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Complete side-by-side comparison of Malaysia and Philippines for digital nomads and remote workers.
Philippines is 16% more affordable than Malaysia, with a cost of living index of 8 compared to 9 (NYC = 100).
NYC = 100 for cost indexes. Higher safety/healthcare = better. Lower pollution/traffic = better.
Philippines is the more budget-friendly destination with a cost of living index of 8 versus 9 for Malaysia (NYC baseline = 100). That's a 16% difference that adds up significantly over months of living abroad.
Rent is often the biggest expense: Philippines has a rent index of 20 compared to 23. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and dining follow a similar pattern.
A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $3.80 in Malaysia versus $4.10 in Philippines. These everyday costs paint the real picture of how far your money goes.
Philippines ranks higher for safety with an index of 57/100, compared to 52/100 for Malaysia. Both countries are generally safe for tourists and expats, though standard precautions apply in major cities.
Healthcare quality in Malaysia scores 71/100 versus 67/100 in Philippines. International health insurance is recommended regardless of your destination.
Air quality is notably better in Malaysia with a pollution index of 61 versus 72. This could be a deciding factor if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Malaysia has a higher GDP per capita at $12,091 versus $3,906 in Philippines. This reflects in the overall infrastructure, services, and cost levels you'll experience.
Malaysia uses the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) while Philippines uses the Philippine Peso (PHP). Both countries have widely available ATMs and increasing digital payment adoption in urban areas.
Malaysia has a more established digital nomad scene with 2 popular nomad cities, while Philippines offers 2 cities. Top picks in Malaysia include Penang, Kuala Lumpur.
Getting around is easier in Malaysia with a traffic index of 168 compared to 180. Lower traffic means less time commuting and more flexibility in your daily routine.
Source: Numbeo (national averages, USD)
Philippines is 16% more affordable than Malaysia. The cost of living index is 8 vs 9 (NYC = 100), affecting rent, food, and daily expenses.
Philippines has a higher safety index of 57/100 compared to 52/100. Both countries are generally safe for travelers, but exercise standard precautions in tourist-heavy areas.
Malaysia ranks higher for healthcare with an index of 71/100 versus 67/100. Modern hospitals and English-speaking doctors are available in major cities of both countries. International health insurance is recommended.
Malaysia has a more established digital nomad scene with 2 popular nomad cities compared to 2 in Philippines. The best choice depends on your priorities: cost, weather, visa terms, and community size.
Check the dedicated visa guide pages for each country to see current DN visa availability, duration, cost, and requirements. Visa policies can change, so always verify with official sources before traveling.