Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Indonesia to Philippines
Indonesia has progressive income tax rates from 5% to 35% on worldwide income, while the Philippines charges 0-35% with identical progressive rates for residents. Philippines wins for English (primary language, 70% speak vs Indonesia 10%), cost of living (Manila $600/month vs Bali $800, 30% cheaper), and ease of doing business (less corruption). Indonesia/Bali wins for infrastructure (better internet, coworking spaces), unique culture (Hindu temples, ceremonies vs PH Catholic/Spanish), and established nomad scene (Canggu, Ubud vs PH emerging). Both have visa run challenges (PH 59-day VOA, Indonesia 60-day VOA). Popular debate: Bali vs Manila/Siargao for digital nomads.
Progressive
Worldwide income for residents
Progressive
Resident rates same as Indonesia
At $50,000 income:
That is $0/month back in your pocket!
| Income | ID Tax | PH Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $2,875 | $2,875 | $0 | $0 |
| $50,000 | $10,875 | $10,875 | $0 | $0 |
| $100,000 | $28,375 | $28,375 | $0 | $0 |
| $200,000 | $63,375 | $63,375 | $0 | $0 |
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Digital nomading in Bali or Philippines? Get travel medical insurance covering SE Asia + 185 countries. $45/month under 40. Covers surfing accidents, motorbike, hospitals, emergency evacuation.
Get Nomad Insurance →Nomading between Bali and Philippines? Hold both IDR and PHP in one account. Convert at real exchange rate. Get local bank details. Perfect for visa runs and cross-border payments.
Hold IDR & PHP →Philippines wins for English speakers: 70% of Philippines speaks English as primary language (American education legacy). Navigate daily life, work with locals, order food all in English. Zero language barrier. Indonesia: Only 10% speak English (Bahasa Indonesia primary), basic English in tourist areas (Bali, Jakarta). Tax: Both charge 5-35% identical rates on $50K = $10,875. Cost: Philippines 30% cheaper (Manila $600 vs Bali $800). Infrastructure: Bali wins (better internet, coworking, nomad scene). Choose Philippines for: English essential, budget priority, island hopping (7,641 islands). Choose Bali for: Established nomad community, surfing/yoga, unique Hindu culture (accept language barrier).
Both difficult, no nomad visa. Indonesia: Visa on Arrival (VOA) 60 days, $35. Can extend once to 60 days total (rare, complex). Then must exit (visa run to Singapore/Malaysia $200+). KITAS work permit: 1-2 years BUT requires sponsorship (agent fees $1,200-2,000/year, complex). Philippines: Visa on Arrival 59 days, free for most countries. Can extend up to 36 months via ACR I-Card ($100-300/year). However, extensions require Manila immigration visits (time-consuming). Reality: Most nomads do 2-3 month stints with visa runs in both countries (cheap but annoying). Neither has digital nomad visa (unlike Thailand DTV 5 years). Best workaround: Rotate between PH/Indonesia every 2 months.
Philippines is 30% cheaper. Budget comparison (monthly): Philippines: Manila $600 ($300 rent studio + $300 food/transport), Dumaguete $450 (cheapest), Siargao $550 (surf town), Cebu $650. Indonesia: Bali Canggu $800 ($400 villa + $400 food), Ubud $550, Seminyak $900, Jakarta $700. Key differences: PH rent 30% cheaper, PH food $1-2 (vs Bali $2-3), PH beer $1 (vs Bali $2-3), PH coworking $50/month (vs Bali $100-150). However, Bali offers better VALUE: Superior internet (100Mbps vs PH 20-50Mbps), more reliable power, established coworking scene. Absolute cheapest: Dumaguete, Philippines ($450/month). Best value: Ubud, Bali ($550/month + infrastructure + culture).
Bali/Canggu wins overall: Established nomad community (Dojo, Outpost coworking), world-class surfing, yoga capital (Ubud), Hindu temples/culture, best infrastructure (internet, power). Manila wins for: English-speaking, cheapest big city ($600/month), most job opportunities, nightlife, variety. Siargao wins for: Surf paradise (Cloud 9), island lifestyle, cheapest beach town ($550), emerging nomad scene. Ubud wins for: Yoga/wellness retreat capital, rice terraces, art scene, spiritual vibe. Best for: Nomad community (Canggu), Surfing (Siargao), English (Manila), Budget (Dumaguete $450), Culture (Ubud). Tax: Same rates (5-35%) all cities. Choose Canggu for work-focused nomad life. Choose Siargao for surf + laptop lifestyle. Choose Manila for English + city amenities.