comparison intelligence
Makati vs Ubud
Ubud has the stronger overall score, while Makati has the lower monthly estimate.
Ubud wins overall
near identical$190/mo gap0.3 score gap
quick decision
Who wins where?
Makati
7.1/10
$1,850/month · Philippines
GOpros
- English is the primary language — zero language barrier
- Vibrant nightlife, dining, and social scene
- Numerous coworking spaces and modern offices
cons
- Manila traffic is legendary — commutes can take hours
- Air pollution and urban density
- Flooding during typhoon season (June–November)
Ubud
7.4/10
$2,040/month · Indonesia
GOpros
- Magical jungle and rice terrace setting
- Strong wellness and yoga community
- Excellent cafes and healthy food options
cons
- Internet is frustratingly slow
- No nightlife to speak of
- Monkeys will steal your things
cost breakdown
Where the money goes
Rent$815$835
Food$370$415
Transport$130$105
Coworking$185$260
Entertainment$220$205
Utilities$130$220
money / equivalent lifestyle
What your money buys
To keep roughly the same spending flexibility you get from $2,000 in Makati, you would need about $2,200 in Ubud.
Based on relative monthly cost estimates in this guide.With $2,000/month
MakatiLeaves about $150Estimated cost: $1,850
UbudShort by about $40Estimated cost: $2,040
score breakdown
Category-by-category
Money
Cost of living3.93.7Makati
Remote work
Internet3.52.8Makati
Daily life
Walkability3.42.5Makati
Food3.54.2Ubud
Comfort & safety
Safety3.04.0Ubud
Healthcare3.42.5Makati
Weather3.94.0Ubud
Lifestyle
Nightlife4.22.0Makati
English friendly4.23.5Makati
what changes if you move?
Relocation impact
Moving from Makati to Ubud gives you day-to-day safety for about $190 more per month, but trades off social energy and healthcare access.
Monthly spending+$190
Annual spending+$2,280
Overall scoreSlightly higher
SafetySignificantly better (+1.0)
NightlifeDramatically worse (-2.2)
InternetWorse (-0.7)
HealthcareWorse (-0.9)
WalkabilityWorse (-0.9)
English friendlyWorse (-0.7)
Safety
3.0 → 4.0 · +1.0
Nightlife
4.2 → 2.0 · -2.2
Moving from Ubud to Makati gives you social energy, healthcare access and pedestrian convenience and saves about $190 per month, but trades off day-to-day safety.
Monthly spending-$190
Annual spending-$2,280
Overall scoreSlightly lower
SafetySignificantly worse (-1.0)
NightlifeDramatically better (+2.2)
InternetBetter (+0.7)
HealthcareBetter (+0.9)
WalkabilityBetter (+0.9)
English friendlyBetter (+0.7)
Nightlife
2.0 → 4.2 · +2.2
Safety
4.0 → 3.0 · -1.0
Choose Makati if...
- You want to keep monthly spending below roughly $2,000.
- You want stronger budget room, saving about $190 per month versus Ubud.
- You prioritize social energy and nightlife.
- You need a stronger remote-work connection signal.
Choose Ubud if...
- You want the stronger overall score without a major monthly cost penalty.
- Day-to-day safety is one of your top priorities.
- Food quality and variety are a major part of your daily life.
- You care enough about day-to-day safety to accept weaker social energy.
final verdict
So, which one makes more sense?
Ubud has the stronger overall score, while Makati has the clearer budget advantage. Ubud is measurably stronger on day-to-day safety.