Planning your retirement in the Philippines is an exciting chapter, and one of the questions many foreign retirees ask early on is tied to the cost of living in the Philippines for SRRV retirees. It’s a practical concern, and a smart one, when you’re preparing for a new life abroad.
The good news is that the cost of living here is flexible and can be shaped around the lifestyle you prefer, whether that’s a modern condo in a bustling city or a quiet home by the sea.
Note: Your monthly spending will always depend on your personal habits.
What we’re focusing on here are the essential, everyday needs:
• Rent
• Utilities (electricity, water, internet)
• Groceries
Estimates are based on the expenses of one person. If you’ll be relocating or living with others, expect your overall costs to increase.
These figures will give you a clearer idea of what the cost of living in the Philippines for SRRV retirees looks like in real life.
We hope this offers a grounded, realistic view as you explore what it takes to settle comfortably in four popular SRRV-friendly cities.
MAKATI: Modern, Walkable, and Full of Energy
Makati is the polished heart of Metro Manila – a place where you can enjoy clean, walkable neighborhoods, top-tier hospitals, international restaurants, and a convenient urban lifestyle.
Areas like Legazpi Village and Salcedo Village offer quiet streets, leafy parks, weekend markets, and secure modern condos. If you value comfort, accessibility, and a familiar city rhythm, Makati is a strong choice.
Monthly Basic Living Estimate: PHP 55,000–90,000 (USD 935-1,530)
What This Typically Covers:
RENT: PHP 35,000–70,000 for a 1-bedroom condo in a secure, modern building
UTILITIES: PHP 5,000–10,000
GROCERIES: PHP 15,000–20,000
PROS:
• Accessibility to highly-ranked hospitals
• Safe, walkable neighborhoods
• Endless choices for shopping and daily conveniences
CONSIDERATIONS:
• Higher rent and utilities
• Busy environment, heavy traffic in some areas
CEBU CITY: Island Living With Urban Comfort
Cebu City strikes a beautiful balance – lively enough for convenience, yet close to beaches and nature for a more relaxed rhythm. Areas like IT Park and Cebu Business Park are modern, clean, and filled with coffee shops, supermarkets, and essential services.
It’s no surprise Cebu continues to attract expats looking for the best of both worlds.
Monthly Basic Living Estimate: PHP 40,000–75,000 (USD 700–1,300)
What This Typically Covers:
RENT: PHP 20,000–45,000
UTILITIES: PHP 5,000–10,000
GROCERIES: PHP 15,000–20,000
PROS:
• Active expat community
• Fast access to beaches, mountain views
• Plenty of malls and essential services
CONSIDERATIONS:
• Traffic in certain pockets
• Higher rent in central or scenic locations
ILOILO CITY: Peaceful, Orderly, and Community-Centered
Iloilo is calm, clean, and thoughtfully designed – a breath of fresh air for retirees who prefer wide roads, walkable districts, and friendly communities. It offers a quiet, orderly environment without sacrificing convenience.
If you dream of slow mornings, peaceful neighborhoods, and stable routines, Iloilo might be the perfect fit.
Monthly Basic Living Estimate: PHP 35,000–75,000 (USD 600–1,300)
What This Typically Covers:
RENT: PHP 20,000–45,000
UTILITIES: PHP 5,000–10,000
GROCERIES: PHP 10,000–20,000
PROS:
• Peaceful and uncrowded
• Very affordable
• Exceptionally friendly locals
CONSIDERATIONS:
• Limited nightlife
• Fewer specialty medical services
DUMAGUETE CITY: Small, Welcoming, and Easy to Navigate
Dumaguete is famously known as “The City of Gentle People,” and retirees feel that warmth instantly. It’s compact, friendly, and easy to navigate – a place where markets, supermarkets, and residential areas are all within reach.
The coastal charm and relaxed pace make it easy to settle in and feel at home.
Monthly Basic Living Estimate: PHP 22,500–40,000
What This Typically Covers:
RENT: PHP 10,000–30,000
UTILITIES: PHP 2,500–5,000
GROCERIES: PHP 10,000–15,000
PROS:
• Warm, welcoming community
• Affordable, simple lifestyle
• Easy to live without a car
CONSIDERATIONS:
• Limited big-city amenities
• Some services may require travel
*Since condo options in the area are limited, consider renting an apartment or small house instead, you’ll likely get twice the floor space for roughly the same price.
Other Great Cities Worth Exploring
If you’re open to more options, these areas also offer wonderful day-to-day living:
• TAGAYTAY: Cool climate, stunning ridge views
• SUBIC: Clean, organized, and foreigner-friendly
• BAGUIO: Mountain weather and vibrant culture
• DAVAO: Safe, budget-friendly, and well-governed
• PALAWAN: Quiet tropical beauty ideal for relaxed living
Choosing the Right City for Your SRRV Lifestyle
Everyone’s idea of a comfortable retirement looks different. These estimates provide a practical guide to help you plan your SRRV lifestyle in the Philippines, but the ideal city for you will always depend on your personal priorities — whether that’s climate, convenience, community, or proximity to nature.
If you have special medical needs, it may be best to settle in a major city like Makati or Cebu, where access to hospitals and specialized care is more reliable. You can always enjoy the rest of the Philippines by taking short trips or vacations from there.
For retirees with disabilities, accessibility should also be a key consideration when choosing where to live, as infrastructure and facilities can vary widely across locations.
Ready to Plan Your Move? Talk to Enhance Visa
If the Philippines is starting to feel like the right place for your next chapter, you don’t have to figure everything out alone. The SRRV can open the door to a comfortable, secure, and flexible retirement – and getting the process right from the start matters.
That’s where Enhance Visa comes in. With years of experiences, we make the SRRV journey simpler, clearer, and stress-free. You get honest guidance, practical advice, and a team that genuinely wants you to feel at home here.
Whenever you’re ready to explore your options or want to talk things through, we’re here for you. Let’s make your retirement in the Philippines as rewarding as you imagine it to be.
