New York vs Davao
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Davao is ~83% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
New York
United States
COL+Rent
82.5
Rent Index
70
Groceries
98.7
Restaurant
105.2
Davao
Philippines
COL+Rent
14
Rent Index
4.5
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
14.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | New York | Davao | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $3,182 | $171 | +$3,011 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,494 | $110 | +$2,384 |
| Groceries | $566 | $160 | +$406 |
| Restaurant Meal | $30 | $4 | +$26 |
| Transit Pass | $99 | $8 | +$91 |
| Utilities | $229 | $60 | +$169 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | New York | Davao |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $3,338/mo | $306/mo |
| Typical | $4,526/mo | $459/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,567/mo | $577/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in New York | ≈ in Davao | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $255/mo | -$1,245 |
| $2,000/mo | $339/mo | -$1,661 |
| $3,000/mo | $509/mo | -$2,491 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: New York vs Davao for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Davao is approximately 83% more affordable than New York when combining rent and daily living costs. New York's COL+Rent Index of 82.5 vs Davao's 14 (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 New York costs $3,182/month versus $171/month in Davao — giving Davao a $3,011/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $36,132 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in New York ($566/mo) vs Davao ($160/mo) reflect Davao's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $30 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.