🇮🇩 Jakarta vs 🇵🇭 Manila
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇮🇩
Jakarta
Indonesia
$1,046–$1,656/mo
Rp16,603,175 – Rp26,285,714 / month (local)
🇵🇭
Manila
Philippines
$985–$1,559/mo
₱57,941 – ₱91,706 / month (local)
Jakarta is 6% more expensive
Manila wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Jakarta (USD) | Manila (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $785–$1,221 | $738–$1,149 | 🟢 Manila |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $414–$654 | $390–$615 | 🟢 Manila |
| Utilities | $33–$63 | $31–$59 | 🟢 Manila |
| Groceries | $166–$248 | $156–$234 | 🟢 Manila |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $22–$39 | $21–$37 | 🟢 Manila |
| Public transport (monthly) | $41–$50 | $39–$47 | 🟢 Manila |
| Internet & Mobile | $13–$22 | $12–$21 | 🟢 Manila |
| Gym membership | $15–$28 | $14–$27 | 🟢 Manila |
| Cinema ticket | $6–$8 | $6–$7 | 🟢 Manila |
| Monthly total (single) | $1,046–$1,656 | $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
Housing7.4 / 10 · 7.1 / 10
Jakarta▲ better
Manila
Safety8.5 / 10 · 9.7 / 10
Jakarta
Manila▲ better
Healthcare8.5 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Jakarta▲ better
Manila
Education8.1 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Jakarta▲ better
Manila
Environment8.9 / 10 · 8.4 / 10
Jakarta▲ better
Manila
Economy7.2 / 10 · 6.7 / 10
Jakarta▲ better
Manila
Culture7.8 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
Jakarta▲ better
Manila
Internet8.2 / 10 · 7.7 / 10
Jakarta▲ better
Manila
Who should choose which city?
Choose Jakarta if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Jakarta offers vs Manila
- ✓Consumer market
- ✓Young population
- ✓Startups
- ✓FMCG
Choose Manila if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Jakarta
- ✓English
- ✓BPO industry
- ✓Value
- ✓Outsourcing
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Full Jakarta guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Jakarta →📊
Full Manila guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Manila →