Bali vs Davao
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Davao is ~13% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Bali
Indonesia
COL+Rent
16
Rent Index
8
Groceries
30.9
Restaurant
13.9
Davao
Philippines
COL+Rent
14
Rent Index
4.5
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
14.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Bali | Davao | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $299 | $171 | +$128 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $202 | $110 | +$92 |
| Groceries | $170 | $160 | +$10 |
| Restaurant Meal | $3 | $4 | $1 |
| Transit Pass | $10 | $8 | +$2 |
| Utilities | $39 | $60 | $21 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Bali | Davao |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $382/mo | $306/mo |
| Typical | $563/mo | $459/mo |
| Comfortable | $687/mo | $577/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Bali | ≈ in Davao | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,313/mo | -$187 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,750/mo | -$250 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,625/mo | -$375 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Bali vs Davao for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Davao is approximately 13% more affordable than Bali when combining rent and daily living costs. Bali's COL+Rent Index of 16 vs Davao's 14 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Bali costs $299/month versus $171/month in Davao — giving Davao a $128/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Bali ($170/mo) vs Davao ($160/mo) reflect Davao's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $3 vs $4 show Bali is the better value for dining out. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Davao offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $459 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.