Stretching a Dollar in the Philippines Used to Be Easy. Not Anymore.

I first fell in love with the Philippines a decade ago. Back in 2015, as a newly minted retiree on a fixed income, I found that my dollars stretched comfortably amid the white-sand beaches and buzzing cities.

Fast forward to 2025, and I’ve returned to find a country that’s as beautiful as ever, but noticeably more expensive.

Prices for everything from a bowl of lugaw (rice porridge) in Manila to a ferry ride in Bohol have crept up. Inflation, a tourism boom, and shifting policies have made it harder to “stretch a dollar” here than it used to be.

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In this personal story, I’ll bring you through Manila, Cebu, Palawan, and Bohol, the four of the Philippines’ most popular retirement destinations, comparing today’s costs with what I remember from 5–10 years ago.

Along the way, I’ll share anecdotes of my experiences then and now, and offer guidance for fellow retirees still dreaming of a Philippine paradise (on a budget).

Then vs. Now: When I first arrived in 2015, the exchange rate was about ₱46 to $1. That meant everyday items in pesos felt like bargain prices in dollars. A jeepney ride cost me loose change, and a restaurant dinner rarely broke the $10 mark.

Today, the exchange rate is around ₱55–58 to $1, which does give us more pesos per dollar but local prices have risen so much that the advantage is fading.

The Philippines’ inflation over the past decade (peaking around 2018 and again in 2022) has increased the cost of living across the board, from market food to apartment rents. In the following sections, I will show you how each place has changed through my eyes, and my wallet.

Manila: Big City Dreams, Bigger Price Tags

This is where my love affair with the country began. In 2015, I rented a modest one-bedroom condo in Makati for about ₱21,000 a month (roughly $470 at the time). Returning now, I found similar apartments listed around ₱28,000 – about $500 at today’s rate.

That’s a nearly 30% jump in pesos, outpacing the exchange rate cushion. Upscale neighborhoods like Bonifacio Global City (BGC) or Rockwell are even pricier, often ₱50,000+ for a one-bedroom. My retiree budget definitely feels the squeeze in the capital.

Everyday expenses in Manila have climbed, too. My go-to order of adobo and rice at a local carinderia (eatery) used to be under ₱100 ($2), but now it’s closer to ₱150–₱200 in many areas.

And if I opt for a sit-down meal at a mid-range restaurant – say a nice three-course dinner for two – it runs around ₱1,500 today, about $26. I recall paying roughly ₱1,000 ($22) for a comparable dinner in 2015.

Even a cup of barako coffee or a cappuccino at a café went from about ₱115 in 2015 to ₱133+ by 2020, creeping further upward by 2025. These may sound like small peso differences, but they add up for someone on a fixed retirement income.

Transportation in Manila remains affordable, but less so than before. The iconic jeepneys and UV Express vans still charge only a few pesos per ride. A short jeepney ride that cost ₱8 in 2015 is around ₱12 now.

The city’s elevated rail lines (LRT/MRT) have increased fares modestly over the years as well. In 2015, I could traverse much of Metro Manila for under ₱500 a month in transit costs. Today, a monthly unlimited transit pass (where available) costs about ₱670 ($12).

Hailing a taxi or Grab car has seen price hikes too, partly due to higher fuel costs; I learned to avoid rush hour surcharges that didn’t exist in the old days. Traffic remains a constant (some things never change), but now I joke that I’m paying more pesos per minute spent sitting in jams on EDSA.

One category that really caught me off guard was healthcare. In 2015, I visited a private clinic in Manila and paid about ₱500 for a doctor’s consultation – barely $11 for a check-up. Quality healthcare was a bargain.

These days, private hospitals cater heavily to expats and well-off locals, and their prices have shot up. A short doctor’s visit can cost ₱4,000 or more ($80) at a top-tier Manila hospital. Even a specialist appointment that might have been ₱1,000 in the past is several times that now.

I carry international health insurance, but out-of-pocket costs like medicines and routine tests in Manila have multiplied. The city’s reputation for medical tourism and world-class private care is still valid – it’s just no longer dirt cheap.

I find myself timing my prescription refills for when generics are on sale at Mercury Drug, and I take advantage of senior citizen discounts where I can (though those legally apply to Filipino citizens, some establishments kindly extend a courtesy discount to foreign seniors).

Despite these cost increases, Manila still has its charms and advantages. World-class malls, restaurants, and cultural sites are at my doorstep – albeit at prices inching closer to what I’d pay back home.

I’ve learned to seek out early-bird restaurant specials and to shop at wet markets (palengkes) for fresh produce instead of import-laden supermarkets. Still, the big-city bustle now comes with a big-city cost.

I sometimes catch myself saying, “I remember when this used to cost…” while chatting with other expats. We trade tips on which neighborhoods have lower rents (some retirees are moving from Makati to more affordable fringes like New Manila or Alabang). But there’s no denying that Manila in 2025 makes your wallet a bit lighter than it did ten years ago.

Cebu: The Queen City’s Rising Costs

Flying into Cebu City, nicknamed “Queen City of the South,” I notice a skyline dotted with new high-rises and condos. Cebu has boomed as a commercial and retirement hub.

Back in the mid-2010s, Cebu City was a refreshingly cheaper alternative to Manila. I rented a modern one-bedroom near IT Park for around ₱18,000 in 2015. Now that same unit is easily ₱25,000–₱30,000 per month ($480).

In fact, current rental averages in Cebu City are comparable to Manila, with one-bedroom apartments in the city center around ₱27,000. The secret is out – and prices have followed.

One reason is the influx of expats and the BPO (call center) industry growth in Cebu, which have driven demand for condos. My realtor friend in Cebu laughed when I asked about finding a 1BR for ₱15k – “Sir, that was possible ten years ago!”

Now even the outskirts and Mactan Island (home to resorts and the international airport) have seen rents climb. On Mactan, new resort-style condo complexes charge a premium for that ocean breeze. Housing costs overall might be up ~30-50% in peso terms from 2015 to 2025.

Daily expenses in Cebu have risen in tandem. A mid-range restaurant meal that used to cost ₱800 for two people is now about ₱1,200 or more. In local eateries, you could still eat simply for a few dollars, but restaurant portions have shrunk or prices increased.

I popped into a popular mall diner where I remembered enjoying a ₱99 ($2) meal deal – only to find the same meal now at ₱180. Cebu’s food prices, while lower than Manila’s, crept upward especially after the pandemic years.

Even the cost of street food – my beloved puso (hanging rice) and skewered barbecue – edged up by a few pesos each. It’s still cheap, but not the ultra-bargain it was. Inflation on basics like pork and rice (partly due to global trends) is visible in those street vendor prices.

Getting around Cebu remains relatively inexpensive. A jeepney ride in 2015 was ₱7; today the minimum fare is about ₱12. There’s still no true metro rail in Cebu, so locals and retirees alike rely on jeepneys, buses, and the newer MyBus system.

The typical retiree might not need a monthly transit pass here – many of us opt to buy a scooter or use taxis. Fuel costs have risen, but with Cebu’s smaller geography, transport doesn’t break the bank. I’d estimate my monthly transport expenses (a mix of Grab rides and occasional ferry trips to Bohol) have gone from maybe $30 a month to $50 now.

One thing that has grown is traffic – as Cebu’s economy expanded, so did its vehicle population. Sometimes the meter runs higher simply because we’re stuck in gridlock on Escario Street.

Healthcare in Cebu is still a bit more affordable than Manila, but it too has seen changes. I visited Chung Hua Hospital for a check-up; the price was higher than I remembered. A basic doctor’s consult in Cebu might be ₱1,000–₱1,500 now (around $20–30), whereas I recall paying under ₱600 ($12) some years back at a local clinic.

