Manila vs Buenos Aires

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Manila is roughly 55% more affordable than Buenos Aires (index 16 vs 35, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Manila
More affordable overall
55% cheaper than Buenos Aires · Cost index: 16 vs 35

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

16✓Cost Index35
516Median Income /mo800✓
45Safety Index62✓
12✓Income Tax %20
109✓Internet (Mbps)85
280Coworking /mo150✓

Price Breakdown

ManilaCategoryBuenos Aires
$500/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
36% cheaper →
$778/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
23% cheaper →
$1.42/liter
$5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
58% cheaper →
$12/meal
$12/month
Monthly Transit Pass
52% cheaper →
$25/month
$105/month
Utilities (Monthly)
51% cheaper →
$215/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
17% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Manila

Internet109 Mbps
Coworking$280/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability68/100

Buenos Aires

Internet85 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability75/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manila cheaper than Buenos Aires?

Manila is cheaper than Buenos Aires. Manila has a cost of living index of 16/100 compared to 35/100 for Buenos Aires (New York = 100), making it roughly 55% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Manila than Buenos Aires?

Manila is approximately 55% cheaper than Buenos Aires based on cost index scores (16 vs 35, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Buenos Aires could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $1,355/month in Manila.

What is the rent comparison between Manila and Buenos Aires?

In Manila, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $500/month. In Buenos Aires, the equivalent is around $778/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Manila or Buenos Aires?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Manila offers 109 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$280/month. Buenos Aires offers 85 Mbps and coworking at ~$150/month. Manila has a cost advantage of 55%.

What is the average income in Manila vs Buenos Aires?

The median net monthly salary in Manila is approximately $516 USD, compared to $800 USD in Buenos Aires.

Compare Manila with…

Popular head-to-heads — see exactly where Manila wins or loses.

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