Davao vs Edinburgh
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Davao is ~65% 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
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
COL+Rent
40.3
Rent Index
20.9
Groceries
49.3
Restaurant
52.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Davao | Edinburgh | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $171 | $930 | $759 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $110 | $728 | $618 |
| Groceries | $160 | $282 | $122 |
| Restaurant Meal | $4 | $18 | $14 |
| Transit Pass | $8 | $75 | $67 |
| Utilities | $60 | $172 | $112 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Davao | Edinburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $306/mo | $1,244/mo |
| Typical | $459/mo | $1,729/mo |
| Comfortable | $577/mo | $2,195/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Davao | ≈ in Edinburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $4,318/mo | +$2,818 |
| $2,000/mo | $5,757/mo | +$3,757 |
| $3,000/mo | $8,636/mo | +$5,636 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Davao vs Edinburgh for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Davao is approximately 65% more affordable than Edinburgh when combining rent and daily living costs. Davao's COL+Rent Index of 14 vs Edinburgh's 40.3 (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 $930/month in Edinburgh — giving Davao a $759/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $9,108 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Davao ($160/mo) vs Edinburgh ($282/mo) reflect Davao's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $4 vs $18 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.