Brasília vs Manila
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Brasília is ~18% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Brasília
Brazil
COL+Rent
17.9
Rent Index
7.2
Groceries
28.5
Restaurant
23.9
Manila
Philippines
COL+Rent
21.8
Rent Index
9.8
Groceries
39.6
Restaurant
22.8
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Brasília | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $302 | $369 | $67 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $191 | $238 | $47 |
| Groceries | $185 | $230 | $45 |
| Restaurant Meal | $8 | $6 | +$2 |
| Transit Pass | $38 | $11 | +$27 |
| Utilities | $48 | $86 | $38 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Brasília | Manila |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $439/mo | $520/mo |
| Typical | $693/mo | $786/mo |
| Comfortable | $895/mo | $977/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Brasília | ≈ in Manila | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,827/mo | +$327 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,436/mo | +$436 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,654/mo | +$654 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Brasília vs Manila for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Brasília is approximately 18% more affordable than Manila when combining rent and daily living costs. Brasília's COL+Rent Index of 17.9 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 Brasília costs $302/month versus $369/month in Manila — giving Brasília a $67/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 Brasília ($185/mo) vs Manila ($230/mo) reflect Brasília's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $8 vs $6 show Manila offers cheaper dining. 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, Brasília offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $693 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.