🇹🇷 Istanbul vs 🇵🇭 Manila
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇹🇷
Istanbul
Turkey
$1,415–$2,241/mo
₺48,793 – ₺77,276 / month (local)
🇵🇭
Manila
Philippines
$985–$1,559/mo
₱57,941 – ₱91,706 / month (local)
Istanbul is 44% more expensive
Manila wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Istanbul (USD) | Manila (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,062–$1,651 | $738–$1,149 | 🟢 Manila |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $560–$885 | $390–$615 | 🟢 Manila |
| Utilities | $44–$86 | $31–$59 | 🟢 Manila |
| Groceries | $224–$336 | $156–$234 | 🟢 Manila |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $29–$53 | $21–$37 | 🟢 Manila |
| Public transport (monthly) | $56–$68 | $39–$47 | 🟢 Manila |
| Internet & Mobile | $18–$29 | $12–$21 | 🟢 Manila |
| Gym membership | $21–$38 | $14–$27 | 🟢 Manila |
| Cinema ticket | $8–$11 | $6–$7 | 🟢 Manila |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,415–$2,241 | $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
Housing7.1 / 10 · 7.1 / 10
Istanbul
Manila
Safety9.0 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Istanbul
Manila▲ better
Healthcare9.0 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Istanbul▲ better
Manila
Education8.6 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Istanbul▲ better
Manila
Environment9.4 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Istanbul▲ better
Manila
Economy7.7 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Istanbul▲ better
Manila
Culture8.3 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Istanbul▲ better
Manila
Internet8.7 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Istanbul▲ better
Manila
Who should choose which city?
Choose Istanbul if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Istanbul offers vs Manila
- ✓History
- ✓Bosphorus
- ✓Value for expats
- ✓Logistics
Choose Manila if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Istanbul
- ✓English
- ✓BPO industry
- ✓Value
- ✓Outsourcing
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📊
Full Istanbul guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Istanbul →📊
Full Manila guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Manila →