The city has attracted more private hospitals and even medical tourists, which has generally pushed costs up. On the flip side, the quality of care and facilities has improved – you get more modern clinics now for the higher price. For major procedures, many retirees still find it a bargain compared to Western costs, but routine visits aren’t the negligible expense they once were.

Despite rising costs, Cebu strikes a balance: it’s still cheaper than many Western cities, and its laid-back island vibe remains intact. I stroll along Fuente Osmeña Circle and recall buying fresh mangoes for ₱50/kilo in 2015; now it’s ₱120+ off-season. I chuckle and buy them anyway – some things are worth it!

Many foreign retirees still choose Cebu for its blend of urban convenience and provincial charm. But to live comfortably, a higher budget is needed today. In 2015 I considered $1,000/month a workable budget in Cebu.

By 2025, $1,500 is more realistic for the same lifestyle. The cost of living has shifted, yet Cebu’s friendly smiles and turquoise waters (just a short ferry away) remind me why we come here in the first place.

Palawan: Paradise Isn’t So Cheap Anymore

Palawan – just the name makes any traveler’s eyes light up. This long island province, home to jewel-like El Nido and Coron, was my personal paradise. I first visited Palawan in 2015 when it felt like a frontier: no malls, spotty electricity, but pristine beaches everywhere you turn.

Prices back then reflected the remoteness but also the simplicity. I found a basic fan bungalow in El Nido for under ₱1000/night ($20). Meals were inexpensive if you ate like a local – I remember grilled fish dinners for maybe ₱250 ($5). The biggest expense was the 6-hour van ride from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, which cost around ₱500 ($11).

Returning in 2025, I notice two big changes: Palawan is far more developed, and it’s definitely more expensive. El Nido town now has ATMs, boutique hotels, and restaurants serving everything from sushi to pizza – at prices that sometimes rival Manila. In fact, even as early as 2015 travel bloggers warned that El Nido’s food and goods were “pretty expensive” and often as pricey as Manila due to the influx of foreign tourists.

Those high prices have only solidified. A mid-range resort in El Nido that charged $80 a night in 2015 might charge $150 or more now. Tour packages (the famous island-hopping Tours A, B, C, D) have standardized rates these days – about ₱1,200 to ₱1,400 per person ($25) for a group tour including lunch. A decade ago, I recall haggling a private boat for Tour A for ₱4,000 ($85 at the time for the whole boat) with friends; now that barely covers 3–4 individual seats on a shared tour boat.

Accommodation in Palawan has seen perhaps the starkest change. In 2015, aside from a few high-end resorts like El Nido Resorts, most lodgings were family-run inns. I could walk in and get a beach hut for ₱700 ($15). Today, many of those huts are gone or renovated into mid-range hotels.

In El Nido, a decent hotel room can easily cost ₱3,000–₱5,000 a night ($60–$100). Renting long-term is still possible and cheaper (some retirees choose to rent in Puerto Princesa, the provincial capital, where a nice one-bedroom apartment goes for around ₱15,000 a month, or ~$250). But if you want to settle in the tourist hotspots of El Nido or Coron, expect to pay a premium – and good luck finding availability.

I spoke to a fellow American retiree in Coron who’s been coming since 2014; he lamented that his simple apartment that cost ₱8,000/month is now ₱15,000. Relative to back home that’s still low, but it’s a big jump in his eyes.

Food and daily expenses in Palawan have climbed with its popularity. Small local eateries in Puerto Princesa remain affordable – I had a lunch of chicken inasal with rice for under ₱200 – but in tourist zones like El Nido town proper or Coron, restaurants charge notably more.

In El Nido, it’s common to see mains priced ₱300–₱400 (about $6–$8) plus 10% service charge at tourist-oriented eateries. That’s perhaps double what I paid in 2015 for a similar meal.

Even simple items like a bottle of water or a Coke cost more on the islands due to transport logistics. I chuckled seeing a can of Coke at ₱60 in El Nido – twice the Manila price. Groceries in Palawan are also higher than in big cities; anything not locally produced has fuel costs baked in.

