🇵🇭 Manila vs 🇸🇦 Riyadh
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇵🇭
Manila
Philippines
$985–$1,559/mo
₱57,941 – ₱91,706 / month (local)
🇸🇦
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia
$1,785–$2,826/mo
﷼6,611 – ﷼10,467 / month (local)
Riyadh is 81% more expensive
Manila wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Manila (USD) | Riyadh (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $738–$1,149 | $1,338–$2,082 | 🟢 Manila |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $390–$615 | $706–$1,115 | 🟢 Manila |
| Utilities | $31–$59 | $56–$108 | 🟢 Manila |
| Groceries | $156–$234 | $283–$424 | 🟢 Manila |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $21–$37 | $37–$67 | 🟢 Manila |
| Public transport (monthly) | $39–$47 | $71–$86 | 🟢 Manila |
| Internet & Mobile | $12–$21 | $22–$37 | 🟢 Manila |
| Gym membership | $14–$27 | $26–$48 | 🟢 Manila |
| Cinema ticket | $6–$7 | $10–$13 | 🟢 Manila |
| Monthly total (single) | $985–$1,559 | $1,785–$2,826 | 🟢 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 · 6.2 / 10
Manila▲ better
Riyadh
Safety9.7 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Manila▲ better
Riyadh
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Manila
Riyadh▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 8.5 / 10
Manila
Riyadh▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Manila
Riyadh▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Manila
Riyadh▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Manila
Riyadh▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Manila
Riyadh▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Manila if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Riyadh
- ✓English
- ✓BPO industry
- ✓Value
- ✓Outsourcing
Choose Riyadh if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Riyadh offers vs Manila
- ✓Vision 2030 projects
- ✓Salaries
- ✓Energy
- ✓Construction
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Full Manila guide
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Explore Manila →📊
Full Riyadh guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Riyadh →