The 5 Best Places To Live In The Philippines  | 2022

curious where The best places to live in the Philippines Yes?

For many, the Philippines is what you call paradise and your dream vacation destination. However, as this archipelago country has one of the best economies in East Asia and the Pacific, it is entirely possible for foreigners to live and work here.

The Philippines consists of more than 7,000 islands, 2,000 of which are inhabited. Among them, you’ll find everything from bustling metropolises to lively coastal towns to picturesque fishing villages.

But where should you be based when living and working in the Philippines as a foreigner?

We serve expats, remote workers and digital nomads. Read on to find out the pros and cons of each method, as well as the average rent.

Manila

As the capital of the archipelago nation, Manila is easily one of the best cities to live in the Philippines if you want to work locally. Here you will enjoy a vibrant lifestyle and never get bored as there are countless museums, shopping centres, theatres, restaurants, bars and more.

Manila has by far the most jobs and business opportunities. IT, technology and finance are the industries in greatest demand, but many call centers also employ unskilled foreigners.

Here you will also find the University Belt, an unofficial subdivision of Manila that is home to some of the top educational institutions in Southeast Asia. As such, Manila is easily one of the best places to live in the Philippines for those working in education and research.

Life in Manila is undoubtedly fast-paced. If you don’t like big city life, the hustle and bustle can be stressful for you.

Also, Manila is one of the most expensive places to live in the country. Still, wages are higher, which balances it out.

When it comes to housing, rents vary widely based on luxury and location.

Typically, one-bedroom apartments range from $300 to $550 per month. Larger apartments and houses can cost as much as $1,600.

Makati

Makati is a vibrant city in the Manila area, offering a high-quality lifestyle to expats and digital nomads living and working in the Philippines. It has a lot to do and see, including luxury shopping, top restaurants and trendy bars.

If you have a job in the capital, Makati is only a 45-minute drive from downtown Manila, making it an excellent choice. Still, Makati’s central business district is full of skyscrapers, so there are plenty of jobs and employment opportunities here as well.

Since Makati is associated with a luxurious lifestyle, you can find some of the most luxurious and ultra-modern condos and condos here. They do come with a price tag, though, and like Manila, it’s not the cheapest place to live in the Philippines.

Cebu

Cebu is another best Filipino city that blends urban and natural living. This primitive city is located in the Central Visayas region of the country.

It has a thriving economy, excellent transportation system, and top-notch healthcare and education.

As such, Cebu is very popular with expats and is well suited for the large expat community here. You’ll find many safe and modern gated communities, luxury apartments, stunning beaches and a vibrant nightlife.

In addition to the excellent public transportation system within the city, Cebu’s international airport is well-connected to the rest of the country and beyond.

There are also easy access to the many tourist attractions and islands nearby, providing you with endless weekend activities.

Cebu has plenty of jobs for foreigners in industries such as customer service, education, and IT. Living here is cheaper than in the capital, but it’s still one of the most expensive cities in the Philippines.

One-bedroom apartments are priced between $250 and $400 per month, while three-bedroom apartments are typically priced between $500 and $800.

Dumaguete

Located on Negros Island, Dumaguete has a highly laid-back and peaceful vibe. This coastal city is perfect for remote workers and digital nomads looking to relax.

Here, you will be close to nature without feeling like you are in the middle of nowhere.

Dumaguete is known for its incredible dive sites and iconic waterfront filled with restaurants and bars. It’s the largest city on the island, with a population of 125,000, so it’s quiet but not sleepy at all.

It is also a nature lover’s paradise with many beautiful places to explore. There are many lakes, mountains and waterfalls, as well as Manjuyod Sandbank and Talabong Mangrove Park.

There is a large foreign community of expats and retirees; however, local jobs are few and far between. Therefore, this lovely city is best for those who work remotely.

In fact, if you work for an overseas company, you’ll quickly build up your savings here because the cost of living is so low.

There is a significant difference in prices for consumers, including restaurants, compared to Manila. However, the starkest comparison is rent, which is less than half the cost.

Here, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for less than $250 a month or a three-bedroom home for less than $400 a month.

Boracay

As a small island, the lifestyle in Boracay is quite different from all the places on this list. Still, for those who want to end their workday with a sunset cocktail on the beach, this is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in the Philippines.

You are unlikely to find a local job here; however, if you work remotely, you can achieve your dream of working and living in paradise. The beaches are postcard perfect, with white sand and turquoise seas, many lined with palm trees, bars and restaurants.

Boracay is traditionally a tourist island, but it is slowly gaining popularity among digital nomads. However, if you need a constant and fast Wifi connection, you may have difficulty because the internet is not very good.

It’s also one of the more expensive areas in the country, especially during peak season, when businesses raise prices for tourists.

Boracay has a strong sense of community and an authentic feel. There isn’t much to do though, and the island is small, so if you like more activities, you might get bored after a while.

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Live in the Philippines

As you can see, these five best places to live in the Philippines are all very different. So, consider the lifestyle you seek and your work environment when deciding where to live.

Manila and Makati are ideal options if you’re going here looking for a job. For investment opportunities, check out Cebu.

Or, for a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by nature, you’ll love Dumaguete and Boracay.

Not sure if the Philippines is right for you? Read one of the following guides: