Calgary vs Davao
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Davao is ~71% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Calgary
Canada
COL+Rent
47.7
Rent Index
33.6
Groceries
62.9
Restaurant
57.8
Davao
Philippines
COL+Rent
14
Rent Index
4.5
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
14.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Calgary | Davao | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,481 | $171 | +$1,310 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,178 | $110 | +$1,068 |
| Groceries | $353 | $160 | +$193 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $4 | +$15 |
| Transit Pass | $79 | $8 | +$71 |
| Utilities | $137 | $60 | +$77 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Calgary | Davao |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,717/mo | $306/mo |
| Typical | $2,335/mo | $459/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,913/mo | $577/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Calgary | ≈ in Davao | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $440/mo | -$1,060 |
| $2,000/mo | $587/mo | -$1,413 |
| $3,000/mo | $881/mo | -$2,119 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Calgary vs Davao for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Davao is approximately 71% more affordable than Calgary when combining rent and daily living costs. Calgary's COL+Rent Index of 47.7 vs Davao's 14 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Calgary costs $1,481/month versus $171/month in Davao — giving Davao a $1,310/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $15,720 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Calgary ($353/mo) vs Davao ($160/mo) reflect Davao's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $19 vs $4 show Davao 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, 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.