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Manila vs Bangkok

Manila runs about 15% cheaper than Bangkok for this household, a difference of 176 USD a month.

Binondo skyline skyscrapers
Manila
$1,207/month · Philippines
Patrickroque01 · CC BY-SA 4.0
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
Manila monthly
$1,207
Index 19 (NYC = 100)
Bangkok monthly
$1,383
Index 22 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+15%
Bangkok relative to Manila
Rent gap
$200
Bangkok costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

ManilaBangkok
  • Housing
    Housing: Manila $500, Bangkok $700. Cheaper in Manila.
  • Food
    Food: Manila $366, Bangkok $355. Cheaper in Bangkok.
  • Transport
    Transport: Manila $48, Bangkok $46. Cheaper in Bangkok.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Manila $121, Bangkok $107. Cheaper in Bangkok.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Manila $16, Bangkok $16. Cheaper in Bangkok.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Manila $104, Bangkok $108. Cheaper in Manila.
  • Other
    Other: Manila $52, Bangkok $51. 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

MetricManilaBangkok
Cost
Total monthly cost1,207 USD✓1,383 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)19✓22
Housing500 USD✓700 USD
Utilities121 USD107 USD✓
Food366 USD355 USD✓
Transport48 USD46 USD✓
Healthcare16 USD16 USD✓
Lifestyle104 USD✓108 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr6,021 USD6,510 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate27.7%21.9%✓
Left over each month4,814 USD5,126 USD✓
Average local net salary450 USD800 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre500 USD✓700 USD
3-bed rent, city centre1,100 USD✓1,500 USD
Buy price per m², centre3,400 USD✓4,200 USD
Quality of life
Safety46/10064/100✓
Healthcare58/10074/100✓
Air quality34/10042/100✓
Public transport30/10072/100✓
Walkability44/10066/100✓
English proficiency86/100✓34/100
Nightlife78/10092/100✓
Family friendliness60/10066/100✓
Median broadband120 Mbps230 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature28°C✓29°C
Summer high33°C✓35°C
Winter low23°C✓21°C
Sunshine hours per year2,100 h2,600 h✓
Annual rainfall2000 mm1500 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaYesYes
Beach access90 min90 min
CurrencyPHPTHB
Time zoneAsia/ManilaAsia/Bangkok

Manila runs about 15% cheaper than Bangkok for this household, a difference of 176 USD a month.

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Go deeper

Cost of living in ManilaCost of living in BangkokConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
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FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Manila or Bangkok cheaper?

Manila runs about 15% cheaper than Bangkok for this household, a difference of 176 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Bangkok compared with Manila?

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

Which has better quality of life, Manila or Bangkok?

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