Which is cheaper, Jakarta or Manila?

Jakarta is cheaper, with a NoodlePants Cost of Living index of 36 vs 38 for Manila. A 1-bedroom in the city centre averages $650 vs $600.

Which is better for digital nomads, Jakarta or Manila?

Jakarta edges ahead with a NoodlePants Nomad Score of null vs null, factoring in internet (—), affordability and community.

All city comparisons

Jakarta vs Manila — Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Which city is cheaper, safer, and better for remote workers? Here's the data.

Jakarta

Indonesia

COL Index

affordable

Manila

Philippines

COL Index

affordable

NoodlePants Verdict — generated from live data

Jakarta edges out Manila on affordability with a NoodlePants COL Index of 36 vs 38 (affordable vs affordable). Manila scores higher on safety (null/100), and Manila wins on internet at ~—. Overall, Jakarta takes the Nomad Score crown with null/100 — best for .

* Some figures are country averages — full city-level data coming soon.Pro members get neighbourhood-level breakdowns.

Metric

Jakarta

Manila

Avg Rent 1BR (city centre)

$650

$600

Avg Rent 1BR (outside centre)

$420

$400

NoodlePants COL Index

Safety Score

—

Internet Speed

—

Nomad Score

—

Healthcare Score

—

Digital Nomad Visa

Not available

Who is each city for?

Jakarta is better for…

See the Indonesia country profile

Manila is better for…

See the Philippines country profile

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