City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Manila vs Davao — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Manila
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 21.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Davao
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 14 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Davao.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Manila | Davao | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $609 | $482 | +$127 |
| Groceries | $461 | $548 | $87 |
| Dining Out | $144 | $165 | $21 |
| Transportation | $22 | $27 | $5 |
| Utilities | $172 | $206 | $34 |
| Other / Misc | $92 | $72 | +$20 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Manila
$1,500
per month
Davao equivalent
$963
per month
Only $963/mo in Davao matches $1,500/mo in Manila — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Manila on $1,500/month?
Living in Manila on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$609 to rent, $461 to groceries, $144 to dining.
Can I live in Davao on $1,500/month?
In Davao, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $482 rent, $548 groceries, $165 dining.
Is Manila or Davao cheaper?
Davao is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Manila 21.8 vs Davao 14 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Manila worth in Davao?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Manila equals ~$963/mo in Davao using COL adjustment.