Manila vs Stockholm
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Manila is ~57% 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
Stockholm
Sweden
COL+Rent
51
Rent Index
32.7
Groceries
59.6
Restaurant
62.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Manila | Stockholm | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $369 | $1,449 | $1,080 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $238 | $1,139 | $901 |
| Groceries | $230 | $339 | $109 |
| Restaurant Meal | $6 | $17 | $11 |
| Transit Pass | $11 | $93 | $82 |
| Utilities | $86 | $103 | $17 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Manila | Stockholm |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $520/mo | $1,640/mo |
| Typical | $786/mo | $2,239/mo |
| Comfortable | $977/mo | $2,779/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Manila | ≈ in Stockholm | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $3,509/mo | +$2,009 |
| $2,000/mo | $4,679/mo | +$2,679 |
| $3,000/mo | $7,018/mo | +$4,018 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Manila vs Stockholm for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Manila is approximately 57% more affordable than Stockholm when combining rent and daily living costs. Manila's COL+Rent Index of 21.8 vs Stockholm's 51 (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 $1,449/month in Stockholm — giving Manila a $1,080/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $12,960 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Manila ($230/mo) vs Stockholm ($339/mo) reflect Manila's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $6 vs $17 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.