Davao
Manila

Davao vs Manila — Cost of Living Comparison

Davao
Philippines
VS
Manila
Philippines
Estimated average living costs are ~40% lower in Davao

Davao

$820

avg. monthly cost

Population

1,800,000

Safety

58/100

Quality

52/100

Cost
25
Safety
58
Life
52

Manila

$1,150

avg. monthly cost

Population

1,846,513

Safety

50/100

Quality

48/100

Cost
30
Safety
50
Life
48

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~40% lower in Davao

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Davao

$820

estimated per month

Manila

$1,150

estimated per month

Difference

+40.2%

Monthly savings

$330

Yearly savings

$3,960

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$105,183

+$30,183/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemDavaoManilaDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$280.00$450.00
+60.7%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$150.00$230.00
+53.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$620.00$1,000.00
+61.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$350.00$550.00
+57.1%
ItemDavaoManilaDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$1.80$2.50
+38.9%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$13.00$18.00
+38.5%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$3.30$3.80
+15.2%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.55$1.70
+9.7%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.10$1.30
+18.2%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.75$0.90
+20.0%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$1.60$1.90
+18.7%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.00$3.50
+16.7%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$3.60$3.80
+5.6%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$0.60$1.00
+66.7%
ItemDavaoManilaDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$12.00$18.00
+50.0%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$0.18$0.25
+38.9%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$0.60$0.70
+16.7%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$0.20$0.25
+25.0%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.05$1.10
+4.8%
ItemDavaoManilaDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$85.00$100.00
+17.6%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$7.00$8.00
+14.3%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$24.00$28.00
+16.7%
ItemDavaoManilaDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$8.00$12.00
+50.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$10.00$15.00
+50.0%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$4.00$5.00
+25.0%
ItemDavaoManilaDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$22.00$28.00
+27.3%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$3.50$4.50
+28.6%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$2.00$2.50
+25.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$1.50$2.00
+33.3%
ItemDavaoManilaDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$32.00$38.00
+18.8%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$15.00$18.00
+20.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$55.00$62.00
+12.7%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Davao vs Manila

Is Davao or Manila more expensive?
Manila is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 30 compared with 25 for Davao.
How much cheaper is Davao than Manila?
Living in Davao is around 17% cheaper than Manila, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Davao and Manila?
Davao scores 25 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Manila scores 30 — where New York City equals 100.