Transportation inside Palawan hasn’t changed drastically in price – tricycles in Puerto Princesa are still relatively cheap (₱50–₱100 for a short ride, though they will quote higher to tourists). The van from the airport to El Nido now costs a bit more (around ₱600–₱700).

The new highway improvements have shaved some time off the journey, but you’re paying for that comfort too. In Coron, tricycle tours and boat hires have probably gone up 20–30% in cost compared to a decade ago, partly due to fuel prices.

I rented a motorbike in Coron for ₱500/day in 2015; the same rental was ₱800/day on this trip. Again, these aren’t bank-breaking numbers, but for a retiree on a long stay, they add to monthly expenses.

Palawan’s natural beauty is still its priceless asset. Snorkeling in turquoise waters or watching the sunset over Bacuit Bay – those experiences don’t cost a thing and keep us coming back. But the reality is, day-to-day living in Palawan’s tourist hubs will cost you more now. Inflation plus popularity is a potent combination.

The local government has also introduced environmental fees (El Nido’s Eco-Tourism Development Fee is ₱200 per visit, and Coron has its own fees), which didn’t exist or were much lower back then. These are small one-time fees, but they symbolize how rising tourism has brought not just crowds but extra charges for visitors.

For foreign retirees, it means budgeting a bit more for life’s little pleasures in Palawan. I’ve adjusted by visiting the public market for fresh fish and cooking at my guesthouse occasionally – a fun way to save money and relive the simpler Palawan lifestyle of years past.

Bohol: From Laid-Back to Up-and-Coming

Bohol, the island of the famed Chocolate Hills and tarsiers, was always a favorite for those seeking tranquility. I spent months in Bohol around 2016, mainly on Panglao Island where the beaches are.

Life was slow and costs were low. I rented a simple native-style house near Alona Beach for maybe ₱12,000 ($250) a month – the kind of deal that made my friends back home envious. Dining out meant fresh seafood BBQ by the shore for a few dollars. Bohol felt like a secret sanctuary for thrifty expats.

In 2018, Bohol opened its new international airport on Panglao, and since then the island has been catching up with Cebu in tourism. By 2025, I notice that Bohol is busier and pricier.

Panglao’s Alona Beach now has more resorts, and with them, higher prices. A decent one-bedroom rental on Panglao or in Tagbilaran City (Bohol’s capital) now ranges roughly $300 to $500 per month. That could be ₱25,000 or more for newer apartments – more than double what I paid in 2016.

Many expats still find deals (perhaps a bit inland or via local contacts), but the general trend is up. Land values have risen too, as development continues. I met a couple who bought a small lot in 2015; its value has nearly doubled by now, reflecting how Bohol is no longer under the radar.

Day-to-day expenses in Bohol remain relatively moderate. If you avoid the tourist traps, you can eat and live cheaply. A meal at a local eatery in Tagbilaran might be ₱120. But along the touristy strips of Panglao, restaurants charge nearer to ₱300 for a dish that was ₱180 a few years ago.

One big increase I felt: transportation costs. Bohol’s public transport is mostly tricycles and some buses; there’s no fixed monthly pass. Trike drivers have hiked fares citing fuel prices – what was a ₱20 hop is now ₱50 or more (especially if you look like a tourist).

If you regularly use tricycles to get around, your monthly transport budget might have doubled. I eventually opted to rent a motorbike long-term for ₱4,000/month, which in 2015 might have been ₱3,000. Gasoline itself is up, so either way one pays more to explore those waterfalls and heritage churches.

Healthcare in Bohol is basic. There are decent hospitals in Tagbilaran, but many expats still go to Cebu for anything major. Routine doctor visits in Bohol are inexpensive – not much changed from before.

A clinic consult might be ₱500–₱800 ($10–$15), perhaps now inching to ₱1,000 for specialists. The main government hospital hasn’t significantly raised charges, but private clinics have adjusted for inflation a bit.

