Lisbon vs Manila
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Manila is ~50% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Lisbon
Portugal
COL+Rent
43.8
Rent Index
30
Groceries
49.1
Restaurant
47.4
Manila
Philippines
COL+Rent
21.8
Rent Index
9.8
Groceries
39.6
Restaurant
22.8
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Lisbon | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,337 | $369 | +$968 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,040 | $238 | +$802 |
| Groceries | $277 | $230 | +$47 |
| Restaurant Meal | $15 | $6 | +$9 |
| Transit Pass | $45 | $11 | +$34 |
| Utilities | $130 | $86 | +$44 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Lisbon | Manila |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,469/mo | $520/mo |
| Typical | $2,014/mo | $786/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,495/mo | $977/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Lisbon | ≈ in Manila | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $747/mo | -$753 |
| $2,000/mo | $995/mo | -$1,005 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,493/mo | -$1,507 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Lisbon vs Manila for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Manila is approximately 50% more affordable than Lisbon when combining rent and daily living costs. Lisbon's COL+Rent Index of 43.8 vs Manila's 21.8 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Lisbon costs $1,337/month versus $369/month in Manila — giving Manila a $968/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $11,616 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Lisbon ($277/mo) vs Manila ($230/mo) reflect Manila's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $15 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.