Southeast Asia
Retire in Philippines
The Philippines offers a tropical climate with warm, stable temperatures year-round and a cost of living around one-third that of the US, making your retirement budget stretch considerably. Healthcare coverage is developing, and English is widely spoken, which eases daily life for many expats. You'll find a blend of island living, vibrant local culture, and affordable amenities—though healthcare quality varies by location and requires research.
- Currency
- PHP
- Main language
- Filipino / English
- Population
- 117M
At a glance
Cost of living
~67% cheaper than the US
national price level vs the US · World Bank (PPP ÷ FX rate), 2025
The five-factor profile
Each axis is a 0–100 score derived from the sourced indicators above and the climate normals below — nothing is hand-set. See the methodology for the exact formulas.
- Affordability81
- Healthcare69
- Climate comfort80
- Longevity51
- Prosperity43
Climate
Long-term climate normals for 3 representative cities. Annual mean 25.8°C · warmest month 27.9°C · coolest 23.5°C.
| City | Annual mean | January | July | Rain / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manila | 25.8°C | 23.5°C | 26.3°C | 2,916 mm |
| Cebu City | 27.1°C | 25.8°C | 27.2°C | 2,009 mm |
| Davao | 27.6°C | 26.7°C | 27.6°C | 2,124 mm |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 climatology), long-term climatology.
Retirement-visa path
The Philippines offers the Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) through the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), designed specifically for foreign retirees. The program generally requires either a fixed monthly pension or a lump-sum savings deposit (verify the current figure with PRA, as it changes periodically); exact thresholds and terms depend on your age and circumstances. The visa is renewable and grants long-term residency. For authoritative requirements and current terms, consult the Philippine Retirement Authority's official website or your nearest Philippine embassy or consulate.
Official source: www.pra.gov.ph
AI-drafted from official sources · pending human review · drafted 2026-07-06
Taxes, briefly
The Philippines taxes residents on certain types of income; consult a tax professional to understand your obligations before retiring there.
Safety & advisories
Check your government's current travel and safety advisory for the Philippines before making your final decision.
Who it tends to suit
Retirees seeking warm weather, low living costs, and a relaxed pace who are comfortable navigating a developing healthcare system and are open to island community life.