Manila vs Jakarta

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Manila is roughly 7% more affordable than Jakarta (index 16 vs 17, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Manila
More affordable overall
7% cheaper than Jakarta · Cost index: 16 vs 17

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

16Cost Index17
516Median Income /mo450
45Safety Index47
12Income Tax %0
109Internet (Mbps)30
280Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

ManilaCategoryJakarta
$500/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
10% ← cheaper
$450/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
27% cheaper →
$1.5/liter
$5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
20% ← cheaper
$4/meal
$12/month
Monthly Transit Pass
2% cheaper →
$12.26/month
$105/month
Utilities (Monthly)
19% ← cheaper
$85/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
20% ← cheaper
$40/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Manila

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

Jakarta

Internet30 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability60/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manila cheaper than Jakarta?

Manila is cheaper than Jakarta. Manila has a cost of living index of 16/100 compared to 17/100 for Jakarta (New York = 100), making it roughly 7% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Manila than Jakarta?

Manila is approximately 7% cheaper than Jakarta based on cost index scores (16 vs 17, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Jakarta could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,800/month in Manila.

What is the rent comparison between Manila and Jakarta?

In Manila, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $500/month. In Jakarta, the equivalent is around $450/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Manila or Jakarta?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Manila offers 109 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$280/month. Jakarta offers 30 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Manila has a cost advantage of 7%.

What is the average income in Manila vs Jakarta?

The median net monthly salary in Manila is approximately $516 USD, compared to $450 USD in Jakarta.

Compare Manila with…

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

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