Los Angeles vs Davao
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Davao is ~80% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Los Angeles
United States
COL+Rent
69.5
Rent Index
57.8
Groceries
84.4
Restaurant
88.9
Davao
Philippines
COL+Rent
14
Rent Index
4.5
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
14.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Los Angeles | Davao | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,627 | $171 | +$2,456 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,059 | $110 | +$1,949 |
| Groceries | $484 | $160 | +$324 |
| Restaurant Meal | $26 | $4 | +$22 |
| Transit Pass | $85 | $8 | +$77 |
| Utilities | $196 | $60 | +$136 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Los Angeles | Davao |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,783/mo | $306/mo |
| Typical | $3,782/mo | $459/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,663/mo | $577/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Los Angeles | ≈ in Davao | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $302/mo | -$1,198 |
| $2,000/mo | $403/mo | -$1,597 |
| $3,000/mo | $604/mo | -$2,396 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Los Angeles vs Davao for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Davao is approximately 80% more affordable than Los Angeles when combining rent and daily living costs. Los Angeles's COL+Rent Index of 69.5 vs Davao's 14 (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 Los Angeles costs $2,627/month versus $171/month in Davao — giving Davao a $2,456/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $29,472 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Los Angeles ($484/mo) vs Davao ($160/mo) reflect Davao's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $26 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.