Data last updated: August 2026

Madison, WIManila, Philippines

You would need around 70.9% less money in Manila, Philippines to maintain the same standard of living you have in Madison, WI.

Overall Cost of Living

70.9%

Manila, Philippines is cheaper than Madison, WI

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A1,717 USD
City B565 USD
Difference-67.1%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A265 USD
City B67 USD
Difference-74.7%

Average Net Salary

City A4,486 USD
City B502 USD
Difference-88.8%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Madison, WI 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 70.9% 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 67.1% less than in Madison, WI. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Madison, WI 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 Madison, WI.

USD

You need in Manila, Philippines

1,306 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

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

By moving from Madison, WI to Manila, Philippines and investing the 71% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 10.0 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Madison, WI 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 1152 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 ~193,536 USD in 10 years.