Manila vs Lagos

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

Manila
More affordable overall
13% cheaper than Lagos · 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 /mo261
45Safety Index45
12Income Tax %11
109Internet (Mbps)28
280Coworking /mo150

Price Breakdown

ManilaCategoryLagos
$500/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
25% cheaper →
$670/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
74% cheaper →
$4.2/liter
$5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
33% cheaper →
$7.5/meal
$12/month
Monthly Transit Pass
33% cheaper →
$18/month
$105/month
Utilities (Monthly)
58% ← cheaper
$44/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
10% ← cheaper
$45/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Manila

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

Lagos

Internet28 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability45/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manila cheaper than Lagos?

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

How much cheaper is Manila than Lagos?

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

What is the rent comparison between Manila and Lagos?

In Manila, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $500/month. In Lagos, the equivalent is around $670/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Manila offers 109 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$280/month. Lagos offers 28 Mbps and coworking at ~$150/month. Manila has a cost advantage of 13%.

What is the average income in Manila vs Lagos?

The median net monthly salary in Manila is approximately $516 USD, compared to $261 USD in Lagos.

Compare Manila with…

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

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