Skip to content

Mexico City vs Manila

Manila runs about 28% cheaper than Mexico City for this household, a difference of 459 USD a month.

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
Binondo skyline skyscrapers
Manila
$1,207/month · Philippines
Patrickroque01 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Mexico City monthly
$1,666
Index 26 (NYC = 100)
Manila monthly
$1,207
Index 19 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-28%
Manila relative to Mexico City
Rent gap
$400
Mexico City costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

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

MetricMexico CityManila
Cost
Total monthly cost1,666 USD1,207 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)2619✓
Housing900 USD500 USD✓
Utilities70 USD✓121 USD
Food456 USD366 USD✓
Transport44 USD✓48 USD
Healthcare23 USD16 USD✓
Lifestyle117 USD104 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,823 USD6,021 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate30.1%27.7%✓
Left over each month4,156 USD4,814 USD✓
Average local net salary750 USD✓450 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre900 USD500 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre1,800 USD1,100 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre3,200 USD✓3,400 USD
Quality of life
Safety42/10046/100✓
Healthcare66/100✓58/100
Air quality34/10034/100
Public transport68/100✓30/100
Walkability74/100✓44/100
English proficiency44/10086/100✓
Nightlife92/100✓78/100
Family friendliness64/100✓60/100
Median broadband90 Mbps120 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature17°C✓28°C
Summer high26°C✓33°C
Winter low7°C23°C✓
Sunshine hours per year2,500 h✓2,100 h
Annual rainfall850 mm✓2000 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaYesYes
Beach accessNone nearby90 min✓
CurrencyMXNPHP
Time zoneAmerica/Mexico_CityAsia/Manila

Manila runs about 28% cheaper than Mexico City for this household, a difference of 459 USD a month.

Next

Go deeper

Cost of living in Mexico CityCost of living in ManilaConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
Mexico City vs São PauloMexico City vs SantiagoMexico City vs Buenos Aires
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Mexico City or Manila cheaper?

Manila runs about 28% cheaper than Mexico City for this household, a difference of 459 USD a month.

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

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

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

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