Which place is cheaper, Manila or Alexandria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Alexandria 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 Alexandria and Manila can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Alexandria or Manila?
Alexandria
There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.
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 Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlexandria $16Manila $93
The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $16, while the average daily cost in Manila is $93. 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 Alexandria and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlexandria $7.92Manila $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlexandria $16Manila $108
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Alexandria 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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Alexandria $2.46Manila $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:
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Taxi to Train Station$0.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:
- Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
- Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $22
- Alexandria Airport Arrival Transfer: $24
- Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
- Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
- Private Transfer around El Nouzha Airport (ALY) in Alexandria: $63
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo/Giza Hotels or Cairo./Giza to Alexandr: $65
- Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
- Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
- From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
- Private Pick Up Transfers From Alexandria To Cairo: $130
- Private transfer from Luxor to Alexandria: $244
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Full On 5-7 hours ATV Adventure Rivers-Mountains-Jungle with Transfers Manila: $280
- Active Taal Volcano experience 2024 (with transfers): $140
- Adventure Awaits: Spelunking at Cavinti Cave Complex w/ Transfers: $160
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Day Hike Mt. Batulao 811 meters with transfers from Manila** 2024: $130
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- Half Day Historical Manila City tour and much more with transfers: $70
- Manila Airport (MNL): One-way Private Transfers: $57
- Manila Airport Transfer: $37
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
- Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $9.80
- Nagpatong Rock Day hike + Tungtong Falls(with transfers**) 2023: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Alexandria 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 dayAlexandria $6.39Manila $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.
- Half-Day Food Tour in Alexandria, Egypt: $35
- Alexandria Food Tour: $50
- From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Manila Night Market and food tour Experience: $58
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $64
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $69
- Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $82
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Alexandria $3.46Manila $19
Tours and Activities in Alexandria
Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Alexandria Library Entry Tickets With Pickup and Drop Off: $3.80
- Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket : $3.80
- Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $3.80
- Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Tickets : $3.80
- Skip The Line Entry Ticket to Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria: $4.26
- Entry Ticket To The Citadel of Qaitbay: $4.26
- Skip The Line Entry Ticket to the Roman Theater in Alexandria: $4.26
- Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa Entry Tickets: $4.26
- Skip The Line Bibliotheca Alexandria Entry Ticket: $4.26
- Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Qaitbay Citadel Entry Ticket: $5.70
- Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Ticket: $5.70
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
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- ⭐ Makati Bar Hopping Tour with Venus ⭐: $27
- Intramuros Historical Walk Tour: $27
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $33
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $35
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $43
- ⭐ Intramuros The Walled City Walking Tour ⭐: $46
- ⭐ Authentic Manila Chinatown Experience ⭐: $46
- Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlexandria $1.33Manila $9.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Manila, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alexandria is in Africa 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 Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Manila would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manila than you might in Alexandria.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alexandria Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria or Manila in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Manila. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Alexandria is around the same temperature as Manila in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlexandria 26°C (79°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Manila in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Manila. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Manila. Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Manila. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Alexandria is cooler than Manila. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Manila averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlexandria 22°C (72°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Manila in the Winter?
Both Manila and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Manila. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Alexandria is generally much colder than Manila. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 13°C (55°F), and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlexandria 13°C (55°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Alexandria or Manila in the Spring?
Both Manila and Alexandria during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Manila. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Alexandria is much colder than Manila in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlexandria 19°C (66°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Alexandria
| Alexandria | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 50 mm (2 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.