Side-by-side numbers for the things that matter most when picking where to retire: monthly cost, healthcare, climate, visa rules, safety, and the strength of the expat community.
| Metric | Cebu | Dumaguete |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost (single) | $1,300 | $1,200 |
| Monthly cost (couple) | $1,900 | $1,700 |
| 2-bedroom rent | $450 | $350 |
| Healthcare / month | $80 | $70 |
| Healthcare quality | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Safety | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Expat community | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Overall rating | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Climate | tropical | tropical |
| Avg temperature | 84°F | 82°F |
| Primary language | Filipino | Cebuano & Filipino |
| English proficiency | High | High |
| Visa min income | — | — |
A tropical island paradise with pristine beaches, affordable living, and a relaxed pace of life. Cebu offers excellent diving, island hopping, and a growing expat community while being more laid-back than Manila.
SRRV (Special Resident Retiree Visa): $10,000-$50,000 deposit depending on age and type. Permanent residency. Can work with permit. Affordable cost of living.
Known as the "City of Gentle People," Dumaguete is a laid-back university town on Negros Oriental's coast that has long been one of the Philippines' most popular retirement havens. Its seaside promenade, youthful energy from Silliman University, large established expat community, and very low costs make it an easy place to settle, with excellent diving and island hopping at the doorstep.
SRRV (Special Resident Retiree Visa): $10,000-$50,000 deposit depending on age and type. Permanent residency. Can work with permit. Affordable cost of living.
Cost is only half the story. Use the International Retirement Tax Estimator to see how Philippines and Philippines would tax your retirement income.