Manila vs Kathmandu

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Manila is roughly 13% more affordable than Kathmandu (index 16 vs 18, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Manila
More affordable overall
13% cheaper than Kathmandu · Cost index: 16 vs 18

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 Index18
516Median Income /mo217
45Safety Index63
12Income Tax %5
109Internet (Mbps)71
280Coworking /mo175

Price Breakdown

ManilaCategoryKathmandu
$500/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
40% ← cheaper
$300/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
41% ← cheaper
$0.65/liter
$5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
60% ← cheaper
$2/meal
$12/month
Monthly Transit Pass
40% cheaper →
$20/month
$105/month
Utilities (Monthly)
71% ← cheaper
$30/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
40% ← cheaper
$30/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Manila

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

Kathmandu

Internet71 Mbps
Coworking$175/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability62/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manila cheaper than Kathmandu?

Manila is cheaper than Kathmandu. Manila has a cost of living index of 16/100 compared to 18/100 for Kathmandu (New York = 100), making it roughly 13% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Manila than Kathmandu?

Manila is approximately 13% cheaper than Kathmandu based on cost index scores (16 vs 18, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Kathmandu could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,625/month in Manila.

What is the rent comparison between Manila and Kathmandu?

In Manila, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $500/month. In Kathmandu, the equivalent is around $300/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Manila offers 109 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$280/month. Kathmandu offers 71 Mbps and coworking at ~$175/month. Manila has a cost advantage of 13%.

What is the average income in Manila vs Kathmandu?

The median net monthly salary in Manila is approximately $516 USD, compared to $217 USD in Kathmandu.

Compare Manila with…

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

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