Madrid vs Davao
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Davao is ~67% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Madrid
Spain
COL+Rent
42.5
Rent Index
27.1
Groceries
50.2
Restaurant
45.6
Davao
Philippines
COL+Rent
14
Rent Index
4.5
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
14.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Madrid | Davao | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,203 | $171 | +$1,032 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $922 | $110 | +$812 |
| Groceries | $280 | $160 | +$120 |
| Restaurant Meal | $16 | $4 | +$12 |
| Transit Pass | $35 | $8 | +$27 |
| Utilities | $133 | $60 | +$73 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Madrid | Davao |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,350/mo | $306/mo |
| Typical | $1,891/mo | $459/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,367/mo | $577/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Madrid | ≈ in Davao | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $494/mo | -$1,006 |
| $2,000/mo | $659/mo | -$1,341 |
| $3,000/mo | $988/mo | -$2,012 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Madrid vs Davao for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Davao is approximately 67% more affordable than Madrid when combining rent and daily living costs. Madrid's COL+Rent Index of 42.5 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 Madrid costs $1,203/month versus $171/month in Davao — giving Davao a $1,032/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $12,384 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Madrid ($280/mo) vs Davao ($160/mo) reflect Davao's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $16 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.