Manila vs Dublin
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Manila is ~72% 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
Dublin
Ireland
COL+Rent
77.5
Rent Index
74.2
Groceries
74.1
Restaurant
78.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Manila | Dublin | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $369 | $3,142 | $2,773 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $238 | $2,455 | $2,217 |
| Groceries | $230 | $420 | $190 |
| Restaurant Meal | $6 | $24 | $18 |
| Transit Pass | $11 | $114 | $103 |
| Utilities | $86 | $225 | $139 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Manila | Dublin |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $520/mo | $3,184/mo |
| Typical | $786/mo | $4,261/mo |
| Comfortable | $977/mo | $5,176/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Manila | ≈ in Dublin | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $5,333/mo | +$3,833 |
| $2,000/mo | $7,110/mo | +$5,110 |
| $3,000/mo | $10,665/mo | +$7,665 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Manila vs Dublin for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Manila is approximately 72% more affordable than Dublin when combining rent and daily living costs. Manila's COL+Rent Index of 21.8 vs Dublin's 77.5 (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 Manila costs $369/month versus $3,142/month in Dublin — giving Manila a $2,773/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $33,276 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Manila ($230/mo) vs Dublin ($420/mo) reflect Manila's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $6 vs $24 show Manila is the better value for dining out. 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, Manila offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $786 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.