Cost Comparison 2025

TorontovsManila

Canada
Philippines

Overall

💰

-36.0%

Toronto is 36.0%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-60.0%

Housing is 60.0% lower

Dining

🍽️

-49.3%

Restaurants 49.3% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-30.7%

Food shopping 30.7% less

Comparing the cost of living between Toronto, Canada and Manila, Philippines reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Toronto is more affordable than Manila by approximately 36.0%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Toronto are higher than in Manila by 150%. A one-bedroom apartment in Toronto's city center costs around CA$2,400, while the same in Manila is approximately ₱35,000.

Dining out in Toronto is notably more expensive compared to Manila. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs CA$20 in Toronto versus ₱200 in Manila.

Public transportation in Toronto is more affordable, with monthly passes at CA$156 compared to ₱1,000 in Manila.

Purchasing power in Toronto is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Manila.

Grocery shopping in Toronto is more expensive by approximately 44%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Toronto can expect to spend approximately CA$739 per month (excluding rent), while in Manila, the same lifestyle would cost around ₱14,510. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about CA$2,588 monthly in Toronto versus ₱50,785 in Manila. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Toronto, Canada
Manila, Philippines

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
CA$2,400
₱35,000
1BR Outside Center
CA$1,900
₱20,000
3BR City Center
CA$4,000
₱80,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
CA$20
₱200
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
CA$100
₱1,200
Cappuccino
CA$5
₱150
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
CA$7
₱75

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
CA$2
₱95
Bread (500g)
CA$3
₱60
Eggs (12)
CA$4
₱100
Cheese (1kg)
CA$15
₱450

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
CA$3
₱15
Monthly Pass
CA$156
₱1,000
Taxi Start
CA$5
₱40
Gasoline (1L)
CA$2
₱65

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
CA$150
₱5,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
CA$80
₱1,800
Mobile Minute
CA$0
₱5

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Manila to Toronto, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Toronto to Manila requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Toronto

Cost of Living Index75
Rent Index70
Purchasing Power Index95

Manila

Cost of Living Index48
Rent Index28
Purchasing Power Index35

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Toronto more expensive than Manila?

No, Toronto is approximately 36.0% cheaper than Manila. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Toronto compared to Manila?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 74% of your Manila salary when living in Toronto. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Manila, you'd need about $36,765 in Toronto for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Toronto and Manila?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 150%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Toronto offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Toronto provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Toronto if you prioritize earning potential, or Manila for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Toronto vs Manila?

In Toronto, a single person needs approximately CA$2,639 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about CA$5,588. In Manila, these figures are ₱34,510 for singles and ₱95,785 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Toronto and Manila in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Manila to maintain your lifestyle from Toronto

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers