Which place is cheaper, Manila or Bangkok?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bangkok or Manila?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Manila can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Bangkok or Manila?
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
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 Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, 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 dayBangkok $76Manila $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $76, 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 Bangkok and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBangkok $41Manila $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBangkok $82Manila $110
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Bangkok 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: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bangkok $5.77Manila $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.18
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Skytrain Ticket$4.36
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.87
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Ferry Ride$0.71
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Taxi From Airport$6.82
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Short Taxi Ride$2.45
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Boat Taxi$1.36
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Trains to airport$4.36
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Suvarnabhumi Airport Bus transfer to/from Bangkok: $4.06
- Bus transfer from/to Suvarnabhumi Airport: $4.99
- Ayothaya Floating Market Admission Ticket with Transfer(Optional): $8.31
- Airport BKK||DMK : Private car Transfer to downtowns Bangkok: $12
- Bangkok Airport Arrival – Shared Transfer: $14
- Bangkok International Airport - Departure Transfer: $15
- Bangkok International Airport - Arrival Transfer: $17
- Private Bangkok Airport Transfer: $17
- Departure Private Transfer Bangkok City to Bangkok Airport BKK or DMK by Sedan: $17
- Arrival Private Transfer Bangkok Airport BKK or DMK to Bangkok City by Sedan Car: $17
- Bangkok Don Muang Airport Shared Transfer : $18
- Arrival Private Transfer Bangkok Airport BKK or DMK to Bangkok City Business MPV: $19
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 Bangkok or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Bangkok 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 dayBangkok $18Manila $18
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$25
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$5.46
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.23
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.82
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$5.46
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Pad Thai$1.91
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Airport Lunch for 2$15
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Lunch for 2$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $19
- Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $20
- Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $21
- River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $23
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $24
- Chao Phraya Buffet Dinner Viva Alangka Cruise: $27
- Alangka Luxury Buffet Dinner Cruise With Live Music: $27
- Viva Alangka Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $27
- Riverside Dinner Buffet Cruise On Chao Phraya: $27
- Nopparat Thai Dinner with Classical Dance: $28
- Chao Phraya River Serenade: VIVA Alangka Dinner Cruise, Bangkok: $28
- Bangkok Riverside Dinner Buffet Cruised Tour On Chao Phraya: $28
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bangkok $16Manila $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$4.36
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$9.55
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.36
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$5.46
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Club Cover Charge$10
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$65
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Fish Pedicure$4.09
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$2.73
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Siriraj Museum (2)$11
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Thailand's Road to Democracy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $1.99
- Skip the Line: Ayutthaya Floating Market Admission Ticket: $5.33
- Skip the Line Admission Ticket: Ayutthaya Floating Market: $5.33
- Chinatown and Wat Traimit Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.00
- Skip the Line Admission Ticket of Ayothaya Floating Market: $8.31
- Pororo Aqua Park Entry Ticket: $9.46
- Skip the Line: Patpong Museum Guided Tour : $9.70
- Wat Pho Reclining Buddha Self-Guided Audio Tour (entry not incl.): $10
- Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) Self-Guided Audio Tour: $10
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Audio Guide: $10
- Grand Palace Self-Guided Walking Tour: $10
- Hua Hin Featured Day Tour (Sunday) by akGO! Tour: $11
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBangkok $5.97Manila $9.97
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.09
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- Pub Crawl and Club Night With Shots & VIP Entrance: $22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bangkok and Manila, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Bangkok much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bangkok would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bangkok 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 Bangkok.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bangkok Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bangkok. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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 Bangkok 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 Bangkok or Manila in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Manila. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Bangkok is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 29°C (84°F), and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBangkok 29°C (84°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Manila in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Manila. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Manila. Bangkok receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Manila. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Bangkok is around the same temperature as Manila in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 28°C (83°F) in October, and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBangkok 28°C (83°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Manila in the Winter?
Both Manila and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok 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 Bangkok is November to February. In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Manila. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bangkok in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Manila averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBangkok 27°C (80°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Bangkok or Manila in the Spring?
Both Manila and Bangkok during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in April than Manila. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Bangkok is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 31°C (87°F), and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBangkok 31°C (87°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Bangkok
| Bangkok | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (87°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 242 mm (9.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°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.