Overall, medical costs didn’t surge here as much as in Manila or Cebu, likely due to Bohol’s still-developing status. However, the selection of services is limited; if you need advanced care, factor in a ferry or flight to Cebu (which itself costs more now than it did five years ago).

Bohol’s allure for retirees – peace and nature – is thankfully unchanged. The island remains quieter than Cebu or Palawan. You can still find an empty stretch of beach or a quiet village where time moves slowly. But in those pockets where most retirees settle, like Panglao, the cost of living is catching up to the rest of the country.

I find that I spend more on entertainment now: entrance fees to attractions, for instance. The Chocolate Hills viewing deck now has an entrance fee (modest, but wasn’t there in my early visits). Even local festivities and tours often have higher rates for foreigners. A river cruise on the Loboc River with lunch was ₱450 in 2015; it’s about ₱850 now. It’s still a steal for the experience, but the trajectory is clear.

To sum up Bohol’s change: it’s gone from a sleepy hideaway to a more popular destination, and prices rose accordingly. Retirees can absolutely still enjoy a laid-back, affordable life here – just account for a bit more “Westernization” of prices in the popular spots. I adapt by shopping in local markets in Dauis and cooking at home more often.

The cost of fresh produce has risen slightly (thanks to fuel and fertilizer costs nationwide), but it’s very reasonable. Some expats I know shifted from frequent restaurant dinners to home cookouts – not a bad trade-off when you have newfound friends to invite and a fridge full of San Miguel beers (still under ₱60 a bottle at the store!).

Cost Comparison Table (2015 vs 2020 vs 2025)

To really illustrate how affordability has declined, here’s a comparison of key expenses in Manila, Cebu, Palawan, and Bohol – contrasting average costs in 2015, 2020, and 2025. All prices are quoted in US dollars (USD) for easy comparison, using approximate exchange rates of the time. (Keep in mind local purchasing power and exchange fluctuations – these are ballpark averages to show the trend.)

Average Monthly Rent (1-bedroom apartment) – City center area, in USD:

Meal for Two (Mid-range Restaurant, 3-course) – an average dinner for two, in USD:

Local Transportation – Monthly public transport pass or typical monthly spend, in USD:

Healthcare (Basic Private Doctor Visit) – Out-of-pocket consult fee, in USD:

Table Notes: These values are approximations based on available data and anecdotal reports (including my own spending). They illustrate general trends: housing and dining costs jumped significantly, especially from 2015 to 2020, and stayed high into 2025.

Transportation costs rose modestly (fuel prices up, but public transit still subsidized in parts).

Healthcare for expats saw a sharp increase, particularly in Manila’s private sector (from around $10-$20 to as high as $80 for a visit).

Palawan and Bohol remain cheaper than the big cities, but their cost of living has climbed as they’ve become more popular.

Notably, Manila’s rent in USD appears almost flat from 2020 to 2025 – that’s the exchange rate masking the peso increase. In pesos, Manila rent rose ~12% (₱25k→₱28k), but in dollars it looks lower because the peso weakened. This highlights why retirees must watch currency trends closely.

Why Costs Have Gone Up

Living through these changes, I’ve seen several factors driving the cost increases:

• Inflation and Economic Growth: The Philippines experienced steady economic growth and periods of high inflation in the past decade. Even when inflation cooled, prices rarely come back down. Essentials like food, fuel, and utilities all rose nationwide. For example, staple foods increased in price (the cost of 1kg of tomatoes in Manila jumped from ₱68 in 2015 to ₱97 by 2020). Overall consumer prices are simply higher in 2025. A peso today buys less than it did in 2015 – which means you need more of them, even if you’re converting from dollars.

• Tourism Boom: The tourist numbers pre-pandemic were at record highs, and they’re surging again. In places like Palawan and Bohol, an influx of tourists leads to businesses charging “tourist prices.” Local businesses know foreigners are willing to pay more, and often price accordingly. Small beach towns turned into bustling resorts practically overnight (El Nido is a poster child for this). As one travel writer observed, in El Nido even back in 2015, many prices were as high as in Manila due to the heavy foreign tourist presence. Now with even more visitors and better infrastructure, that effect is amplified. Tourism has generally pushed rents up too – landlords find they can earn more via nightly Airbnb rentals than long-term tenants, squeezing the rental market for residents and retirees.

