City Comparison
Davao vs Manila
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Davao is ~36% 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
Manila
Philippines
COL+Rent
21.8
Rent Index
9.8
Groceries
39.6
Restaurant
22.8
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Davao | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $171 | $369 | $198 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $110 | $238 | $128 |
| Groceries | $160 | $230 | $70 |
| Restaurant Meal | $4 | $6 | $2 |
| Transit Pass | $8 | $11 | $3 |
| Utilities | $60 | $86 | $26 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Davao | Manila |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $306/mo | $520/mo |
| Typical | $459/mo | $786/mo |
| Comfortable | $577/mo | $977/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Davao | ≈ in Manila | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,336/mo | +$836 |
| $2,000/mo | $3,114/mo | +$1,114 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,671/mo | +$1,671 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Davao or Manila cheaper to live in?
Davao is approximately 36% cheaper overall. Davao's COL+Rent Index is 14 vs Manila's 21.8 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Davao vs Manila?
A 1BR in Davao city center costs ~$171/mo vs $369/mo in Manila. Outside the center: $110 vs $238.
What is $2,000/month in Davao worth in Manila?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Davao has the purchasing power of approximately $3,114/month in Manila.
Are groceries cheaper in Davao or Manila?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $160 in Davao vs $230 in Manila. Groceries Index: 27.6 vs 39.6 (NYC = 100).