Mumbai vs Manila
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Manila is ~13% 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
Manila
Philippines
COL+Rent
21.8
Rent Index
9.8
Groceries
39.6
Restaurant
22.8
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Mumbai | Manila | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $462 | $369 | +$93 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $272 | $238 | +$34 |
| Groceries | $125 | $230 | $105 |
| Restaurant Meal | $7 | $6 | +$1 |
| Transit Pass | $14 | $11 | +$3 |
| Utilities | $39 | $86 | $47 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Mumbai | Manila |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $441/mo | $520/mo |
| Typical | $745/mo | $786/mo |
| Comfortable | $944/mo | $977/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Mumbai | ≈ in Manila | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,308/mo | -$192 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,744/mo | -$256 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,616/mo | -$384 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Mumbai vs Manila for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Manila is approximately 13% more affordable than Mumbai when combining rent and daily living costs. Mumbai's COL+Rent Index of 25 vs Manila's 21.8 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Mumbai costs $462/month versus $369/month in Manila — giving Manila a $93/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Mumbai ($125/mo) vs Manila ($230/mo) reflect Mumbai's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $7 vs $6 show Manila 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, 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.