Where are the safest places in the Philippines to move to?

[ASEAN NOW News]

There are two main areas where expats live in the Philippines: Metro Manila and Cebu.

 

Metro Manila (concentrated around Makati, BGC, and Quezon City) is home to about 60% of all expats living in the Philippines.

 

It is home to many international corporations and the heart of the country's diplomatic community.

 

However, if you are planning to retire there then maybe you do not need to be in Manila.

 

So where are the safest places in the Philippines to move to?

 

According to property company Camella they are:

 

Davao

 

 

In 2022, Davao is currently holding third place as Southeast Asia’s safest city. As a highly urbanized city, Davao is also on the list’s crime index due to terrorist threats in the past but in general, living here is as safe as it can get.

 

Despite being in the crime index as well, you should never get discouraged in living in Davao. 

 

Davao’s safety index of 72.33 is nothing compared to its 27.67 crime index.

 

Baguio 

 

 

Baguio is known as a tourist destination and as the summer capital of the Philippines.

 

If you’re a fan of thrift shops, strawberries, and cold weather, then Baguio City is the best place to be.

 

As of February, Baguio has scored 62.24 on the 2022 Numbeo Safety Index and is currently in the top five on the list. 

 

There is no surprise that Baguio City also got a score of 100 in terms of the Climate Index.

 

Although it is on the top five of the safety index, you should be wary of walking the streets of Baguio every night.

 

According to the data, living in Baguio is safe but in recent years, there has been an increase in robberies at night in this city. 

 

Makati 

 

 

According to the index, Makati is currently the seventh place on the index with a score of 61.2.

 

Of course, living in Makati gives you an excellent way of life as this city is home to business, culture, and nightlife.

 

If you work in the tech industry, you want to work and live in Makati.

 

There are also several museums in the city if you are a fan of the arts. 

 

Another reason to live in Makati is because of its hospitals.

 

Makati is home to some of the best hospitals in the Philippines.

 

A city as vibrant as Makati comes with a price as well.

 

While Makati provides a lifestyle accessible to almost everything, the cost of living in this safe city. 

 

Iloilo 

 

 

Iloilo ranked ninth on the safety index with a score of 58.55.

 

One reason to live in Iloilo is that living here emulates living in Metro Manila in terms of salary and lifestyle.

 

On the other hand, Iloilo City life does not have the traffic, expensive cost of living, and pollution that most urbanized cities have. 

 

Iloilo also has an airport that serves as a gateway to international and local destinations.

 

And because the cost of living in Iloilo is cheaper, you can save as much as 80% on your monthly expenditures. 

 

Cebu 

 

 

Cebu is listed as one of the best places in the Philippines to travel due to its food, history, and beaches that will surely leave you in awe.

 

In terms of the safety index, Cebu City scored 48.27 and ranked 13th on the list. Outside of Metro Manila, Cebu City might be the busiest city in the Philippines. 

 

Cebu is Visayas’ main business district and aside from this, the city provides a safe way of life compared to other cities.

 

Retiring in the Philippines can be a great escape when done right.

 

Overall, you're going to notice goods and services are cheaper than they are in Europe and the U.S.

 

You can also find affordable healthcare as long as you retire in a location close to hospitals.

 

However, certain parts lack infrastructure and investment, so best to go online and do some local research.