🇵🇭 Manila vs 🇯🇵 Osaka
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇵🇭
Manila
Philippines
$985–$1,559/mo
₱57,941 – ₱91,706 / month (local)
🇯🇵
Osaka
Japan
$2,338–$3,703/mo
¥348,955 – ¥552,687 / month (local)
Osaka is 138% more expensive
Manila wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Manila (USD) | Osaka (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $738–$1,149 | $1,754–$2,728 | 🟢 Manila |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $390–$615 | $926–$1,462 | 🟢 Manila |
| Utilities | $31–$59 | $73–$141 | 🟢 Manila |
| Groceries | $156–$234 | $370–$555 | 🟢 Manila |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $21–$37 | $49–$88 | 🟢 Manila |
| Public transport (monthly) | $39–$47 | $93–$112 | 🟢 Manila |
| Internet & Mobile | $12–$21 | $29–$49 | 🟢 Manila |
| Gym membership | $14–$27 | $34–$63 | 🟢 Manila |
| Cinema ticket | $6–$7 | $14–$18 | 🟢 Manila |
| Monthly total (single) | $985–$1,559 | $2,338–$3,703 | 🟢 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 · 5.4 / 10
Manila▲ better
Osaka
Safety9.7 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Manila▲ better
Osaka
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Manila
Osaka▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Manila
Osaka▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Manila▲ better
Osaka
Economy6.7 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Manila
Osaka▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Manila
Osaka▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Manila
Osaka▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Manila if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Osaka
- ✓English
- ✓BPO industry
- ✓Value
- ✓Outsourcing
Choose Osaka if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Osaka offers vs Manila
- ✓Food
- ✓Value vs Tokyo
- ✓Kansai culture
- ✓Manufacturing
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Full Manila guide
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Explore Manila →📊
Full Osaka guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Osaka →