City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Hanoi vs Manila — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Hanoi
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 18 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Hanoi.
Manila
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 21.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Hanoi | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $701 | $609 | +$92 |
| Groceries | $462 | $461 | +$1 |
| Dining Out | $93 | $144 | $51 |
| Transportation | $15 | $22 | $7 |
| Utilities | $124 | $172 | $48 |
| Other / Misc | $105 | $92 | +$13 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Hanoi
$1,500
per month
Manila equivalent
$1,817
per month
You'd need $1,817/mo in Manila to match $1,500/mo in Hanoi.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Hanoi on $1,500/month?
Living in Hanoi on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$701 to rent, $462 to groceries, $93 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 Hanoi or Manila cheaper?
Hanoi is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Hanoi 18 vs Manila 21.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Hanoi worth in Manila?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Hanoi equals ~$1,817/mo in Manila using COL adjustment.