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Bangkok vs Manila

Manila runs about 13% cheaper than Bangkok for this household, a difference of 176 USD a month.

Chakra Maha Prasat Throne Hall Grand Palace Bangkok aerial photo by Don Ramey Logan
Bangkok
$1,383/month · Thailand
Don Ramey Logan · CC BY 4.0
Binondo skyline skyscrapers
Manila
$1,207/month · Philippines
Patrickroque01 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Bangkok monthly
$1,383
Index 22 (NYC = 100)
Manila monthly
$1,207
Index 19 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-13%
Manila relative to Bangkok
Rent gap
$200
Bangkok costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

BangkokManila
  • Housing
    Housing: Bangkok $700, Manila $500. Cheaper in Manila.
  • Food
    Food: Bangkok $355, Manila $366. Cheaper in Bangkok.
  • Transport
    Transport: Bangkok $46, Manila $48. Cheaper in Bangkok.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Bangkok $107, Manila $121. Cheaper in Bangkok.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Bangkok $16, Manila $16. Cheaper in Bangkok.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Bangkok $108, Manila $104. Cheaper in Manila.
  • Other
    Other: Bangkok $51, Manila $52. Cheaper in Bangkok.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricBangkokManila
Cost
Total monthly cost1,383 USD1,207 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)2219✓
Housing700 USD500 USD✓
Utilities107 USD✓121 USD
Food355 USD✓366 USD
Transport46 USD✓48 USD
Healthcare16 USD✓16 USD
Lifestyle108 USD104 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr6,510 USD✓6,021 USD
Effective tax + social rate21.9%✓27.7%
Left over each month5,126 USD✓4,814 USD
Average local net salary800 USD✓450 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre700 USD500 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre1,500 USD1,100 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre4,200 USD3,400 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety64/100✓46/100
Healthcare74/100✓58/100
Air quality42/100✓34/100
Public transport72/100✓30/100
Walkability66/100✓44/100
English proficiency34/10086/100✓
Nightlife92/100✓78/100
Family friendliness66/100✓60/100
Median broadband230 Mbps✓120 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature29°C28°C✓
Summer high35°C33°C✓
Winter low21°C23°C✓
Sunshine hours per year2,600 h✓2,100 h
Annual rainfall1500 mm✓2000 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaYesYes
Beach access90 min90 min
CurrencyTHBPHP
Time zoneAsia/BangkokAsia/Manila

Manila runs about 13% cheaper than Bangkok for this household, a difference of 176 USD a month.

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Go deeper

Cost of living in BangkokCost of living in ManilaConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Bangkok or Manila cheaper?

Manila runs about 13% cheaper than Bangkok for this household, a difference of 176 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Manila compared with Bangkok?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $6,510 a month in Bangkok and $6,021 in Manila, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Bangkok or Manila?

Bangkok scores 64/100 on safety and 74/100 on healthcare; Manila scores 46 and 58. Bangkok averages 29°C against 28°C in Manila.