Jeddah vs Manila
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Manila is ~19% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Jeddah
Saudi Arabia
COL+Rent
27
Rent Index
12.2
Groceries
39.1
Restaurant
32.3
Manila
Philippines
COL+Rent
21.8
Rent Index
9.8
Groceries
39.6
Restaurant
22.8
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Jeddah | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $455 | $369 | +$86 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $320 | $238 | +$82 |
| Groceries | $276 | $230 | +$46 |
| Restaurant Meal | $12 | $6 | +$6 |
| Transit Pass | $29 | $11 | +$18 |
| Utilities | $73 | $86 | $13 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Jeddah | Manila |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $663/mo | $520/mo |
| Typical | $1,013/mo | $786/mo |
| Comfortable | $1,316/mo | $977/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Jeddah | ≈ in Manila | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,211/mo | -$289 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,615/mo | -$385 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,422/mo | -$578 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Jeddah vs Manila for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Manila is approximately 19% more affordable than Jeddah when combining rent and daily living costs. Jeddah's COL+Rent Index of 27 vs Manila's 21.8 (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 Jeddah costs $455/month versus $369/month in Manila — giving Manila a $86/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 Jeddah ($276/mo) vs Manila ($230/mo) reflect Jeddah's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $12 vs $6 show Manila 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, Manila offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $786 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.