Manila vs Gothenburg
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Manila is ~41% 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
Gothenburg
Sweden
COL+Rent
37
Rent Index
18.5
Groceries
47.7
Restaurant
45
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Manila | Gothenburg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $369 | $819 | $450 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $238 | $644 | $406 |
| Groceries | $230 | $271 | $41 |
| Restaurant Meal | $6 | $14 | $8 |
| Transit Pass | $11 | $75 | $64 |
| Utilities | $86 | $82 | +$4 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Manila | Gothenburg |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $520/mo | $1,047/mo |
| Typical | $786/mo | $1,457/mo |
| Comfortable | $977/mo | $1,844/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Manila | ≈ in Gothenburg | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,546/mo | +$1,046 |
| $2,000/mo | $3,394/mo | +$1,394 |
| $3,000/mo | $5,092/mo | +$2,092 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Manila vs Gothenburg for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Manila is approximately 41% more affordable than Gothenburg when combining rent and daily living costs. Manila's COL+Rent Index of 21.8 vs Gothenburg's 37 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Manila costs $369/month versus $819/month in Gothenburg — giving Manila a $450/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $5,400 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Manila ($230/mo) vs Gothenburg ($271/mo) reflect Manila's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $6 vs $14 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.