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Country research

Retire in Philippines

Retirement planning in Philippines depends on its local cost levels, healthcare coverage, safety record, climate, and residence rules. This page combines comparable national indicators with city-level planning ranges.

Philippines retirement destination
75.7Overall research score
90.6Safety index

At a glance

The first numbers to check before you compare destinations.

Cost of living13.8/100Relative PPP score; lower is cheaper
Safety90.6/100Safety index
Healthcare69/100Quality index
Average temperature26.1°CYearly average

Why Philippines

A practical starting point for deciding whether the country fits your plans.

Whether Philippines fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.

What stands out

  • Low cost of living
  • SRRV benefits/discounts.

Costs and planning

Monthly essentials, taxes, and residency details in one view.

Housing

One bedroom, city center
25,000-50,000 PHP
One bedroom, suburbs
15,000-30,000 PHP
Three bedrooms, city center
60,000-120,000 PHP

Monthly essentials

Groceries
15,000-25,000 PHP
Restaurant meal
Varies by city and provider
Utilities
6,000-10,000 PHP
Health insurance
Approx. 3,000-6,000 PHP/month

Residency and taxes

Visa or permit
Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV Classic)
Minimum annual income
USD 9,600
Processing time
Varies by PRA and Bureau of Immigration processing
Income tax
Progressive up to 35%. CGT: 0%. Inherit: Progressive 5−20%.

Safety, climate, and healthcare

The conditions that shape everyday life after the move.

Safety

Safety index
90.6/100
Intentional homicide
0.043 per 1,000 (latest comparable national rate)
Police response
Not published as a comparable national statistic; varies by city

Climate and healthcare

Sunshine
Not listed
Rainfall days ≥10 mm
75 days per year
Doctor visit
1,000-2,500 PHP
English speakers
Not available as a comparable national statistic

Cities to consider in Philippines

Start with the places that make the country feel real, not just the national averages.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about retiring in Philippines

What is the cost of living in Philippines?

The relative PPP price-level score for Philippines is 13.8/100 (lower means lower relative prices). Monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center is listed as 25,000-50,000 PHP, while health insurance is Approx. 3,000-6,000 PHP/month.

Is Philippines safe for expats and retirees?

Philippines has a safety index of 90.6/100. The latest comparable national intentional-homicide rate is 0.043 per 1,000 people; city-level crime can differ substantially.

How is the healthcare system in Philippines?

The healthcare system in Philippines has a quality index of 69/100. A doctor visit costs 1,000-2,500 PHP, and health insurance typically costs Approx. 3,000-6,000 PHP/month per month.

What are the visa requirements for retiring in Philippines?

Philippines lists the route “Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV Classic)”. The published minimum-income field is USD 9,600 per year and processing is Varies by PRA and Bureau of Immigration processing. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the relevant government office.

What is the tax situation for retirees in Philippines?

Retirees in Philippines face income tax rates of Progressive up to 35%. CGT: 0%. Inherit: Progressive 5−20%.. Property tax is Real-property tax varies by local government and assessed value and inheritance tax is Estate tax generally 6% of the taxable estate. Where applicable, tax treaties can affect double-taxation treatment.

How large is the expat community in Philippines?

Philippines has approximately 87,212 international migrants in the latest comparable estimate. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available. Major city profiles include Manila.

Other destinations to compare

Use the same measures to compare nearby or similar retirement options.