Which place is cheaper, Manila or Bali?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Bali 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 Bali and Manila can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Bali or Manila?
Bali
Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.
Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.
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 Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.
-
Bali Prices
Indonesia PricesManila Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBali $79Manila $99
The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $79, while the average daily cost in Manila is $99. 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 Bali and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBali $37Manila $51
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBali $74Manila $102
Compare Hotels in Bali and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Bali 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: Bali Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bali $8.07Manila $13
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:
-
Motorbike Rental$2.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:
- Private Airport Transfer: Densapar City → DPS Airport: $8.88
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport Jimbaran and Uluwatu: $16
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Jimbaran and Uluwatu Hotel: $16
- Private Bali Transfer & Costumize Day trip: $18
- Denpasar Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $25
- Denpasar Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $25
- Premium SUV Bali Airport Departure Private Transfer: $29
- Bali Sea Walker Under Water Experience With Hotel Transfer: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Hotel: $33
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Bali Airport: $33
- Ubud ATV Quad Bike Ticket And Transfer: $34
- Devdan Treasure of the Archipelago Show with Transfer from Bali: $36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
- Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $28
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $28
- Private Airport Transfer: Metro Manila → NAIA Airport (MNL): $30
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
- Manila Airport Transfer: $38
- Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
- Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Bali or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Bali 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 dayBali $32Manila $29
Typical Food Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:
-
Coffee$1.11
-
Lunch for Two$12
-
Bali Cafe for Two$24
-
Lunch for Two$7.21
-
Lunch for 2$7.99
-
Dinner for 2$8.76
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.
- Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset: $30
- Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran beach: $38
- Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $41
- Nusa Dua: Bali Cooking Class Spice Herb Garden Visit-Free Pick Up: $42
- Bali's Best Sunset: Uluwatu Kecak Dance & Dinner Jimbaran Beach: $50
- Spice Garden, Jamu & Cooking Class in Bali Village: $55
- Kekeb Cooking Class at Nusa Dua: $55
- Bali Famous Beach, Kecak Dance, Uluwatu Temple, Sunset, Dinner: $65
- Highlights Padang - Padang, Melasti Beach & Jimbaran Dinner: $65
- Bali Street Food Tour: $65
- Snorkeling tour at blue lagoon and cooking class at local village.: $66
- Sidemen Cooking Class: $77
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $60
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $60
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
- Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
- Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $105
- A taste of Manila's History & Filipino Culture with Buffet Dinner: $175
- Subic: Sunset Dinner Yacht Cruise from Manila & Clark: $212
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bali $9.68Manila $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:
-
Spa for Two$48
-
Snorkelling Trip$11
-
Cooking School$25
Tours and Activities in Bali
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:
- Skip-the-Line: Uluwatu Kecak Dance Ticket (First Session): $9.08
- Tickets for the Kecak Dance Performance at Uluwatu Temple: $11
- Kecak and Fire Dance Ticket at Uluwatu Temple: $12
- Kecak Fire Dance Performance Ticket Karang Boma at Uluwatu: $12
- Secret Comedy Night Bali Ticket: $12
- Tickets for the Kecak Dance Performance at Melasti Beach: $14
- Uluwatu Kecak Tickets A Spectacular Show: $18
- Best Full Day Of Ubud Private Guided Tour: $19
- Bali Jetski Watersport Nusa Dua Beach Experience: $20
- Private ATV Quad Bike Guided Adventure in Ubud: $23
- Bali Full Day Uluwatu Highlights Tour: $23
- Ultimate Ubud Experience All Inclusive Private Day Tour: $23
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
- Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
- Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
- Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
- The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $30
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $30
- Manila night cruise, night life, foodie tour and 3d theather: $32
- Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $39
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBali $2.86Manila $9.29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Manila, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Bali.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bali Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bali or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali 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 Bali or Manila in the Summer?
Both Manila and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Bali is April to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Manila. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Bali is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bali in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Manila averages at about 27°C (80°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBali 27°C (81°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Bali or Manila in the Autumn?
Both Manila and Bali during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in October than Manila. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Bali is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 27°C (81°F), and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBali 27°C (81°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Bali or Manila in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali. In January, Bali usually receives more rain than Manila. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Bali is around the same temperature as Manila in the winter. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBali 26°C (79°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Bali or Manila in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bali as well as Manila. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. Bali usually gets more rain in April than Manila. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Bali is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bali in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Manila averages at about 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBali 27°C (81°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Bali
| Bali | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 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.