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Manila vs Mexico City

Manila runs about 38% cheaper than Mexico City for this household, a difference of 459 USD a month.

Binondo skyline skyscrapers
Manila
$1,207/month · Philippines
Patrickroque01 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Aerial view taken with drone of the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico.
Mexico City
$1,666/month · Mexico
Own work · CC BY-SA 4.0
Manila monthly
$1,207
Index 19 (NYC = 100)
Mexico City monthly
$1,666
Index 26 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+38%
Mexico City relative to Manila
Rent gap
$400
Mexico City costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

ManilaMexico City
  • Housing
    Housing: Manila $500, Mexico City $900. Cheaper in Manila.
  • Food
    Food: Manila $366, Mexico City $456. Cheaper in Manila.
  • Transport
    Transport: Manila $48, Mexico City $44. Cheaper in Mexico City.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Manila $121, Mexico City $70. Cheaper in Mexico City.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Manila $16, Mexico City $23. Cheaper in Manila.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Manila $104, Mexico City $117. Cheaper in Manila.
  • Other
    Other: Manila $52, Mexico City $57. Cheaper in Manila.
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

MetricManilaMexico City
Cost
Total monthly cost1,207 USD✓1,666 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)19✓26
Housing500 USD✓900 USD
Utilities121 USD70 USD✓
Food366 USD✓456 USD
Transport48 USD44 USD✓
Healthcare16 USD✓23 USD
Lifestyle104 USD✓117 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr6,021 USD✓5,823 USD
Effective tax + social rate27.7%✓30.1%
Left over each month4,814 USD✓4,156 USD
Average local net salary450 USD750 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre500 USD✓900 USD
3-bed rent, city centre1,100 USD✓1,800 USD
Buy price per m², centre3,400 USD3,200 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety46/100✓42/100
Healthcare58/10066/100✓
Air quality34/10034/100
Public transport30/10068/100✓
Walkability44/10074/100✓
English proficiency86/100✓44/100
Nightlife78/10092/100✓
Family friendliness60/10064/100✓
Median broadband120 Mbps✓90 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature28°C17°C✓
Summer high33°C26°C✓
Winter low23°C✓7°C
Sunshine hours per year2,100 h2,500 h✓
Annual rainfall2000 mm850 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaYesYes
Beach access90 min✓None nearby
CurrencyPHPMXN
Time zoneAsia/ManilaAmerica/Mexico_City

Manila runs about 38% cheaper than Mexico City for this household, a difference of 459 USD a month.

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Go deeper

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

Frequently asked

Is Manila or Mexico City cheaper?

Manila runs about 38% cheaper than Mexico City for this household, a difference of 459 USD a month.

What salary do you need in Mexico City compared with Manila?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $6,021 a month in Manila and $5,823 in Mexico City, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Manila or Mexico City?

Manila scores 46/100 on safety and 58/100 on healthcare; Mexico City scores 42 and 66. Manila averages 28°C against 17°C in Mexico City.