Manila vs Singapore
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Manila is ~72% 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
Singapore
Singapore
COL+Rent
77.4
Rent Index
73.1
Groceries
75.3
Restaurant
50.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Manila | Singapore | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $369 | $3,120 | $2,751 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $238 | $2,280 | $2,042 |
| Groceries | $230 | $410 | $180 |
| Restaurant Meal | $6 | $11 | $5 |
| Transit Pass | $11 | $86 | $75 |
| Utilities | $86 | $166 | $80 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Manila | Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $520/mo | $2,863/mo |
| Typical | $786/mo | $3,947/mo |
| Comfortable | $977/mo | $4,662/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Manila | ≈ in Singapore | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $5,326/mo | +$3,826 |
| $2,000/mo | $7,101/mo | +$5,101 |
| $3,000/mo | $10,651/mo | +$7,651 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Manila vs Singapore for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Manila is approximately 72% more affordable than Singapore when combining rent and daily living costs. Manila's COL+Rent Index of 21.8 vs Singapore's 77.4 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Manila costs $369/month versus $3,120/month in Singapore — giving Manila a $2,751/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $33,012 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Manila ($230/mo) vs Singapore ($410/mo) reflect Manila's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $6 vs $11 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.