Antigua vs Manila: cost of living for digital nomads

Antigua, Guatemala and Manila, Philippines, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.

The short version

  • Manila is about 6% cheaper than Antigua for a month of nomad living ($1,300 vs $1,380).
  • Rent is the biggest gap: $560 in Manila against $600 in Antigua.
  • Antigua scores higher on safety (7/10 vs 6/10).
  • Antigua is temperate; Manila is tropical.

Antigua wins 3 of the measured lines; Manila wins 3.

Frequently asked questions

Which city is cheaper, Antigua or Manila?

Manila is cheaper: about $1,300/month against $1,380/month in Antigua, roughly 6% less for a typical remote worker's budget.

Which city is safer, Antigua or Manila?

Antigua scores higher on safety: 7/10 against 6/10 for Manila.

Which has faster internet, Antigua or Manila?

Antigua and Manila have about the same typical internet speed, 90 Mbps.

LineAntiguaManila
Monthly total (USD)$1,380$1,300
Rent$600$560
Food$360$350
Transport$40$60
Coworking$100$120
Safety (out of 10)7/106/10
Internet (Mbps)9090
Climatetemperatetropical
City sizesmallmetro
Settingmountaincoast
Nomad score (out of 10)7/107/10

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Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Antigua September 11, 2026, Manila November 9, 2026.