Manila vs Rio de Janeiro

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Manila is roughly 10% more affordable than Rio de Janeiro (index 16 vs 17, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Manila
More affordable overall
10% cheaper than Rio de Janeiro · 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 /mo762
45Safety Index45
12Income Tax %27.5
109Internet (Mbps)65
280Coworking /mo350

Price Breakdown

ManilaCategoryRio de Janeiro
$500/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
26% cheaper →
$680/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
3% cheaper →
$1.13/liter
$5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
31% cheaper →
$7.2/meal
$12/month
Monthly Transit Pass
69% cheaper →
$39/month
$105/month
Utilities (Monthly)
31% ← cheaper
$72/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
17% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Manila

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

Rio de Janeiro

Internet65 Mbps
Coworking$350/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishlow
Communitygrowing
Walkability70/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manila cheaper than Rio de Janeiro?

Manila is cheaper than Rio de Janeiro. Manila has a cost of living index of 16/100 compared to 17/100 for Rio de Janeiro (New York = 100), making it roughly 10% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Manila than Rio de Janeiro?

Manila is approximately 10% cheaper than Rio de Janeiro based on cost index scores (16 vs 17, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Rio de Janeiro could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,710/month in Manila.

What is the rent comparison between Manila and Rio de Janeiro?

In Manila, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $500/month. In Rio de Janeiro, the equivalent is around $680/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Manila or Rio de Janeiro?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Manila offers 109 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$280/month. Rio de Janeiro offers 65 Mbps and coworking at ~$350/month. Manila has a cost advantage of 10%.

What is the average income in Manila vs Rio de Janeiro?

The median net monthly salary in Manila is approximately $516 USD, compared to $762 USD in Rio de Janeiro.

Compare Manila with…

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