Retirement is one of the most ideal and stress-free times of your life, and there is no way you slightly compromise on it. You can have the perfect retirement that you have imagined, and even though it is nearly impossible to put down a list of all the things that you need to make it great, we have a list here that can at least help you pick out a place that would help liven up your ideal retirement plan. The Philippines is known to be one of the best places to retire. So, here is a list of the best places to stay and retire in the Philippines.
Why should you retire in the Philippines?
The Philippines is an archipelagic country with more than 7,000 islands and has a low cost of living, and fits all the entertainment and leisure activities. They have many ex-pat incentives, and they are incredibly welcoming to the ex-pats, and their government agency is specially dedicated to attracting foreign retirees. They provide the ex-pats with financial benefits, including discounts for people above 60, and you can conduct business, and once you have a permanent resident, you can live here for as long as you want. The tropical climate and natural beauty here are inexplicably beautiful, and you will be incomplete of your surroundings at all times, around the country.
1. Banaue: Best Village to Stay and Retire in the Philippines
This is a small village located in the mountains in central Luzon. In the mornings, you can watch the mist roll around the mountains with rice fields all around. The Banaue rice terraces are known to be the “eighth wonder in the world” by the locals. The mountain village is gorgeous and picturesque and offers various options for accommodation that ranges from private cottages to local homestays. You can truly experience the rural Filipino lifestyle, and it is unique.
- Monthly Rent: You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for PHP 2500/month
- Property Purchase Cost: Buy a one-bedroom apartment for PHP 3,200,000
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Low
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Average
- Traffic: Very low
- Public Transport Facilities: Low
- Life Quality Index: Good
2. Intramuros: Best Historic Place to Stay and Retire in the Philippines
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Intramuros’ literal meaning is ‘between the walls, ’ which is said to be perfectly apt here because the old Spanish-colonial battlements legitimately wall you off. The historic vibe around here is delightful. Staying here, you can take complete advantage of the walkability and enjoy it thoroughly. You can wander around in the ancient and quaint streets and soak up the history and visit the major attractions like Manila Cathedral and Fort Santiago.
- Monthly Rent: Starting from PHP 3000
- Property Purchase Cost: Starting at PHP 3,000,000
- Air Quality: Average
- Cost of Living: Average
- Health and Safety: Average
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
3. Boracay Island: Best Island to Stay and Retire in the Philippines
The small island in the Visayas region is said to be a collision of two worlds, which are both fantastic and are two beaches- the White Beach, where you can spend a lot of idle time, sitting around and soaking up the sun and Bulabog Beach, where you can experience the serious waves. The island is barely 7 miles long, so you can reach anywhere just by walking. This is one of the very few places where you can find everything- from the beach to the nightlife, in a very small distance.
- Monthly Rent: Starting from PHP 5000
- Property Purchase Cost: Starting from PHP 10,800,000
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Average
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Great
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Average
- Life Quality Index: Good
4. Makati: Best City to Stay and Retire in the Philippines
If you wish to experience metropolitan Filipino life, this is the place to be. The area is safe and friendly and has very energetic and urban vibes with shopping malls and cosy cafes. Here, you would find many dazzling skyscrapers, hip coffee shops, and plentiful green spaces to run and explore. You could also explore the cultural highlights here, like the Ayala Triangle Gardens and Salcedo Market.
- Monthly Rent: Starting from PHP 5000
- Property Purchase Cost: Starting from PHP 2,500,000
- Air Quality: Average
- Cost of Living: Slightly higher
- Health and Safety: Excellent
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: SLightly high
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Average
5. Palawan Island: Best Tropical Island to Stay and Retire in the Philippines
Often called the most beautiful island globally, Palawan Island is west of the Luzon region. It is a tropical paradise with a sparse population and quaint fishing villages. The island life here is very relaxed, and crystal clear waters and jungle-clad mountains are the places you want to be in if you wish to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. The island is largely undeveloped, so if you’re going to for an uncharted vibe, this is the place to be in. You would have access to great diving spots or even crash in Puerto Princessa, the city close to the island, which offers quaint outdoor cafes, crocodile farms, and chill strolls on the Baywalk.
- Monthly Rent: Starting from PHP 5000 per month
- Property Purchase Cost: Starting from PHP 29,40,000
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Moderate
- Connectivity: Low
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Average
- Life Quality Index: Good
6. Moalboal: Best Small Town to Stay and Retire in the Philippines
The sleepy fishing village provides a slow-paced experience that you do not want to miss out on. You will see a lot of pretty cafes and such around. The small town flow here is extraordinarily charming and has very friendly people. They have a wide variety of things, contrasting with scuba-diving in the ocean one day and diving in the waterfall-fed pools of Kawasan falls the next day. One of the best things about Moalboal is that safety here is good.
- Monthly Rent: Starting from PHP 1000
- Property Purchase Cost: Starting from PHP 500500
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Low
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Average
- Life Quality Index: Good
7. Siargao Island: Best Beach to Stay and Retire in the Philippines
The beach life here is the best you can ever experience. The beaches are extremely romantic, and it is also known as the surf capital of the Philippines. It is the perfect place to hand around the beach. You can find many beach villas and cottages around here and around the local spots like- Sugba Lagoon and Sohotan Cave.
- Monthly Rent: Starting from PHP 4710 per month
- Property Purchase Cost: Starting from PHP 400000
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: High
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Average
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: High
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
8. Davao City: Best Tourist Place to Stay and Retire in the Philippines
The waterfalls and street food here are absolute stars. You can spend all your days exploring the city that is deeply rooted in its heritage and has a lot of good food to taste. The Roxas Night Market is considered the best place by both locals and tourists to chow down on street food and try the Durian fruit. The Davao Museum and People’s Park are an absolute must here.
- Monthly Rent: Starting from PHP 8000
- Property Purchase Cost: Starting from PHP 6500000
- Air Quality: Good
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Average
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Average
- Life Quality Index: Good
9. Bohol Island: Best Place to Stay and Retire in the Philippines
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This place is the perfect combination of history, adventure, and geological wonders and is located in the central Visayas region. The island is known to be an adventure playground. You could stay in the capital city of Tagbilaran and enjoy the city’s relaxed yet energetic vibe or move to Chocolate Hills and enjoy the beautiful coral reefs and the calm. The island’s unique landscape and well-paved roads are fantastic.
- Monthly Rent: Starting from PHP 6000 per month
- Property Purchase Cost: Starting from PHP 65,00,000
- Air Quality: Average
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Average
- Climate: Average temperature
- Connectivity: Good
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Average
- Life Quality Index: Good
10. Camiguin Island: Best Adventurous Island to Stay and Retire in the Philippines
The island is gorgeous and so relaxing to look at. It is located off the northern tip of Mindanao. It is known to be an adventurer’s paradise for its hikeable volcanoes and sunken cemetery, and the fantastic hot and cold springs. You can have the best of both worlds here and choose to sit back and relax or get down for some adventure. Either way, you are going to be enjoying yourself.
- Monthly Rent: Starting from PHP 4700
- Property Purchase Cost: Starting from PHP 295000
- Air Quality: Great
- Cost of Living: Affordable
- Health and Safety: Good
- Climate: Good
- Connectivity: Average
- Traffic: Low
- Public Transport Facilities: Good
- Life Quality Index: Good
Drawbacks of retiring in the Philippines?
Despite being one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, the infrastructure here is underbuilt, and you could face- power failures, shortage of water, outdated telecommunications, and more. You can gain access to excellent healthcare in Manila, the country’s capital, but the same would not be the case for all countries. Safety is a significant concern here with all the crimes, civil unrest, terrorist activities, etc.