Side-by-side city decision # Makati vs London. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link MakatiPhilippines2 VS LondonUnited Kingdom4 $980Makati monthly budget $3,400London monthly budget 30 MbpsMakati internet 80 MbpsLondon internet Decision summary London London leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Makati Speed Fastest internet London Vibe Best nomad vibe London Safety Highest safety Makati Air Cleanest air London Walk Most walkable London Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Makati](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/makati.md) Philippines 2/6 Budget$980 Internet30 Mbps Vibe7/10 [London](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-kingdom/london.md) United Kingdom 4/6 Budget$3,400 Internet80 Mbps Vibe8/10 Full comparison ## Compare what matters Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner. Differences only ### Monthly budget and costs 7 signals Total estimated budget $980 $3,400 1-bed center rent $600 $2,200 Coworking desk $180 $400 Local meal $5 $15 Cappuccino $3.5 $4.5 Gym membership $40 $60 Transport budget $30 $180 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals Internet speed 30 Mbps 80 Mbps Nomad vibe 7/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals Safety index 65/100 60/100 Air quality 45/100 65/100 Walkability 7/10 9/10 Female safety 6/10 7/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 7/10 9/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals Healthcare quality Average Excellent English proficiency Good Excellent Climate type Tropical monsoon Temperate maritime Best time to visit Nov - Mar May - Sep Beyond the numbers ## What each city asks you to trade Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture. [Makati](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/makati.md) Philippines → ### Strengths * Excellent expat community and networking events * Affordable cost of living compared to Western capitals * High density of coworking spaces and cafes * Widespread English proficiency * Modern amenities with malls and restaurants * Convenient location for exploring other Asian destinations ### Trade-offs * Heavy traffic congestion during peak hours * Air quality can be poor due to pollution * Tap water is not safe to drink * Power outages occasionally occur * Typhoon season can disrupt plans * Metro Manila overall safety varies by area ### Common visa routes * Visa-free entry (30 days) * Visa extension (up to 36 months) * Special Resident Retiree Visa (SRRV) [London](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/united-kingdom/london.md) United Kingdom → ### Strengths * Excellent public transport * World-class cultural scene * Diverse food options * Strong English-speaking environment * Many coworking spaces * Great healthcare ### Trade-offs * High cost of living * Crowded and busy * Variable weather * High rent prices * Brexit complications * Air pollution ### Common visa routes * Standard Visitor Visa * Youth Mobility Scheme * Skilled Worker Visa Reading the result ## Use this as a planning benchmark The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices. Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices. Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity. Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.