Boracay vs Marawi: Which City Wins for Expats in 2026?
Boracay ranks meaningfully higher on safety. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Boracay is approximately 8.9x more expensive than Marawi based on cost of living including rent. This makes Marawi a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Marawi has a FIRE Score of N/A/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The city's safety index is 25, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Marawi is best suited for digital nomads who prioritize experience over savings.
About Philippines
Retirees on fixed incomes near the $30,000/mo SRRV minimum get the best deal here: rent outside the center runs under $200 and English is widely spoken, easing daily friction. But that low cost sits against a -1.1 political stability score and only medium expat safety ratings, so this suits people who can tolerate some instability for cash savings. Bad fit: anyone needing top-tier healthcare or a guaranteed path to citizenship.
$2,187/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
About Philippines
Retirees on fixed incomes near the $30,000/mo SRRV minimum get the best deal here: rent outside the center runs under $200 and English is widely spoken, easing daily friction. But that low cost sits against a -1.1 political stability score and only medium expat safety ratings, so this suits people who can tolerate some instability for cash savings. Bad fit: anyone needing top-tier healthcare or a guaranteed path to citizenship.
$1,600/mo
Cost of Living (Without Rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness
City Details
Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Boracay | Marawi |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $728.28 | $82.28 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $343.91 | $32.91 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1051.95 | $329.1 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $620.38 | $197.46 |
| Safety Index | 70 | 25 |
| Internet Speed | 45Mbps | 20Mbps |
| Walkability Score | N/A | N/A |
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Boracay vs Marawi -- Frequently Asked Questions
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