Rome vs Davao
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Davao is ~71% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Rome
Italy
COL+Rent
48.6
Rent Index
32.2
Groceries
58
Restaurant
55.1
Davao
Philippines
COL+Rent
14
Rent Index
4.5
Groceries
27.6
Restaurant
14.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Rome | Davao | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,426 | $171 | +$1,255 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,000 | $110 | +$890 |
| Groceries | $329 | $160 | +$169 |
| Restaurant Meal | $18 | $4 | +$14 |
| Transit Pass | $37 | $8 | +$29 |
| Utilities | $211 | $60 | +$151 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Rome | Davao |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,550/mo | $306/mo |
| Typical | $2,273/mo | $459/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,823/mo | $577/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Rome | ≈ in Davao | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $432/mo | -$1,068 |
| $2,000/mo | $576/mo | -$1,424 |
| $3,000/mo | $864/mo | -$2,136 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Rome vs Davao for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Davao is approximately 71% more affordable than Rome when combining rent and daily living costs. Rome's COL+Rent Index of 48.6 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 Rome costs $1,426/month versus $171/month in Davao — giving Davao a $1,255/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $15,060 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Rome ($329/mo) vs Davao ($160/mo) reflect Davao's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $18 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.