Vibrant cities to serene islands. Whether you’re a retiree, expat, or professional, the Philippines offers a perfect home for every lifestyle and preference.
The Philippines is a set of diversified cities and towns that provide differing lifestyles; if you are interested in moving to the country, you will find the perfect address for you, whether you prefer urban cities or quiet coastal towns. The best place to live in Philippines depends purely on your personal preference: Let’s see the top options!
Metro Manila: The Urban Heart of the Philippines
Metro Manila, the national capital region, is for those who want a piece of fast city living. World-class shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment centers have everything you need in urban living here.
- Things to See: Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Makati Central Business District, Greenbelt Malls
- Why Live Here: This city would be best suited for professionals, expats, and families seeking easy access to business centers, international schools, and cultural attractions.
- Cost of Living: Compared with other regions in the Philippines, Numbeo says that Manila’s cost of living is relatively high, but by Western standards, it is still reasonably priced.
Cebu City: The Queen City of the South
Metro Manila, the national capital region, is for those who want a piece of fast city living. World-class shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment centers have everything you need in urban living here.
- Things to See: Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Makati Central Business District, Greenbelt Malls
- Why Live Here: This city would be best suited for professionals, expats, and families seeking easy access to business centers, international schools, and cultural attractions.
- Cost of Living: Compared with other regions in the Philippines, Numbeo says that Manila’s cost of living is relatively high, but by Western standards, it is still reasonably priced.
Davao City: A Peaceful and Growing Metropolis
Davao City now stands to be one of the best places to live in the Philippines because of low crime rates, eco-friendly initiatives, and a good cost of living. It is a perfect choice for retirees and families that want a quiet life.
- Attractions: Mount Apo, Samal Island, People’s Park
- Why Live Here: Davao is somewhere in between offering strong urban and natural attractions. In fact, it forms part of the safest cities found in the country that make it an excellent choice for those who take security very seriously.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Davao is very cheap as compared to other major cities within the Philippines since, compared to other places, renting is very close and food is relatively cheaper.
Tagaytay: Scenic and Serene Living
Tagaytay, for one, has become a favorite destination for weekend getaways from Manila. However, it is also one of the top location to live in Philippines for those who want to have a cooler climate and an panoramic view.
- Place attractions include: Taal Volcano, Picnic Grove and Sky Ranch.
- Why Live Here: Tagaytay is near Manila, and so a good living location for those who want to have a serene way of life close to the city. In addition to this, it is also known for fresh produce and beauty in the landscape.
- Cost of Living: This city is slightly more expensive than the rural provinces but one can still experience lower housing costs than Manila, with plenty of choices here for vacation homes or to stay full-time
Baguio City: The Summer Capital of the Philippines
Known for its cool climate and pine-covered mountains, Baguio is the best place in the Philippines for those who like a temperate climate and laid-back living.
- Attractions: Burnham Park, Mines View Park, Camp John Hay
- Why Live Here: Perfect city for artists, students, and retirees. Weather in Baguio is cooler compared to the very hot temperature of the lowlands. The local culture here is really vibrant.
- Cost of Living: In term of living cost, Baguio is absolutely affordable. Housing to food and transports, all are remarkably cheaper compared with Manila and Cebu.
Iloilo City: A City of Growth and Development
Being a new metropolis, Iloilo has high energy and lively culture with an economy that thrives steadily; this makes it one of the best cities to live in with business and education opportunities in the Philippines.
- Attractions: Miagao Church, Molo Mansion, Iloilo River Esplanade
- Why Live Here: It has a life where everything is slower but very modern. It has a booming business district with quality healthcare and excellent educational institutions.
- Cost of Living: Iloilo is slightly affordable, with growing real estate options and cost of living lower compared to the major cities, such as Manila.
Dumaguete: The City of Gentle People
Known for its relaxing atmosphere and nice community, Dumaguete is often regarded as the best place to live in Philippines for retirees and expats.
