City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Manila vs Hanoi — 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.
Hanoi
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 18 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Hanoi.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Manila | Hanoi | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $609 | $701 | $92 |
| Groceries | $461 | $462 | $1 |
| Dining Out | $144 | $93 | +$51 |
| Transportation | $22 | $15 | +$7 |
| Utilities | $172 | $124 | +$48 |
| Other / Misc | $92 | $105 | $13 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Manila
$1,500
per month
Hanoi equivalent
$1,239
per month
Only $1,239/mo in Hanoi 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 Hanoi on $1,500/month?
In Hanoi, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $701 rent, $462 groceries, $93 dining.
Is Manila or Hanoi cheaper?
Hanoi is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Manila 21.8 vs Hanoi 18 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Manila worth in Hanoi?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Manila equals ~$1,239/mo in Hanoi using COL adjustment.