Quality of Life in Dumaguete, Philippines

The big problem here is infrastructure. Scheduled power outages twice a month, usually Sunday, from 5am to 6pm. Plus unscheduled outages. Voltage to the home, just outside of town, is well below 200v (should be 230v), and swings wildly. Had to get an automatic voltage regulator, 1000w, and a couple of UPS systems to protect the TV, computer, etc. Water, even by well, is not really drinkable, but filtered/bottled in 5gal/20L is very cheap. Wells are polluted by all the improper septic systems everywhere. Typically usable for showering or laundry, but not for cooking or drinking. Roads are rough but passable. Downtown is clogged bad due to so many motorcycles and tricycles. It's like driving in a swarm of hornets. No taxis here. Tricycles will overcharge you if you let them. Jeepney network exists, but not great, same price as elsewhere, P20 average fair. Typically faster to drive around the city instead of through it. If you NEED internet all the time, you will need Starlink and a generator.

Availability of western can foods, meats, etc is very limited compared to Davao or Cebu, even though there are a lot of expats here. Housing choices are very limited because the area is smallish. Prices on everything overall, total cost to live, is pretty comparable to Davao, plus or minus on a few things. One real mall, and it's a small one. "Shopping" is very limited compared to the larger cities, but you will find all the basics.

The plus side is, it is 1 or 2 degrees cooler than Cebu or Davao, somewhat less rain, and the people are very nice and welcoming to foreigners. The beaches are decent, although not spectacular. Fewer people speak English here compared to the larger cities. It can be a problem sometimes if you don't speak Cebuano (Bisaya) or have a partner that does. If you want to talk with other expats, there are plenty here, from all over the world.

would like to spend time there.i am going to retire soon ,and I am a budget. can live there comfortable and safe?