1. Dumaguete City (from USD 54)

Dumaguete is a charming city known for its captivating beauty and vibrant culture. The city is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering a wide array of culinary delights that showcase the flavors of the Philippines. Be sure to try the famous Silvanas, a delectable sweet treat that originated in Dumaguete.

Situated on the southeastern coast of Negros Island, Dumaguete is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. Known as the “City of Gentle People,” it embraces a laid-back and relaxed lifestyle that perfectly complements its stunning surroundings. The city is also home to numerous enchanting natural attractions. Take a stroll along the iconic Rizal Boulevard, a scenic promenade that offers panoramic views of the sea and is dotted with charming cafes and restaurants.

2. San Fernando, Pampanga (from USD 32)

San Fernando, Pampanga, is a captivating city located in the central Luzon region of the Philippines. One of the highlights of San Fernando is its vibrant food culture. Known as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines,” the city boasts a diverse array of culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds. From iconic dishes such as sisig (sizzling pork) and delectable sweets like tibok-tibok (a local pudding).

Explore the majestic Mount Arayat, a dormant volcano that offers breathtaking hiking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Visit the scenic Pampanga River, where you can take a relaxing boat ride. Pay your respects at the iconic San Fernando Cathedral, an architectural gem that dates back to the Spanish colonial era.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant celebrations of the city’s festivals, such as the famous Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul), where intricately designed lanterns illuminate the night sky.

3. Tagaytay City (from USD 31)

Don’t know where to go, what to do for the weekend? Head to Tagaytay! Located in the province of Cavite, Tagaytay City is a hidden gem south of Manila. The landscape in and around Tagaytay is breathtaking, with Taal Lake and Taal Volcano situated south from the city and Manila Bay an hour-and-a-half drive away. The city itself is full of nature, with parks and green ridges. At the same time, the restaurants and shopping centers are built around the lush vegetation. The volcano remains the main attraction of the area. Travelers can also come here to visit the many churches, immerse in Filipino culture, eat the local food, and explore this natural paradise.

4. Baguio City (from USD 86)

Baguio City is not only a great honeymoon spot, but it’s also a good place to live in the Philippines for its outdoor adventure, exotic cuisine, and local culture and history. The mountain town is a popular summer destination for its cooler weather and variety of outdoor activities, from strawberry picking to boating on the lake. Baguio City is great for families with children as it features lots of parks, including Burnham Park, Mines View Park, and Wright Park. Other fun activities you can do here include ziplining, trekking, and ghost-hunting tours.

5. Makati City, Manila (from USD 149)

Home to skyscrapers and luxury hotels, Makati is another great city in the Philippines to live in. It is the country’s financial hub and hosts multinational companies, offering lots of business and job opportunities, making it excellent for a long-term commitment. Living in Makati, you’ll also be close to a rich and diverse shopping scene and a multicultural, vibrant lifestyle. Apart from business and shopping, the city is a great place for foodies to try various authentic local dishes. Many locals also come here for a fun staycation due to its proximity to parks.

6. Lipa City, Batangas (from USD 231)

Lipa City in Batangas is one of the up-and-coming cities in the Philippines that offers a great quality of life. With Manila becoming overcrowded in recent years, Lipa City is an excellent alternative as a place to live. The city is close to Manila, yet is more relaxed and has a laid-back vibe. It boasts a rich and diverse food scene, scenic vistas, and colorful local culture. The province of Batangas has seen a boom of shopping centers, restaurants, and theme parks so that entertainment options are plentiful.

7. Bacolod City (from USD 67)

Bacolod is one of the most family-friendly cities in the Philippine and is a place with a great local community along with up-and-coming suburbs. Also known as the City of Smiles, Bacolod boasts a rich history, culture, and a flavorful food scene. It is very welcoming, not to mention much more affordable than busy Manila. Locals love food and you can see that in each local restaurant, where you’ll return to order their staple desserts and chicken dishes.

8. Iloilo City (from USD 40)

Iloilo City is all about sustainable, affordable living and flavorful food. The first thing people coming to Iloilo City notice is the sense of community and how kind and welcoming the locals are. The roads are paved and look extremely well for the countryside region, making traffic fluid and swift. Surrounding the city are a variety of exotic white-sand beaches that will surely have you spending most of your time outdoors.

9. Davao City (from USD 26)

A coastal city and a commercial hub, Davao City is one of the safest places to live in the Philippines. For this reason, it’s a great choice for living in the country. With Mount Apo on one side and pristine beaches plus the sea on the other, nature is quite abundant in the area, turning Davao City into an excellent destination for lots of fun activities and outdoor recreation. The city itself abounds in colorful sculptures, lighted fountains and boasts a vibrant community spirit.

10. Sta. Rosa City, Laguna (from USD 52)

If you’re looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of big-city life, why not trade life in hectic Manila for a quieter suburban alternative such as Sta. Rosa City, Laguna? Originally a rustic town, it is slowly but steadily transforming into an up-and-coming destination for businesses, shops, and residential communities. People choose to move to Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, for healthy living, fresh air, high-end restaurants, and easy access to local attractions.

11. Subic, Zambales (from USD 200)

Subic is a coastal municipality popular for its sandy beaches, bay area, and hidden underwater gems. It is an excellent spot for diving, as the waters in Subic nestle various coral species and shipwrecks from when the city was a Spanish naval base. Other attractions that make Subic a great place to live in the Philippines include Zoobic Safari and Ocean Adventure theme parks, golf courses, and casinos. Situated on the other side of Subic Bay, towering over the beach, are the mountain peaks of Mt. Balingkilat and Cinco Picos, with a plethora of trekking trails, steep slopes, and splendid views.

12. Cebu City (from USD 45)

Cebu City, the port capital of Cebu Island, is a former Spanish port dating back to colonial times in the 16th century. Culture and history trickle from the city’s most prominent landmarks, including Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, Fort San Pedro, and Krus ni Magellan. The surrounding landscape is quite spectacular, making it a strong point for staying here. If you want to see it for yourself, the observation deck on Mt. Busay will convince anyone with the sweeping city views it offers. This city is a must-add on your Philippines travel bucket list!

Enjoying sustainable, healthy living and flavorful cuisine in the Philippines

While big cities like Manila are home to shopping malls and theme parks, there are so many other lesser-known urban and suburban destinations in the Philippines that are definitely worth living in. From Iloilo’s friendly community to Bacolod’s cuisine and cultural heritage, we’ve gathered the best cities in the Philippines. Which one is your favorite?