Where to Live in the Philippines: For Expats (Part 1)

Thinking of moving and living in the Philippines? Here's a quick guide to some of the best places to live in the country and snapshots of what the lifestyle is like in these areas. From Luzon to Mindanao, we've rounded up some of the touristy locations for visiting foreigners, business areas for investors and businessmen, as well as paths less travelled for thrillseekers in search of adventure and extreme sports.

Boracay, Aklan

Ideal for: Couples, Families, Singles, Empty Nesters
How to get there: Airplane, Boat
Popular Residential Developments: Boracay Newcoast Village (Single-Detached Homes, Condos)
Cost of Living: starting at $1100 to $2300 a month

Located in Malay, Aklan in Visayas, Boracay Island is the Philippines' top tourist destination especially during the summer. The island is home to the famous White Beach, a 4-kilometer stretch of white sand dotted with resorts, shops, hotels, and restaurants. Aside from its beauty, Boracay is also known for its exciting nightlife as well as the various activities it offers such as snorkeling, parasailing, diving, and waterskiing -- making it ideal for young and middle-aged people with an active lifestyle. For retirees and empty nesters who simply want to enjoy the quiet side of the island, they can head over to Bulabog beach or locate in the Newcoast area.

Living in Boracay can be a little expensive, especially since it is a popular tourist destination. Compared to the cost of living in first-world countries though, it is still more affordable. Apartments for rent range between $300 and $700 a month, depending on the location, furnishings, and length of stay. Food, utilities, transportation, and other basic amenities are priced similarly to Metro Manila.

Cebu City, Cebu

Ideal for: Couples, Families, Singles, Empty Nesters, Professionals, Businessmen
How to get there: Airplane, Boat, Bus
Popular Residential Developments: Avida Towers, 1016 Residences
Cost of Living: starting at $800 to $1450 a month

Many foreigners and expatriates living in the Philippines choose to locate in Cebu City because of its progressive economy and good governance. People generally feel safe in Cebu because the city has low crime rates. It also has a very active nightlife as well as a very modern lifestyle, which makes it easier for foreigners to adjust to their new life in the Philippines. Aside from this, the city offers the best of both worlds -- it's right in the heart of major business hubs and international hotels and is also close to beaches, resorts, and other leisure and vacation areas.

Compared to other cities in the Philippines, Cebu has a lower cost of living because it is located in the center of the business and trade in the region, thus it has easy access to produce (vegetables, fish, meat, etc.) and other commodities.

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

Ideal for: Couples, Families, Singles, Empty Nesters, Professionals, Businessmen
How to get there: Airplane, Taxi, Bus
Popular Residential Developments: Arya Residences, Grand Hyatt Residences
Cost of Living: starting at $1800 to $2300 a month

One of the budding business districts in Metro Manila, Bonifacio Global City (formerly Fort Bonifacio) is home to some of the country's most prominent businessmen and families. Conveniently located right next to Makati City and 30-minutes away from Ortigas CBD, BGC offers easy access to Metro Manila's major business districts, making it an ideal residential location for business owners, investors, and other expatriates who wish to have a business in the Philippines. BGC is also known for its high-end cosmopolitan lifestyle, housing several restaurants, bars, and entertainment areas that cater to the international market.

Living in Bonifacio Global City can be extremely pricey because most of the residential developments in the area are of luxury and high-end standards. However, prices for daily expenditure and other commodities are still more affordable compared to cities that offer a similar type of lifestyle, (i.e. Singapore, Hong Kong, etc.)