere to relax, Cebu has something for you. The city also offers plenty of options for retirees who want to live on their terms. From budget-friendly accommodations to luxurious high-rise condos, Cebu has it all.

Reasons why Cebu is the best place to retire in the Philippines

Cost of living

The cost of living is affordable compared with other countries. You can live comfortably on $1,000 per month or less if you’re smart about how you spend your money (which is easy when you’re retired). Isn’t it a good reason to decide on the best place to retire in the Philippines?

Cebu has many beaches and resorts that can accommodate retirees looking for a beach vacation.

The city is also very close to Mactan Island, which has many resorts, hotels, and spas. There are many things to do around the city: you can go hiking in the mountains or take some time out at one of Cebu’s many spas. And if you’re looking for something more relaxing, there are plenty of places where you can sit back and watch the water roll in!

Kind and hospitable people.

You don’t have to worry about being lonely when you retire. Many people love to spend time with older folks, and Cebu has some of the nicest people in the world. The people of Cebu are also open-minded. They genuinely appreciate diversity, so whether you’re gay or straight, black or white, Christian or Muslim—it doesn’t matter here! Surely, you will enjoy this place as a retirement place in the Philippines.

You’ll find yourself welcomed into the fold regardless of your background. You won’t have any trouble making friends or finding activities that fit your interests—and since everyone is friendly and welcoming, they’ll be happy to get involved, too!

There are a lot of things you can enjoy.

In Cebu City, you can see beautiful sunsets and sunrises. You can also see the beautiful beaches. You can relax on the beaches, swim in the ocean, or lie back and enjoy the scenery. There are also a lot of good restaurants in Cebu City that offer delicious food at affordable prices. There are also many shopping malls in different parts of Cebu City where you can shop for anything you need or want.

Cebu is the best place to retire because people here are good at English. It is a great place because you can easily talk to your neighbors and know what they’re saying. That’s because people here are great communicators—they’re fluent in English, which makes them easy to understand and get along with. It’s great for people who don’t speak Cebuano or Tagalog, and even those who do! It’s easy to get around town and meet other people. 

Cebu is known for its lively commercialized and industrialized environment.

Cebu is known as the “Queen City of the South.” It’s a city that never sleeps, primarily because of its thriving commercial district. The city also has many shopping centers open 24/7, so you won’t have problems finding something to do during your free time. It is also home to many industries, including banking and finance, manufacturing and electronics, food processing, health services, and tourism. This means that even if you’re retired and not working anymore, there’s still plenty to do—and someone who can help you make money again!

It has the best hospitals and schools.

You won’t have to worry about getting sick or sending your kids to school in Cebu. You’ll have access to top-notch hospitals that offer everything from emergency care to long-term care and some of the best doctors in the world. Cebu also has some excellent medical facilities if you have special needs such as Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. It also has many good schools for children who want to continue their education after retirement.

Cebu also has a good selection of schools that offer both public education and private education. There are several high schools in Cebu, including one for each district. Many international schools in Cebu provide an excellent education for children who want a more global experience growing up in a new country.

The presence of international airports.

Cebu City is located on Mactan Island, connected to mainland Cebu by a bridge. The city has two international airports: Mactan-Benito Ebuen Airbase and Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Over 2 million people live in Cebu City, making it the second largest metropolitan area in the Philippines.

Cebu is an excellent option if you want to retire abroad but want to go home if need be. You can quickly fly back to visit family or friends who live abroad at any time—and if they also have international flights available from their country of origin, they can easily see you too!

Tagaytay City, Philippines 

Tagaytay is the best place to retire because of the beautiful scenery, friendly people, and affordable cost of living. The city is located in Cavite, Philippines, and became a chartered city on January 21, 1938. Based on the 2020 census, its population is 85,330. Tagaytay city has a scenic view that makes it perfect for tourist attractions.

Reasons for choosing Tagaytay as the best place to retire in the Philippines

The weather is cool and sunny all year round.

