Davao vs Calgary
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Davao is ~71% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Davao
Philippines
COL+Rent
14
Rent Index
4.5
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
14.2
Calgary
Canada
COL+Rent
47.7
Rent Index
33.6
Groceries
62.9
Restaurant
57.8
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Davao | Calgary | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $171 | $1,481 | $1,310 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $110 | $1,178 | $1,068 |
| Groceries | $160 | $353 | $193 |
| Restaurant Meal | $4 | $19 | $15 |
| Transit Pass | $8 | $79 | $71 |
| Utilities | $60 | $137 | $77 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Davao | Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $306/mo | $1,717/mo |
| Typical | $459/mo | $2,335/mo |
| Comfortable | $577/mo | $2,913/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Davao | ≈ in Calgary | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $5,111/mo | +$3,611 |
| $2,000/mo | $6,814/mo | +$4,814 |
| $3,000/mo | $10,221/mo | +$7,221 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Davao vs Calgary for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Davao is approximately 71% more affordable than Calgary when combining rent and daily living costs. Davao's COL+Rent Index of 14 vs Calgary's 47.7 (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 Davao costs $171/month versus $1,481/month in Calgary — 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 Davao ($160/mo) vs Calgary ($353/mo) reflect Davao's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $4 vs $19 show Davao 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.