×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Pros and Cons of Living in Cebu, Philippines | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Cebu, Philippines

Pros and Cons of Living in Cebu

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Dec 20, 2024

Summary: The pros of living in Cebu, Philippines include its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and low cost of living. The city is also known for its friendly locals and delicious cuisine. On the other hand, the cons of living in Cebu include its frequent typhoons, limited public transportation, and lack of job opportunities. Additionally, the city is prone to flooding during the rainy season, making it difficult to get around.

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

What are the pros and cons of living in Cebu?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Cebu responded:

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the low cost of living in Cebu, as well as the friendly locals and the abundance of activities and attractions. They also enjoy the tropical climate and the beautiful beaches. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the traffic and pollution in Cebu to be a bit overwhelming. Additionally, the lack of reliable public transportation can be a challenge for those who are not used to it," explained one expat living in Cebu.

"NO regrets: been there except when I travel for 21 years. Hope to end it there but not in hurry: too much to look forward to each day: sea is warm, fresh food, cold beer. Life is great!," said one in Cebu.

William RussellWilliam Russell
Get Quote

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

What do expats in Cebu appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in Cebu appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals. They also enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the relaxed pace of life. The local cuisine is also a highlight, with its unique blend of Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino flavors. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore. Additionally, the city is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the sun," said a person living in Cebu.

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

William Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

Learn MoreGet Quote

What do expats find most challenging?

"Very heavy traffic. There's a lit of poverty, which means run down buildings, bad roads, etc. Some things I want to buy are hard to find. Mostly food items. Like I really had to search to find salsa. Strawberries and blueberries are hard to find and expensive when you can find them. Water service here is unreliable, but everyone in my neighborhood has a big water tank so when the water is on, it fills, and when its off, you use what's in the tank. We've never emptied the tank. Electric often has brief power failures, but its always come back in an hour it's two. Have get to have a power failure that lasted more than two hours. Long lines and slow service at government offices and banks -- but service at most other place s is good. There are lots of beggars. I struggle with whether to give them anything. I prefer to give to established charities who hopefully can tell who is really needy. Some exists complain that they are charged a "skin tax" -- prices at informal markets are higher for foreigners. I figure they're still cheap, so so what? one a cab driver overcharged me by 50 pedos. That's $1. I just gave it to him. If he goes home smugly satisfied that he cheated that gullible foreigner out of $1, let him enjoy his victory," remarked one expat in Cebu.

View More Answers

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Cebu, Philippines
William Russell
William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William RussellWilliam Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides