The Philippines has over 7,000 islands and dozens of cities that expats consider every year. Most of them are the wrong choice for a first move.

After helping over 100 Americans make this transition, the same three cities come up time and time again. Here is an honest breakdown of each one — what they offer, who they are right for, and what they cost.

BGC is the gold standard for first-time expats and it is not close.

One of the most walkable districts in Southeast Asia. Underground utilities mean zero brownouts. St. Luke's Medical Center — internationally accredited — is right in the district. English spoken everywhere. Two major malls, hundreds of restaurants, and one of the largest expat communities in the Philippines all within a 15-minute walk.

A quality furnished one-bedroom runs $980 to $1,250 per month. A comfortable lifestyle costs $2,000 to $3,000 per month.

Bryan from Sacramento ran every potential retirement city through a five-category checklist — cost, crime, climate, culture, and convenience. BGC was the only city that passed all five. He was paying triple in California. He has no regrets.

Best for: First-time expats who want Western conveniences, walkability, and world-class healthcare from day one.

Makati is where expats go after BGC.

Most expats spend their first year in BGC getting settled. Then after twelve to eighteen months many migrate to Makati for more character, more space, and more variety. Poblacion has some of the best dining and nightlife in Southeast Asia. Ayala Triangle Park gives the neighborhood a Central Park feel. Makati Medical Center rivals St. Luke's for healthcare quality.

Rent is comparable to BGC but you typically get more square footage for the same price. Craig from North Carolina lives just outside Makati in Ortigas and pays $474 per month for a condo he owns outright — spending $5,000 to $6,000 total per month on a genuine top one percent lifestyle.

Best for: Expats ready to upgrade from BGC who want more character, more space, and a slightly lower cost for equivalent quality.

Cebu is the best option for expats who want urban convenience and island life without the Manila price tag.

Chong Hua Hospital is one of the best medical facilities outside Manila. The business district has solid infrastructure and a proper city feel. And surrounding Cebu is everything — whale sharks in Oslob, Kawasan Falls, world-class diving, island beaches within easy reach.

A comfortable lifestyle in Cebu costs $1,500 to $2,500 per month. Anthony from Seattle was paying $4,000 a month in West Seattle. He moved to Cebu with his two kids and now lives entirely off his $2,600 military pension. He has money left over every month.

Best for: Budget-conscious retirees, military veterans on pension, expats who want island access without sacrificing city conveniences.

If you are making this move for the first time — start in BGC. It is the safest soft landing, the most walkable, and the most forgiving while you learn the market. Once you have your footing you can always explore from there.

The mistake is not choosing the wrong city. The mistake is arriving in any of them without someone who knows the real rental rates, the right buildings, and the right visa sequence.

Click here to start your move to the Philippines the right way

Travel Well,

Evan Lorezca

The Savvy Expat