City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Manila vs Delhi — 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.
Delhi
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 20.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Delhi.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Manila | Delhi | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $609 | $768 | $159 |
| Groceries | $461 | $293 | +$168 |
| Dining Out | $144 | $199 | $55 |
| Transportation | $22 | $33 | $11 |
| Utilities | $172 | $91 | +$81 |
| Other / Misc | $92 | $116 | $24 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Manila
$1,500
per month
Delhi equivalent
$1,417
per month
Only $1,417/mo in Delhi 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 Delhi on $1,500/month?
In Delhi, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $768 rent, $293 groceries, $199 dining.
Is Manila or Delhi cheaper?
Delhi is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Manila 21.8 vs Delhi 20.6 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Manila worth in Delhi?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Manila equals ~$1,417/mo in Delhi using COL adjustment.