Retirement In The Philippines.

Each year, InternationalLiving.com’s Global Retirement Index ranks the top 25 retirement destinations in the world, based on factors like climate, healthcare, fitting in, benefits and discounts, and cost of living. The Philippines – an archipelagic country of 7,000+ islands –made this year’s list, scoring especially well in the Cost of Living and Fitting In categories. For Cost of Living, the Philippines earned 92 out of a possible 100 points, placing it the top 10 for Cost of Living.
Many choose to retire overseas in order to find a lower cost of living. The Philippines doesn’t disappoint, and most expats can live comfortably on about $800 to $1,200 a month – including dining out and in-country travel – according to InternationalLiving.com. The average retired U.S. worker’s Social Security benefit is $1,328 per month for 2015, which means your monthly benefit alone could be enough to cover your basic living expenses in the Philippines. An added perk: household help is very affordable, so it’s possible – even on a tight budget – to hire someone to help with the cooking and cleaning.

The Philippines is home to a well-established community of expats who have retired overseas in search of a better climate, change of scenery, new cultural experiences, affordable healthcare and a lower cost of living. The Filipino people are very warm and welcoming to foreigners, and the country offers a number of incentives to retirees.
Making the decision to retire abroad – and figuring out where to go – are difficult steps that take lots of research and planning. Like every other country that might be on your list of potential retirement spots, the Philippines has both its pros and cons. Each should be carefully evaluated before making any decisions.
It’s a good idea to visit the area, preferably more than once, before making any decisions. Try to visit from a resident’s perspective, rather than as a tourist. For more, see How To Plan Your Retirement In The Philippines.
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