• Development and Urbanization: Cities like Manila and Cebu have seen major development – new condos, shopping centers, improved transit – which often ushers in higher cost of living (property taxes, maintenance fees, etc., get passed on). Even smaller cities (Tagbilaran, Puerto Princesa) have upgraded amenities now. While that’s great for quality of life, it usually comes with higher price tags. The flip side is improved services: for example, Cebu’s new BRT (bus rapid transit) system in progress or Manila’s expanded highways may save time, but funding them can lead to higher taxes or fees eventually.

• Changing Government Policies: Government regulations can impact foreign retirees in subtle ways. For instance, the Philippines’ Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) program has been under review – there was talk of raising the minimum age and increasing the visa deposit required. Such changes, if implemented, mean newcomers might need a larger nest egg upfront to retire here. Tax policies have also shifted: new excise taxes in recent years made certain goods (sweetened beverages, alcohol, cars) more expensive, which trickles down to everyday costs (that bottle of rum for your tropical cocktail costs more than before due to higher sin taxes). On the positive side, the government has been proactive in controlling inflation lately – 2025 saw inflation drop to under 2%, giving hope that price increases will moderate. But for now, the trend from the last 5–10 years is clear.

• Exchange Rate Fluctuations: The US dollar to Philippine peso rate has fluctuated from ~₱45:$1 in 2015 to as high as ~₱58:$1 in recent years. A stronger dollar helped cushion some price hikes for us foreign retirees – it’s one reason Manila’s rent in USD looks almost unchanged over a decade. However, currency trends can reverse, and retirees must stay vigilant. A few years of peso strengthening or dollar weakening could suddenly make the Philippines feel much more expensive in dollar terms. Essentially, part of why some of us didn’t feel the pain until later was because the exchange rate moved in our favor. It may not always do so.

Tips for Retirees

Despite the rising costs, the Philippines can still be a fulfilling and relatively affordable retirement haven. After my journey revisiting these isles, here are some personal tips and guidance I’d offer to retirees considering the Philippines today:

• Budget Realistically: The days of living like a king on $1,000 a month are mostly gone, especially in tourist hotspots. Depending on location and lifestyle, a single retiree in 2025 might need roughly $1,500–$2,000 a month for a comfortable life (more in Manila, possibly less in provincial areas). Create a detailed budget that accounts for rent, food, healthcare, transport, visa fees, trips home, and a buffer for emergencies or inflation. Remember that imported luxuries (cheese, wine, foreign brands) cost more here – stick to local products to save money.

• Choose Your Location Wisely: If Manila or Cebu are too costly, consider lesser-known affordable areas. Popular expat communities like Dumaguete City (in Negros) or Iloilo offer lower rents and living costs while still providing hospitals and amenities. Davao City in Mindanao is another option – it’s a large city with relatively low cost of living and known for safety and good governance (though not as many foreigners). Smaller towns in cooler climates like Tagaytay or Valencia (near Dumaguete) attract some retirees looking to escape both heat and high prices. By settling outside the top tourist zones, you can find rents and market prices closer to what they were years ago. For example, my friend pays just $250 for a cottage on Camiguin Island – a steal, but with the trade-off of fewer modern conveniences.

• Long-Term Rentals & Local Networks: If you plan to stay a while, negotiate long-term rental rates. Many landlords will give a discount if you commit to 6+ months, and this can beat the inflated short-term/Airbnb prices. It also helps to network with locals and expats – oftentimes the best rental deals (and insider tips on cheap services) come by word of mouth, not online listings. Join community Facebook groups for the city or island you’re eyeing; retirees often share leads there.

