Retire in India vs Philippines: The 2026 Freedom Comparison

Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning a strong currency (like USD or EUR) while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In 2026, this is the fastest way to achieve FIRE, allowing you to reduce expenses by 40-60% without lowering your quality of life.

The Freedom Clock calculates your exact 'Freedom Date' based on your savings, income, and the real-time cost of living in your target country. It accounts for 2026 inflation rates and tax laws to give you a precise timeline for early retirement.

Long-term capital gains on listed equities are taxed at 12.5% for gains exceeding ₹1.25 lakh per year.

Generally, no, but OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholders can buy residential and commercial property, excluding agricultural land.

Safety varies significantly; major tech hubs like Bangalore and Hyderabad are generally safer than some northern urban centers.

World-class private care in India is exceptionally affordable, typically costing 10-20% of US prices for major procedures.

A life-long visa for people of Indian origin, allowing them to live and work in India indefinitely with most rights of a citizen.

In Tier-1 cities, high-speed fiber (up to 1Gbps) is very affordable and widely available.

Major cities like Delhi face severe pollution in winter; southern and coastal cities generally have much better air quality.

Yes, in many cities, $1,000 provides a very comfortable middle-class lifestyle including rent and domestic help.

If you spend 182 days or more in India during a financial year, you are considered a tax resident.

Yes, English is the primary language for business, law, and higher education, and is widely understood in urban areas.

The Special Resident Retiree's Visa is a lifetime visa for foreigners aged 50+ with a required deposit (starting at $10k).

Foreigners can own 100% of a condominium unit but cannot own land.

Yes, it is one of the official languages; almost all locals in urban and tourist areas speak it fluently.

Provinces are very cheap ($1k/month), while luxury areas in Manila (BGC/Makati) require $2.5k–$3k/month.

Tourist and expat hubs are generally safe, but certain regions in the south should be avoided due to travel advisories.

Improving rapidly with Starlink and fiber, but still less reliable and more expensive than in Thailand or Vietnam.

BGC (Taguig) for modern urban living, Cebu for a mix of city/beach, and Dumaguete for a quiet retirement.

Private hospitals in Manila are high quality; insurance is recommended as out-of-pocket costs for major issues can add up.

Yes, for up to 90 days after arrival, provided the license is in English.

Foreign pensions and social security benefits are generally exempt from income tax in the Philippines.