Manila vs Sofia: cost of living for digital nomads
Manila, Philippines and Sofia, Bulgaria, 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 and Sofia cost about the same per month ($1,300).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $560 in Manila against $600 in Sofia.
- Sofia scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 6/10).
- Internet is faster in Sofia: 200 Mbps typical against 90 Mbps.
- Manila is tropical; Sofia is continental.
Manila wins 2 of the measured lines; Sofia wins 5.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Manila or Sofia?
Manila and Sofia cost about the same per month for a remote worker, both around $1,300.
Which city is safer, Manila or Sofia?
Sofia scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 6/10 for Manila.
Which has faster internet, Manila or Sofia?
Sofia has faster typical internet: 200 Mbps against 90 Mbps in Manila.
| Line | Manila | Sofia |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $1,300 | $1,300 |
| Rent | $560 | $600 |
| Food | $350 | $360 |
| Transport | $60 | $35 |
| Coworking | $120 | $100 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 90 | 200 |
| Climate | tropical | continental |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | coast | mountain |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 8/10 |
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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): Manila November 9, 2026, Sofia November 4, 2026.