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

Should you visit Athens or Manila?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Manila. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Athens or Manila?

Athens

Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.

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 3-Day Tours from Athens, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, Manila or Athens?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €154, while the average daily cost in Manila is €101. 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 Athens and Manila in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Manila 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Manila 102
Compare Hotels in Athens and Manila

Looking for a hotel in Athens 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 Athens


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: Athens Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens 27
    Manila 14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    6.40
  • Metro
    1.50
  • Metro
    2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Athens Hotels To Piraeus Port-Hotels Luxury Transfer Services: $21
  • Private Transfer from Piraeus Port and Hotels to Athens: $21
  • Private transfer between Athens hotels and Piraeus Port: $22
  • From Athens Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Rafina Port: $23
  • Santorini: Private Airport and Port Transfer Service: $24
  • Private Transfer from Piraeus Port to Athens City: $25
  • Piraeus port to Athens city Private transfer: $25
  • Piraeus Port: Private One-Way Transfer to Athens City Center: $25
  • Arrival/Departure & Point to Point Transfer Services in Mykonos: $25
  • Piraeus port to Athens hotels Private arrival transfer: $26
  • Athens City to Piraeus Port Cruises Terminal Private Transfer: $26
  • Santorini Airport Private Transfer: $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • Safe and secure Airport Transfer Best in Manila: $216
  • Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
  • Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
  • Day Hike Mt. Batulao 811 meters with transfers from Manila** 2024: $130
  • Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
  • Private Transfer from Clark Airport (CRK) to Subic Bay Port: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $68
  • METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
  • Manila Airport (MNL): One-way Private Transfers: $58
  • Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $53
  • Private Transfer from Manila City Hotels to Manila Cruise Port: $53
  • Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Manila?

Prices for flights to both Manila and Athens 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
    Athens 64
    Manila 29
Typical Food Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    3.00
  • Souvlaki
    2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $25
  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Authentic Athens Food Tour: $32
  • "A Night in Dinner and Music Under the Stars": $51
  • Greek Street Food Tour: $54
  • Athens Small-Group Street Food Tour with 7 Authentic Tasting: $61
  • Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $61
  • Traditional Greek food tour in hidden spots: $61
  • ATHEN: Traditional Cooking Class incl. Drinks: $61
  • Eat like an Athenian food tour of Athens: $62
  • Traditional Cooking Classes incl. Drinks: $62
  • 6-Course Greek Dinner on a Rooftop with Wine: $67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila

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

  • Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $55
  • Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
  • 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
  • Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $65
  • Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $72
  • Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
  • Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens 36
    Manila 18

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • Self Guided Tour In Athens With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.15
  • Self Guided Walking Tour in Athens Hidden Gems: $3.15
  • A Neoclassical Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
  • Herakleidon Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: Entry Ticket: $6.20
  • Ancient Agora of Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $6.31
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus Entrance Ticket: $6.71
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus Ticket and Audio Tour: $6.71
  • Ancient Agora: Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $7.22
  • South Slope of the Acropolis audiovisual self-guided tour: $7.22
  • Athens Olympic Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $7.23
  • Athens Self Guided Interactive City Tour: $7.36
  • Neighborhood of the Gods Smarthphone GPS APP Audio Walking Tour: $7.50

Tours and Activities in Manila

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:

  • Shared Cruise Shore Excursion of Manila Old and New City Tour: $110
  • (Excursion) Day tour in Manila: $260
  • A Day in Paradise at Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Adventure: $150
  • A Full Day Tour Adventure From Manila’s History to Volcano Views: $180
  • A Step Back in Time: Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
  • Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
  • Amazing Taal Volcano Tour (Boat Included): $125
  • Antipolo Day Tour with Cloud 9 and Pinto Art Museum: $63
  • Banaue-Hapao Rice Terraces (Car Rental W/ Manila Tourist Driver): $300
  • Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $72
  • Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $85
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Manila 9.40

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:

  • The NightCrawlers | Athens Bar Hopping | Pub Crawl: $17
  • Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
  • Athens Party Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks & Nightclub Access: $19
  • Athens Party Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks & Club Access: $21
  • Thursday & Friday Night Bar Crawl in Athens, Greece: $25
  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Athens, Greece: $25
  • Small-Group Rooftop & Offbeat Night Gems Pub Crawl: $36
  • Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $41
  • Old Town Acropolis Wine Tasting: $51
  • Noble Greeks Acropolis Wine Tasting with Private Sommelier: $56
  • Wine Tasting with a Sommelier under the Acropolis: $57
  • 1 Hour Private Four Greek Wine Tasting and Food Pairing in Athens: $63


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


Which is Bigger, Athens or Manila?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Manila?

Athens has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Manila experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Manila in the Summer?

Both Manila and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.

Athens is around the same temperature as Manila in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in July than Manila. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Manila 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Athens or Manila in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Manila. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the autumn, Athens is cooler than Manila. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Manila averages at about 26°C (79°F).

Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Manila. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Manila 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Athens or Manila in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Manila. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.

In January, Athens is generally much colder than Manila. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Athens usually gets more rain in January than Manila. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Manila 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Athens or Manila in the Spring?

Both Manila and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Athens is much colder than Manila in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

In April, Athens usually receives more rain than Manila. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Manila 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Manila and Athens

Athens Manila
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in)