City Comparison
Manila vs Davao
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Davao is ~36% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Manila
Philippines
COL+Rent
21.8
Rent Index
9.8
Groceries
39.6
Restaurant
22.8
Davao
Philippines
COL+Rent
14
Rent Index
4.5
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
14.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Manila | Davao | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $369 | $171 | +$198 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $238 | $110 | +$128 |
| Groceries | $230 | $160 | +$70 |
| Restaurant Meal | $6 | $4 | +$2 |
| Transit Pass | $11 | $8 | +$3 |
| Utilities | $86 | $60 | +$26 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Manila | Davao |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $520/mo | $306/mo |
| Typical | $786/mo | $459/mo |
| Comfortable | $977/mo | $577/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Manila | ≈ in Davao | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $963/mo | -$537 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,284/mo | -$716 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,927/mo | -$1,073 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manila or Davao cheaper to live in?
Davao is approximately 36% cheaper overall. Manila's COL+Rent Index is 21.8 vs Davao's 14 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Manila vs Davao?
A 1BR in Manila city center costs ~$369/mo vs $171/mo in Davao. Outside the center: $238 vs $110.
What is $2,000/month in Manila worth in Davao?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Manila has the purchasing power of approximately $1,284/month in Davao.
Are groceries cheaper in Manila or Davao?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $230 in Manila vs $160 in Davao. Groceries Index: 39.6 vs 27.6 (NYC = 100).