Manila vs Tokyo

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Manila is roughly 75% more affordable than Tokyo (index 16 vs 63, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Manila
More affordable overall
75% cheaper than Tokyo · Cost index: 16 vs 63

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 Index63
516Median Income /mo2,800✓
45Safety Index88✓
12✓Income Tax %23
109✓Internet (Mbps)90
280Coworking /mo180✓

Price Breakdown

ManilaCategoryTokyo
$500/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
60% cheaper →
$1,247/month
$1.1/liter
Meal for One
50% cheaper →
$2.2/liter
$5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
58% cheaper →
$12/meal
$12/month
Monthly Transit Pass
83% cheaper →
$70/month
$105/month
Utilities (Monthly)
29% cheaper →
$147/month
$50/visit
Doctor Visit
29% cheaper →
$70/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Manila

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

Tokyo

Internet90 Mbps
Coworking$180/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishmoderate
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Manila cheaper than Tokyo?

Manila is cheaper than Tokyo. Manila has a cost of living index of 16/100 compared to 63/100 for Tokyo (New York = 100), making it roughly 75% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Manila than Tokyo?

Manila is approximately 75% cheaper than Tokyo based on cost index scores (16 vs 63, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Tokyo could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $750/month in Manila.

What is the rent comparison between Manila and Tokyo?

In Manila, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $500/month. In Tokyo, the equivalent is around $1,247/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Manila offers 109 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$280/month. Tokyo offers 90 Mbps and coworking at ~$180/month. Manila has a cost advantage of 75%.

What is the average income in Manila vs Tokyo?

The median net monthly salary in Manila is approximately $516 USD, compared to $2,800 USD in Tokyo.

Compare Manila with…

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

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