Which place is cheaper, Manila or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Manila?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Manila can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Manila?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.
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Abu Dhabi Prices
UAE PricesManila Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $197Manila $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $197, while the average daily cost in Manila is $103. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Abu Dhabi and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Manila $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Manila $106
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Manila? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Manila $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer (Within Abu Dhabi Only): $19
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Transfer To Abu Dhabi Airport: $26
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Any Hotel in UAE: $27
- Transfer Abu Dhabi City Center to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $29
- Transfer: Abu Dhabi Airport(AUH) to Abu Dhabi City Center: $29
- Abu Dhabi Airport Departure Transfer (Abu Dhabi Hotels to Abu Dhabi Airport): $32
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket with Transfers Option: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $35
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi city: $38
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $21
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $22
- Private Transfer from Manila City Hotels to Manila Cruise Port: $22
- Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City: $30
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
- Manila Airport Transfer: $37
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
- Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $40
- Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Private Transfer from Clark Airport (CRK) to Subic Bay Port: $45
- Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Abu Dhabi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $78Manila $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $25
- Dubai Marina Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment: $38
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $46
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari Tour with Shows & Buffet Dinner: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $70
- Abu Dhabi 4x4 Desert Safari BBQ Dinner , Camel Ride , Belly Dance: $75
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with BBQ Dinner & Shows: $81
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with Camel Ride and Dinner: $84
- Dune Dinner Safari Abu Dhabi: $98
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
- Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $62
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
- Chinatown Food Tour in Manila with Mari: $80
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $99
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145
- Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Manila $19
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Qasr Al Hosn Entry Ticket: $8.17
- Fast-Track Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Hosn: $8.37
- Qasr Al Hosn Skip the Line Tickets: $13
- Qasar Al Hosn Abu Dhabi Entry Tickets: $13
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $16
- Qasr al Hosn Entrance Ticket: $16
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $16
- Qasr Al Watan Entry Ticket in Abu Dhabi: $17
- Admission Ticket to Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi: $17
- Tickets to Qasr Al Watan & Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi: $17
- Skip the Line Ticket to Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi : $17
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Guided Tour of the Historic San Sebastian Basilica (Manila): $6.42
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $18
- Intramuros Manila Walking Tour: $27
- Intramuros Walking Tour in Manila: $27
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $40
- Intramuros Historical Walking Tour: $40
- Binondo Chinatown Guided Walking Tour: $42
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $42
- Tondo, smokey mountain, and ugbo park Guided Tour: $43
- Intramuros Walled City Guided Walking Tour: $44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Manila $9.62
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Manila, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Manila is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Manila would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manila and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Manila.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Manila, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Manila?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Manila in the Summer?
Both Manila and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Manila. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Abu Dhabi can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Manila. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 35°C (95°F), and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Manila in the Autumn?
Both Manila and Abu Dhabi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in October than Manila. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Manila in the autumn. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Manila in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Manila. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Abu Dhabi is cooler than Manila. Typically, the winter temperatures in Abu Dhabi in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Manila averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Manila in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Manila. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in April than Manila. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 27°C (81°F), and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.