Mumbai vs Davao
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Davao is ~44% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Mumbai
India
COL+Rent
25
Rent Index
16.2
Groceries
30.9
Restaurant
25
Davao
Philippines
COL+Rent
14
Rent Index
4.5
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
14.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Mumbai | Davao | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $462 | $171 | +$291 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $272 | $110 | +$162 |
| Groceries | $125 | $160 | $35 |
| Restaurant Meal | $7 | $4 | +$3 |
| Transit Pass | $14 | $8 | +$6 |
| Utilities | $39 | $60 | $21 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Mumbai | Davao |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $441/mo | $306/mo |
| Typical | $745/mo | $459/mo |
| Comfortable | $944/mo | $577/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Mumbai | ≈ in Davao | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $840/mo | -$660 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,120/mo | -$880 |
| $3,000/mo | $1,680/mo | -$1,320 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Mumbai vs Davao for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Davao is approximately 44% more affordable than Mumbai when combining rent and daily living costs. Mumbai's COL+Rent Index of 25 vs Davao's 14 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Mumbai costs $462/month versus $171/month in Davao — giving Davao a $291/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $3,492 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Mumbai ($125/mo) vs Davao ($160/mo) reflect Davao's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $7 vs $4 show Davao offers cheaper dining. 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, Davao offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $459 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.