At a glance
- Compare neighborhoods rather than relying on a national monthly budget.
- Use published rental figures as reference points, not guaranteed apartment prices.
- Account for utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and insurance separately.
Read the ranges as a comparison
The 35-city figures are a planning model, not promises about the price of a particular apartment or household. Use the ranges to create a shortlist, then confirm actual local listings, utility bills and medical costs.
Cost of living: our 35-city comparison
Our retirement planning workbook compares 35 Philippine cities and districts. These are modeled ranges for a comfortable, non-luxury retired couple, not verified household spending or current rental offers. The two-bedroom rent ranges are shown separately for context and should not be added again to the overall couple budget without checking the assumptions.
Research model reviewed July 13, 2026. The workbook uses market references, assumptions and editorial estimates. Figures in Philippine pesos are rounded and may not match today's prices.
| City or area | 2BR rent per month | Retired couple per month | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Davao City | ₱25,000–₱45,000 | ₱85,000–₱125,000 | Moderate |
| Cebu City | ₱32,000–₱60,000 | ₱105,000–₱160,000 | Premium |
| Dumaguete City | ₱18,000–₱32,000 | ₱65,000–₱95,000 | Budget-Friendly |
| Iloilo City | ₱20,000–₱35,000 | ₱70,000–₱105,000 | Budget-Friendly |
| Angeles City / Clark | ₱28,000–₱50,000 | ₱90,000–₱135,000 | Moderate |
| Bacolod City | ₱18,000–₱32,000 | ₱65,000–₱95,000 | Budget-Friendly |
| Makati City | ₱45,000–₱90,000 | ₱150,000–₱230,000 | Luxury |
| General Santos City | ₱15,000–₱28,000 | ₱60,000–₱90,000 | Budget-Friendly |
| Muntinlupa / Alabang | ₱35,000–₱70,000 | ₱120,000–₱180,000 | Premium |
| Cagayan de Oro | ₱20,000–₱35,000 | ₱70,000–₱105,000 | Budget-Friendly |
| Santa Rosa / Nuvali | ₱28,000–₱55,000 | ₱95,000–₱145,000 | Moderate |
| Ortigas / Pasig | ₱45,000–₱80,000 | ₱130,000–₱210,000 | Premium |
| Quezon City | ₱30,000–₱65,000 | ₱110,000–₱180,000 | Premium |
| Bonifacio Global City (BGC) | ₱70,000–₱130,000 | ₱180,000–₱280,000 | Luxury |
| Tagbilaran / Panglao | ₱22,000–₱40,000 | ₱75,000–₱115,000 | Moderate |
| San Fernando / La Union | ₱12,000–₱25,000 | ₱60,000–₱95,000 | Budget-Friendly |
| Olongapo / Subic Bay | ₱30,000–₱55,000 | ₱100,000–₱150,000 | Premium |
| Calamba / Los Baños | ₱22,000–₱40,000 | ₱75,000–₱120,000 | Moderate |
| Lipa City | ₱20,000–₱38,000 | ₱75,000–₱110,000 | Moderate |
| Baguio City | ₱25,000–₱45,000 | ₱90,000–₱135,000 | Moderate |
| Laoag City | ₱18,000–₱30,000 | ₱65,000–₱100,000 | Budget-Friendly |
| Legazpi City | ₱15,000–₱30,000 | ₱65,000–₱100,000 | Budget-Friendly |
| Dipolog City | ₱15,000–₱27,000 | ₱58,000–₱90,000 | Budget-Friendly |
| Puerto Princesa | ₱20,000–₱35,000 | ₱70,000–₱105,000 | Budget-Friendly |
| Roxas City | ₱16,000–₱28,000 | ₱60,000–₱95,000 | Budget-Friendly |
| Naga City | ₱15,000–₱28,000 | ₱60,000–₱90,000 | Budget-Friendly |
| Tacloban City | ₱18,000–₱32,000 | ₱70,000–₱105,000 | Budget-Friendly |
| Dagupan / Pangasinan | ₱18,000–₱30,000 | ₱65,000–₱100,000 | Budget-Friendly |
| Boracay / Kalibo | ₱40,000–₱80,000 | ₱120,000–₱220,000 | Premium |
| Antipolo City | ₱18,000–₱35,000 | ₱70,000–₱110,000 | Budget-Friendly |
| Vigan City | ₱18,000–₱30,000 | ₱65,000–₱100,000 | Budget-Friendly |
| Batangas City | ₱20,000–₱35,000 | ₱70,000–₱105,000 | Budget-Friendly |
| Tagaytay City | ₱30,000–₱55,000 | ₱100,000–₱150,000 | Premium |
| Siargao / General Luna | ₱30,000–₱60,000 | ₱90,000–₱160,000 | Premium |
| El Nido | ₱35,000–₱70,000 | ₱100,000–₱180,000 | Premium |
Why the same budget buys different lifestyles
Housing and neighborhood
A modern furnished condominium in a business district is not comparable with an older provincial apartment. Confirm whether rent includes building dues, parking, furniture, maintenance, and utilities. Keep deposits and one-time moving expenses separate from monthly spending.
Electricity, water and internet
Air-conditioning needs, appliance efficiency, power backup, water supply, and internet installation can create major differences. Ask for recent bills at the actual address and check local service reliability.
Food and daily purchases
Local markets, imported groceries, frequent dining out, and delivery habits lead to very different costs. A trial stay can tell you more than a single national grocery average.
Transport and travel
Factor in practical trips to supermarkets and private hospitals as well as taxis, ride-hailing, vehicle costs, flights and ferries. An affordable home far from services may create a different cost burden.
Healthcare and insurance
Research private hospital prices, medication continuity, insurance limits and major-treatment deposits separately. If you need cardiac care, verify cath lab access and emergency interventional coverage with the hospital.
How to use these figures responsibly
- Shortlist cities using the chart, not just the cheapest number.
- Compare live housing options in specific neighborhoods.
- Ask about utility bills, building dues, internet service, and recurring transportation.
- Check your insurance and private healthcare requirements.
- Visit before signing a long lease and keep a reserve for exchange-rate shifts and unexpected expenses.
In-depth original research
This section preserves the detailed material from our original relocation guide, arranged under this subject instead of buried in the full book. Some procedures or figures may have changed since it was written.
Building a Retirement Budget
Estimating Future Expenses
A retirement budget should include far more than housing.
Common retirement expenses include:
- Housing
- Utilities
- Food
- Transportation
- Healthcare
- Insurance
- Travel
- Entertainment
- Household help
- Technology
- Emergency expenses
Many people underestimate retirement spending because they focus only on current bills.
Retirement often creates new expenses that did not previously exist.
Travel, hobbies, healthcare, and leisure activities frequently consume more of the budget than expected.
More guides on this stage
Where to go next
Compare destinations and plan your arrival using the city profiles and original relocation research.
This is a practical starting point. Verify visa rules, costs, medical services, and financial requirements with current official sources before acting.