City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Davao vs Manila — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Davao
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 14 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Davao.
Manila
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 21.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Davao | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $482 | $609 | $127 |
| Groceries | $548 | $461 | +$87 |
| Dining Out | $165 | $144 | +$21 |
| Transportation | $27 | $22 | +$5 |
| Utilities | $206 | $172 | +$34 |
| Other / Misc | $72 | $92 | $20 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Davao
$1,500
per month
Manila equivalent
$2,336
per month
You'd need $2,336/mo in Manila to match $1,500/mo in Davao.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Davao on $1,500/month?
Living in Davao on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$482 to rent, $548 to groceries, $165 to dining.
Can I live in Manila on $1,500/month?
In Manila, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $609 rent, $461 groceries, $144 dining.
Is Davao or Manila cheaper?
Davao is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Davao 14 vs Manila 21.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Davao worth in Manila?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Davao equals ~$2,336/mo in Manila using COL adjustment.