You will surely enjoy the city for its cool weather during summer, making it ideal for tourists who want to escape from the hot weather in Manila City. 

The food is delicious and affordable.

There are great food options, local markets and restaurants, and plenty of things to do in the area. As a retiree, you want your food to be delicious, affordable, and easily accessible. That’s what precisely you can find in Tagaytay City. You’ll be able to eat out of your favorite restaurants at a fraction of the usual cost. And if you need other options, head to one of the many food stalls that line the city streets and enjoy a fantastic meal for even less! You can eat at some of the city’s restaurants for about $2-4 per meal. You can enjoy traditional Filipino dishes like adobo and sinigang alongside local favorites like burgers and pizza.

This is the best place to retire because it has many places to visit.

It is one of the popular tourist destinations in the country due to its natural beauty and scenic views. The city has several attractions that tourists can visit, such as Taal Lake, Mount Sungay, Mt. Makiling National Scenic Trail, Maragondon Church, and Pico de Loro Nature Park. If you’re looking for a place where children will surely enjoy, you may try visiting Puzzle Mansion, Paradizoo, and Sky Ranch. 

The city offers a lot of things to keep you busy.

There are so many things to do that you’ll never run out of fun things to do in Tagaytay City. You can spend your days hiking through the mountains or biking along the roads. There are plenty of trails for those who like exploring and plenty of avenues for those who prefer to enjoy a more relaxing pace. Or maybe you would rather spend your time on the water? If so, you’re in luck! There are several lakes and rivers nearby where you can go boating or fishing. And if you’re looking for something more serene, don’t worry. There are plenty of natural hot springs nearby where you can relax after a long day enjoying all that Tagaytay City Philippines has to offer.

For those looking for something more relaxing, try out one of Tagaytay’s spas—there are over 20 in town! Do you still worry about how you will be spending your time as you retire? – don’t worry Tagaytay has plenty of events throughout the year. Every first week of May, there is Pilipinyahan Summer Festival in Tagaytay. It is an event that promotes and celebrates pineapples as the country’s most alluring agricultural product.

There are many excellent hospitals and clinics around the area if you need medical attention in case there’s an emergency at home or abroad (in case you want to travel).

In addition to all the fun things you can do, Tagaytay City also has a lot of healthcare options available. You can choose from private clinics that offer services like acupuncture and physiotherapy or public hospitals where you can get more specialized care. Some of the hospitals near Tagaytay Medical Center and Ospital ng Tagaytay. Just a few kilometers from Tagaytay are the city of Dasmarinas and the municipality of Silang, where you can find other best hospitals like Silang Specialist Hospital, De La Salle University Medical Center, Asia Medic, and St.Paul Hospital.

The city is the best place to retire in the Philippines because of the low crime rates

When looking for the safest places in the Philippines, Tagaytay is one of those. With low overall crime rates, you can breathe easy knowing that your safety is secure.

The place is accessible to malls, groceries, and malls.

Malls in Tagaytay are easy to get to, but they’re also not as crowded as other malls in the country. Plus, there are plenty of places to get your shopping done! The airport is also nearby, so you can quickly fly out if you need to do something at a different location. The grocery stores are ready with everything you might want or need, and they’re close enough that you don’t have to worry about taking a taxi or Uber every time you go shop. No wonder it is the best place to retire in the Philippines!

There are many things to consider when choosing a destination for retirement, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Consider all of your options to make the best possible choice for your own retirement needs. And consider the plusses and minuses of each option before deciding whether or not to go ahead. Then go for it, and enjoy your new life!

Do you want to teach your child the Tagalog language? Check out our available bilingual books. Our bilingual books are designed specifically for teaching young children how to read in both English and Tagalog languages. The books have beautiful illustrations that will appeal to young kids, but also have educational content that will help them learn about different cultures and places around the world. Each book contains two stories which provide a great opportunity for parents or teachers to use these books as an educational tool by reading one story in English and another story in Tagalog at the same time.

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