• Adopt Local Lifestyle: The more you live like a local, the less you spend. Eat where locals eat – carinderias and market food stalls offer delicious Filipino meals at a fraction of tourist restaurant prices. Shop at public markets for fresh fruits, veggies, and fish; you’ll spend significantly less than at expat-oriented groceries (and get the freshest produce, too). Use public transport or walk when you can – it’s not just about saving money, but experiencing the everyday life of the Philippines. And participate in local free activities: join the town fiestas, go to free Zumba classes in the park, enjoy the beaches (which are mostly free!). The Philippines’ best offerings – nature and community – don’t cost much.

• Stay Updated on Currency and Economy: Keep an eye on the peso-dollar exchange rate and economic news. If the peso suddenly strengthens, be prepared to adjust your budget. It’s wise to keep a cushion in your home currency for such fluctuations. Some retirees maintain bank accounts in both currencies – transferring funds when rates are favorable. Also monitor inflation reports; the Philippine Statistics Authority releases monthly data. If you see a trend of rising inflation, expect corresponding cost surges in things like fuel or food and plan accordingly.

• Healthcare Planning: As costs rise, having good health coverage is crucial. Look into PhilHealth (the public insurance) which now even allows foreign residents to enroll for a modest annual fee – it won’t cover everything, but it can cut some hospital costs. Additionally, consider private health insurance that covers you in the Philippines. Medical expenses, especially in older age, can be the wildcard in your budget. On the ground, learn where the affordable clinics and generic pharmacies are. In many cities, you can find community clinics where doctors charge much less than hospitals. And don’t forget to take advantage of any senior citizen privileges – while the 20% senior discount is only guaranteed for Filipino citizens, some establishments quietly extend discounts to foreign seniors as a kindness (it never hurts to ask politely).

• Travel in the Off-Season: If you’re a retiree who likes to explore the country (one of the perks of being here!), travel smart to save money. Domestic flights and hotels can be pricey during peak season (Christmas, Easter, summer). Plan trips in off-peak months when airlines like Cebu Pacific run promos and room rates are lower. For instance, a flight that costs ₱5,000 in December might be ₱2,500 in February. Stretch those dollars by being a savvy traveler – after all, flexibility is the luxury of retirement.

• Enjoy the Simple Pleasures: Lastly, remember why you considered the Philippines in the first place. Its charm isn’t in five-star hotels or posh malls – it’s in the smiles of people, the sunset banca rides, the mangoes you can pick up for pennies (well, a few more pennies now) at a roadside stand. Those things remain priceless. Keep that perspective, and a few extra dollars spent here or there won’t feel so bad.

Conclusion

As I sit on a terrace in Bohol watching the palm trees sway – a cold drink in hand that costs a bit more than it used to – I reflect on my Philippines journey. Yes, it’s tougher to stretch a dollar here in 2025 than it was in 2015.

The country has changed: it’s more connected, more developed, and more visited by the world. With that comes a higher cost of living. Yet, I also see progress and opportunities that weren’t here before. Improved infrastructure, better healthcare facilities, and more dining options are all part of the package deal of growth.

For retirees eyeing the Philippines, it’s important to come with realistic expectations. Paradise has its price. But compared to many places, the Philippines still offers tremendous value – if you adapt and plan.

I’ve had to adjust my budget, rediscover the joy of simple living, and sometimes venture off the beaten path to find the affordability I remember. And you know what? It’s been worth it.

The smile of my sari-sari store (corner shop) lady when I buy my morning pandesal, the laughter of neighborhood kids running under the coconut trees, the community I’ve found among fellow expats and welcoming locals – those are experiences inflation can’t take away.

The Philippines remains a place where a retiree can find warmth (from both climate and people), adventure, and a sense of home.

In the words of a wise Filipino proverb, “Habang may buhay, may pag-asa” – “As long as there is life, there is hope.” I remain hopeful and excited for this next chapter of living in the Philippines, adapting to its changes and cherishing its constants. After all, even if paradise got pricier, it’s still paradise to me.