When it comes to building a remote tech team, the three most popular destinations are India, the Philippines, and Eastern Europe (primarily Poland, Ukraine, and Romania). Each offers distinct advantages depending on your priorities.
Cost Comparison
India offers the most competitive rates, with senior developers available at 40-60% less than US equivalents. The Philippines is similarly priced for general IT roles but has a smaller pool of specialised engineers. Eastern Europe commands premium rates — typically 20-30% less than Western Europe but significantly more than Asia.
Talent Pool Size
India dominates with 5+ million IT professionals and 1.5 million new engineering graduates annually. This means you can find specialists in virtually any technology stack. The Philippines has around 200,000 IT professionals, while Eastern Europe collectively offers about 1 million.
Our Recommendation
For most SMEs and startups looking for the optimal balance of cost, talent quality, and scalability, India remains the strongest choice — particularly cities like Gurgaon, Bangalore, and Pune that have established IT infrastructure.