- Attractions: Apo Island, Siliman University, Rizal Boulevard
- Why Live Here: Dumaguete is well known for friendly locals and an active expat community. Beaches and the best diving spots are close by. The town is a perfect mix of rural and urban living.
- Cost of Living: It is one of the cheapest cities in the Philippines in terms of housing and food.
Palawan: The Island Paradise
Known for its relaxing atmosphere and nice community, Dumaguete is often regarded as the best place to live in Philippines for retirees and expats.
- Attractions: Apo Island, Siliman University, Rizal Boulevard
- Why Live Here: Dumaguete is well known for friendly locals and an active expat community. Beaches and the best diving spots are close by. The town is a perfect mix of rural and urban living.
- Cost of Living: It is one of the cheapest cities in the Philippines in terms of housing and food.
Subic Bay: A Growing Expat Haven
Subic Bay is yet another good choice for expats and retirees who are seeking a fairly quiet place to live but with all facilities and comforts right at one’s fingertips. A former U.S. naval base, Subic Bay is today renowned for clean surroundings, environmentally friendly policies, and a vibrant expat community. This is indeed a relaxed seaside environment but still quite notable for its services.
- Attractions: Zoobic Safari, Ocean Adventure, and the Subic Bay Boardwalk.
- Why Live Here: Ideal for a person who prefers to live by the coast and consumes the goodly essence of nature but is definitely not primitive. It also hosts international airports and ports, making traveling easier for expats.
- Cost of Living: Subic Bay offers affordable housing. While its cost of living is lesser compared to Metro Manila, “you could find affordable rentals”, and the rest of the food and transportation are relatively cheaper. For a place to live that will offer comfort to an expat or retiree seeking community, the best place within Philippines is Subic Bay source.
Bacolod: The City of Smiles
Another is Bacolod City, which is dubbed the “City of Smiles.” It is a good place to retire, a city for expats and also for the young professionals because of the warm community beside its reputation of clean and peaceful streets.
- Attractions: The Ruins, San Sebastian Cathedral, Mambukal Resort
- Why Live Here: Bacolod offers a very affordable cost of living which is good reason why people opt to live here, feeling it is one of the best places to experience a slice of Philippine culture without the chaos in the top cities. It also boasts annual MassKara Festival, one of the most upbeat and colorful celebrations in the Philippines.
- Cost of Living: Bacolod is one of the most inexpensive cities in the Philippines, with affordable housing, inexpensive mode of transportation, and a placid lifestyle that is not stress-filled “END.
Siargao: Island Living with a Surfer’s Paradise
f you are a beach lover and an adventure-lover who wishes to live on an island, then Philippines has just the place for you: Siargao. Dubbed as the Philippines surfing capital, this island boasts of beaches beyond just the waves. The island is becoming home to expats and was honored for preserving pure nature at its finest.
Attractions: Highlights include the Cloud 9 Surfing Area, Magpupungko Rock Pools, and Sugba Lagoon.
Why Live Here: Perfect for those that would love to live a city-dwelling life minus the usual nuisance of the city and take in all the laid-back island life that Siargao has to offer. Rich landscapes, amiable populace, and serene surroundings-a natural haven and home to surfers-in-one breathe-taking sight.
Cost of Living: Siargao has relatively cheap living costs, though it may be a bit pricier compared to other tourist destinations. But recent prices have just gone up because it became pretty popular lately.
Conclusion
However, with the different beautiful places to settle in, the choice of the best place to live in Philippines actually depends on your lifestyle as well as personal preference. The Philippines has everything, whether you like vibrant cities such as Manila and Cebu, or more relaxed settings such as Palawan, Bacolod, and Siargao, to suit your taste. Whether you’re an expat, a retiree, or a young professional, you have a place within this tropical paradise that you can call home. Get prepared to experience something different with Best Places To Visit On The Oregon Coast for a wonderful coastal adventure.
