Hanoi vs Davao
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Davao is ~22% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Hanoi
Vietnam
COL+Rent
18
Rent Index
9.1
Groceries
32.4
Restaurant
15.4
Davao
Philippines
COL+Rent
14
Rent Index
4.5
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
14.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Hanoi | Davao | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $336 | $171 | +$165 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $207 | $110 | +$97 |
| Groceries | $179 | $160 | +$19 |
| Restaurant Meal | $3 | $4 | $1 |
| Transit Pass | $6 | $8 | $2 |
| Utilities | $48 | $60 | $12 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Hanoi | Davao |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $398/mo | $306/mo |
| Typical | $614/mo | $459/mo |
| Comfortable | $745/mo | $577/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Hanoi | ≈ in Davao | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,167/mo | -$333 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,556/mo | -$444 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,333/mo | -$667 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Hanoi vs Davao for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Davao is approximately 22% more affordable than Hanoi when combining rent and daily living costs. Hanoi's COL+Rent Index of 18 vs Davao's 14 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Hanoi costs $336/month versus $171/month in Davao — giving Davao a $165/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Hanoi ($179/mo) vs Davao ($160/mo) reflect Davao's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $3 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.