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Every year, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos leave the country to work abroad. And in 2026, three countries stand out as the most popular destinations: Japan, South Korea, and Canada.
All three are actively hiring Filipino workers. All three offer legal pathways, decent salaries, and the promise of a better life. But they are very different from each other — in terms of pay, cost of living, work culture, benefits, and long-term opportunities.
So the question that every aspiring OFW is asking right now is: which one actually pays the most?
The answer isn’t as simple as comparing salary numbers. A higher salary in one country might mean nothing if the cost of living eats it all up. A lower salary in another country might actually leave you with more money in your pocket if housing is free and expenses are low.
That’s exactly what this guide is going to break down for you.
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We’re going to compare Japan, South Korea, and Canada across every factor that matters to a Filipino worker: gross salary, take-home pay after deductions, cost of living, housing, overtime, savings potential, visa requirements, and long-term career paths.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which country is the best fit for your situation — whether your priority is maximum savings, permanent residency, or the fastest way to start earning abroad.
Let’s start with the raw numbers.
[NEXT PAGE: The Salary Comparison — What Each Country Actually Pays →]
