Manila vs Heraklion
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Manila is ~17% 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
Heraklion
Greece
COL+Rent
26.4
Rent Index
8.5
Groceries
41.8
Restaurant
45
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Manila | Heraklion | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $369 | $335 | +$34 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $238 | $242 | $4 |
| Groceries | $230 | $258 | $28 |
| Restaurant Meal | $6 | $16 | $10 |
| Transit Pass | $11 | $25 | $14 |
| Utilities | $86 | $132 | $46 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Manila | Heraklion |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $520/mo | $644/mo |
| Typical | $786/mo | $990/mo |
| Comfortable | $977/mo | $1,332/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Manila | ≈ in Heraklion | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,817/mo | +$317 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,422/mo | +$422 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,633/mo | +$633 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Manila vs Heraklion for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Manila is approximately 17% more affordable than Heraklion when combining rent and daily living costs. Manila's COL+Rent Index of 21.8 vs Heraklion's 26.4 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Manila costs $369/month versus $335/month in Heraklion — giving Heraklion a $34/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Manila ($230/mo) vs Heraklion ($258/mo) reflect Manila's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $6 vs $16 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.