City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Manila vs Mexico City — 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.
Mexico City
Moderate
COL+Rent: 34.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Mexico City.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Manila | Mexico City | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $609 | $841 | $232 |
| Groceries | $461 | $279 | +$182 |
| Dining Out | $144 | $159 | $15 |
| Transportation | $22 | $29 | $7 |
| Utilities | $172 | $65 | +$107 |
| Other / Misc | $92 | $127 | $35 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Manila
$1,500
per month
Mexico City equivalent
$2,394
per month
You'd need $2,394/mo in Mexico City 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 Mexico City on $1,500/month?
In Mexico City, $1,500/mo is rated "Moderate". Allocations: $841 rent, $279 groceries, $159 dining.
Is Manila or Mexico City cheaper?
Manila is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Manila 21.8 vs Mexico City 34.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Manila worth in Mexico City?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Manila equals ~$2,394/mo in Mexico City using COL adjustment.