A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aqaba vs. Manila for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Aqaba or Manila?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Manila, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Aqaba or Manila?

Aqaba

Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.

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 Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, Manila or Aqaba?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, while the average daily cost in Manila is $94. 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 Aqaba and Manila in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Manila $55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Manila $110
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Manila

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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.

Hotels in Aqaba


Hotels in Manila


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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Manila $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Aqaba Airport transfer to Aqaba City: $25
  • Transfer From Aqaba Airport to Aqaba City Or TalaBay: $25
  • Private Transfer: Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $27
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Arava Border: $27
  • Snorkeling in The Red Sea With Equipment And Free Transfer: $29
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba City Hotels: $36
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Port to King Hussein Airport (AQJ): $36
  • Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ)to Aqaba Port : $36
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba city hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $36
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Hotels to Aqaba Cruise Port: $40
  • Private Transfer from Aqaba Cruise Port to Aqaba hotels: $40
  • Private Transfer from King Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba Port: $40

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 Aqaba or Manila?

Prices for flights to both Manila and Aqaba 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aqaba $42
    Manila $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.

  • Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
  • Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $64
  • 4 hour desert jeep tour with overnight in beduin camp including dinner&breakfast: $85
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
  • 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner Under the Stars: $135
  • From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
  • From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185

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
  • Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $63
  • ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $63
  • 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: $75
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $81
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
  • Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Manila $20

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Turgut camp with tour: $15
  • 3-Hour Shore Dive or Snorkel Experiences in Aqaba: $30
  • Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
  • Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
  • 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
  • Full Day Private Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum: $36
  • Discover Aqaba in Style: A 3-h City Tour by Car with meal: $37
  • Walking Tour History ,Culture & Food: $37
  • Jeep Tours in Wadi Rum with Bedouin Guide 2,3,4,5 hours | Magic Bedouin Star: $38
  • Mosaic Art Experience: $38
  • 4-hour sunset tour of desert highlights: $40

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: $32
  • Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $43
  • ⭐ Intramuros The Walled City Walking Tour ⭐: $45
  • ⭐ Authentic Manila Chinatown Experience ⭐: $46
  • Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Manila $9.97


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Manila, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba 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 Aqaba Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Manila?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Manila in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba 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, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Manila. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The heat can be very extreme in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba is a little warmer than Manila. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aqaba in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Manila averages at about 27°C (80°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aqaba 33°C (91°F) 
    Manila 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Manila in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Manila. Aqaba 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. Aqaba usually gets less rain in October than Manila. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Aqaba is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 26°C (79°F), and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aqaba 26°C (79°F) 
    Manila 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Manila in the Winter?

Both Manila and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Manila. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Aqaba is much colder than Manila in the winter. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aqaba 14°C (57°F) 
    Manila 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Aqaba or Manila in the Spring?

Both Manila and Aqaba during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.

Aqaba usually gets less rain in April than Manila. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Aqaba is cooler than Manila. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aqaba in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Manila averages at about 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aqaba 24°C (75°F) 
    Manila 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Manila and Aqaba

Aqaba Manila
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 1 mm (0 in) 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in)