Bali vs Manila
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Bali is ~27% 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
Manila
Philippines
COL+Rent
21.8
Rent Index
9.8
Groceries
39.6
Restaurant
22.8
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Bali | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $299 | $369 | $70 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $202 | $238 | $36 |
| Groceries | $170 | $230 | $60 |
| Restaurant Meal | $3 | $6 | $3 |
| Transit Pass | $10 | $11 | $1 |
| Utilities | $39 | $86 | $47 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Bali | Manila |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $382/mo | $520/mo |
| Typical | $563/mo | $786/mo |
| Comfortable | $687/mo | $977/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Bali | ≈ in Manila | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,044/mo | +$544 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,725/mo | +$725 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,088/mo | +$1,088 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Bali vs Manila for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Bali is approximately 27% more affordable than Manila when combining rent and daily living costs. Bali's COL+Rent Index of 16 vs Manila's 21.8 (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 $369/month in Manila — giving Bali a $70/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 Manila ($230/mo) reflect Bali's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $3 vs $6 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, Bali offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $563 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.