City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Manila vs London — 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.
London
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 72.9 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in London.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Manila | London | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $609 | $906 | $297 |
| Groceries | $461 | $171 | +$290 |
| Dining Out | $144 | $136 | +$8 |
| Transportation | $22 | $46 | $24 |
| Utilities | $172 | $105 | +$67 |
| Other / Misc | $92 | $136 | $44 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Manila
$1,500
per month
London equivalent
$5,016
per month
You'd need $5,016/mo in London to match $1,500/mo in Manila.
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 London on $1,500/month?
In London, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $906 rent, $171 groceries, $136 dining.
Is Manila or London cheaper?
Manila is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Manila 21.8 vs London 72.9 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Manila worth in London?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Manila equals ~$5,016/mo in London using COL adjustment.