🇹🇭 Bangkok vs 🇵🇭 Manila
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇹🇭
Bangkok
Thailand
$1,169–$1,851/mo
฿40,310 – ฿63,828 / month (local)
🇵🇭
Manila
Philippines
$985–$1,559/mo
₱57,941 – ₱91,706 / month (local)
Bangkok is 19% more expensive
Manila wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Bangkok (USD) | Manila (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $877–$1,364 | $738–$1,149 | 🟢 Manila |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $463–$731 | $390–$615 | 🟢 Manila |
| Utilities | $37–$71 | $31–$59 | 🟢 Manila |
| Groceries | $185–$278 | $156–$234 | 🟢 Manila |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $24–$44 | $21–$37 | 🟢 Manila |
| Public transport (monthly) | $46–$56 | $39–$47 | 🟢 Manila |
| Internet & Mobile | $15–$24 | $12–$21 | 🟢 Manila |
| Gym membership | $17–$32 | $14–$27 | 🟢 Manila |
| Cinema ticket | $7–$9 | $6–$7 | 🟢 Manila |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,169–$1,851 | $985–$1,559 | 🟢 Manila |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing6.9 / 10 · 7.1 / 10
Bangkok
Manila▲ better
Safety8.2 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Bangkok
Manila▲ better
Healthcare8.2 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Bangkok▲ better
Manila
Education7.8 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Bangkok▲ better
Manila
Environment8.6 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Bangkok▲ better
Manila
Economy6.9 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Bangkok▲ better
Manila
Culture7.5 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Bangkok▲ better
Manila
Internet7.9 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Bangkok▲ better
Manila
Who should choose which city?
Choose Bangkok if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Bangkok offers vs Manila
- ✓Food
- ✓Healthcare tourism
- ✓Value
- ✓Remote work
Choose Manila if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Bangkok
- ✓English
- ✓BPO industry
- ✓Value
- ✓Outsourcing
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Full Bangkok guide
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Explore Bangkok →📊
Full Manila guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Manila →