Moving to the Philippines

Cost of Moving to the Philippines

Updated in November 2025. These are estimates, for exact prices, compare offers from several removal companies to the Philippines and specialist international removals to the Philippines. Updated 2025

Shipping Options for Moving to the Philippines

If you are moving to the Philippines from the USA, the first step is to hire an international moving company. They will handle packing, shipping, and customs when immigrating to the Philippines.

Main Shipping Options

• Shared container (LCL) – good for smaller moves; helps reduce costs.
• Full container (FCL) – best for whole households.
• Sea freight – slower but cheapest for large volumes.
• Air freight – fastest, used mainly for urgent or high-value items.

Create a full inventory, label boxes clearly, and pack fragile items carefully.

Visa Options for Americans Moving to the Philippines

Most long-term visas require a valid passport, proof of financial means, and supporting documents such as a marriage certificate or employment contract.

Long-term Visa Requirements for US Citizens

To apply for most long-term visas, you will need a valid passport, proof of funds, and, when relevant, a marriage certificate or employment contract.

Types of Long Term Visas

• Employment Visa (9G)– allowing you to work and sponsor all the family members moving.
• Immigrant Visa by Marriage (13A) – for those married to a Filipino citizen; leads to permanent residency.
• Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) – for retirement in the Philippines if you meet deposit and pension requirements.
• Student Visa (9F) –for studying at accredited institutions.

You can read more on the official website of the Philippine Bureau of Immigration.

Retirement Visa Philippines

If you plan to apply for the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) , it is important to keep in mind:

Basic requirements:

• Bank deposit from $10,000 to $20,000 (depending on age and pension).
• Proof of monthly pension or income.
• Medical certificate and police clearance.
• Health insurance.

Benefits include long-term residency, tax incentives, and the option to bring dependents. For more on retirement and life in the Philippines, you can also consult specialized expat and pension resources.

Cost of Living in the Philippines

The Philippines is a popular destination for working, retiring, or living abroad. Average cost of living in the Philippines is ≈ 35% lower than in the U.S. for everyday consumer items.

Overall, living in the Philippines is significantly cheaper:

• Rent, eating out, local transport, and services are much lower.
• Groceries are cheaper, especially local products.
• Imported goods and international schools can be more expensive.

Check the following table to compare prices for day-to-day products and utilities in both countries:

Source: Numbeo, 2025. Example comparison: actual rent varies strongly by city.

Living in the Philippines as an American

Living in the Philippines can be appealing due to its affordability, English use, and warm climate. Many Americans appreciate the slower pace of life but should also be prepared for cultural differences and infrastructure limitations.

Working in the Philippines as an American

Local salaries average $300–$600/month, while expats often earn $1,500–$2,500/month, depending on skills. The standard workweek is 40–48 hours.

Common industries employing foreigners include:

• Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)
• IT and software
• Education and English teaching
• Healthcare and medical support
• Tourism and hospitality
• Finance and engineering

Education & healthcare

• Choose between local, private, or international schools (especially in Metro Manila and Cebu).
• Public healthcare is limited, most Americans living in the Philippines use private health insurance.

Is the Philippines a Good Place to Live?

Best Places to Live in the Philippines

These locations often appear when people search for the best place to live in the Philippines or the safest city in the Philippines:

• Metro Manila – economic and cultural hub; many jobs and international schools but higher prices and traffic.
• Cebu City – balance between city life and island atmosphere.
• Iloilo City – clean, family-friendly, with growing opportunities.

Safest and cleanest

• Davao City– is frequently cited as one of the safest cities.
• Baguio – cooler climate, pine forests, and cleaner air.

Best places to retire

• Tagaytay – cooler weather, close to Metro Manila.
• Dumaguete – affordable coastal lifestyle, popular with expats.

Moving to the Philippines With Family

Families relocating from the US often choose areas with:

• International or American-curriculum schools
• Access to private healthcare
• Proximity to job markets (Metro Manila, Cebu)

Private health insurance is recommended.

Moving to the Philippines with Animals

To bring a dog or a cat when moving to the Philippines as a foreigner:

• Microchip your pet.
• Obtain a Veterinary Health Certificate.
• Ensure vaccinations are up to date.
• Have a pet passport (if applicable).
• Apply for an Import Permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

How to Move to the Philippines: Checklist

If you are planning to move to the Philippines from USA or another country, use this checklist:

1. Research how much it costs to move to the Philippines for your volume.
2. Compare offers from international removal companies to the Philippines.
3. Gather important documents: passport, birth/marriage certificates, employment contract, and medical records.
4. Confirm which visa you need (work, marriage, retirement, study).
5. Arrange finances and a local or international bank solution.
6. Choose where to live (Metro Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, etc.).
7. Pack and label your belongings carefully and book your shipment.
8. If you have pets, complete all import requirements.

For a broader planning tool, you can also consult a dedicated moving abroad checklist.