Data last updated: August 2026

Houston, TXManila, Philippines

You would need around 70.0% less money in Manila, Philippines to maintain the same standard of living you have in Houston, TX.

Overall Cost of Living

70.0%

Manila, Philippines is cheaper than Houston, TX

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A1,664 USD
City B565 USD
Difference-66.0%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A250 USD
City B67 USD
Difference-73.2%

Average Net Salary

City A4,689 USD
City B502 USD
Difference-89.3%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Houston, TX to Manila, Philippines? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Manila, Philippines is 70.0% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Manila, Philippines's center costs around 565 USD, which is a staggering 66.0% less than in Houston, TX. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Houston, TX and Manila, Philippines is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Manila, Philippines to maintain your current lifestyle in Houston, TX.

USD

You need in Manila, Philippines

1,408 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Houston, TX to Manila, Philippines and investing the 70% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 10.0 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Houston, TX budget to local Manila, Philippines prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing565 USD
Groceries67 USD
Utilities & Internet27 USD

Investment Planner

You save 1099 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Manila, Philippines.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~184,632 USD in 10 years.