Side-by-side city decision # Yaoundé vs Makati. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link YaoundéCameroon2/6 VS MakatiPhilippines4/6 $715Yaoundé monthly budget $1,280Makati monthly budget 25 MbpsYaoundé internet 125 MbpsMakati internet Decision summary Makati Makati leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Yaoundé Speed Fastest internet Makati Vibe Best nomad vibe Makati Safety Highest safety Makati Air Cleanest air Yaoundé Walk Most walkable Makati Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Yaoundé](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/cameroon/yaounde.md) Cameroon 2/6 Budget$715 Internet25 Mbps Vibe5/10 [Makati](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/makati.md) Philippines 4/6 Budget$1,280 Internet125 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 MetricYaoundéMakati Total estimated budget $715 $1,280 1-bed center rent $350 $720 Coworking desk $120 $190 Local meal $3.5 $4.3 Cappuccino $2.4 $3.5 Gym membership $35 $48 Transport budget $45 $70 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricYaoundéMakati Internet speed 25 Mbps 125 Mbps Nomad vibe 5/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricYaoundéMakati Safety index 43/100 61/100 Air quality 58/100 48/100 Walkability 4/10 6/10 Female safety 4/10 6/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 1/10 7/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricYaoundéMakati Healthcare quality Average Excellent English proficiency Basic Excellent Climate type Tropical wet and dry highland Tropical monsoon Best time to visit Nov - Feb Nov - Feb 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. [Yaoundé](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/cameroon/yaounde.md) Cameroon → ### Strengths * Affordable local food, taxis, and everyday services * Mild highland temperatures compared with many equatorial cities * Administrative capital with embassies and useful services * Strong Cameroonian food culture and lively markets * French immersion opportunities * Easy access to nearby hills, forests, and cultural sites ### Trade-offs * Unreliable power and internet can disrupt remote work * Heavy traffic and limited pedestrian infrastructure * French is essential for most daily interactions * Tap water is not reliably safe to drink * Limited formal coworking and cashless payment acceptance * Restrictive legal and social environment for LGBTQ+ travelers ### Common visa routes * Tourist visa obtained before travel through a Cameroonian embassy or e-visa process where available * Business visa for documented meetings, conferences, or commercial activities * Long-stay visa or residence permit through employment, family ties, or local sponsorship [Makati](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/philippines/makati.md) Philippines → ### Strengths * Excellent English proficiency and easy daily communication * Strong café, coworking, and corporate-business ecosystem * High-quality private hospitals and specialist care nearby * Wide choice of condos, malls, restaurants, and delivery services * Cashless payments and ride-hailing are widely available * Large international and Filipino social scene ### Trade-offs * Severe road traffic can make short trips slow * Central neighborhoods have relatively high rents * Heat, humidity, and monsoon downpours are persistent * Air quality is often poor beside major roads * Sidewalks can be uneven, blocked, or limited * Tap water is not recommended for drinking ### Common visa routes * Visa-free entry or visitor visa extension * Long-Stay Visitor Visa Extension * Special Resident Retiree's 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.