Which place is cheaper, Manila or Bucharest?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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: Bucharest or Manila?
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines.
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Bucharest Prices
Romania PricesManila Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBucharest $173Manila $102
The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $173, while the average daily cost in Manila is $102. 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 Bucharest and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBucharest $60Manila $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBucharest $120Manila $104
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Bucharest 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: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bucharest $25Manila $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:
- Express Transfer to Therme Bucuresti: $14
- Therme Bucharest Express Shuttle Transfer: $15
- Bucharest Private Airport Transfer from or to City Center Hotel: $21
- Bucharest Airport Transfer: $21
- Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Tecuci: $22
- Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Barlad: $24
- Bucharest Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Vaslui OMV: $26
- Bucharest Otopeni Airport OTP to Bucharest City Center Hotel - private transfer: $26
- Bucharest Airport Transfers: $26
- Transfer from Otopeni Henri Coandă Airport to Bucharest or Back: $26
- Bucharest Private Airport Transfer: $26
- Transfer from Otopeni Airport to Bucharest: $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $120
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $63
- Manila Airport (MNL): One-way Private Transfers: $58
- Manila Airport Transfer: $38
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
- Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City: $30
- Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $39
- NAIA Airport Transfer to/from anywhere in Metro Manila: $18
- Nagpatong Rock Day hike + Tungtong Falls(with transfers**) 2023: $130
Is it cheaper to fly into Bucharest or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Bucharest 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 dayBucharest $97Manila $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.
- Dinner &tour at Museum of Communism after closing: $48
- 5 Premium Wine Tasting with Delightful Dinner,incl Sommelier: $71
- Bucharest Historical Food Tour in Old Center: $79
- Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $79
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $81
- Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours: $83
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $91
- Private Bucharest Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $125
- 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $194
- Bucharest City Tour & Traditional Home-made Cooking Experience: $221
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: $62
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
- 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
- Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bucharest $14Manila $19
Tours and Activities in Bucharest
Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bucharest Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.23
- Bucharest Old Town Secrets Self-Guided Tour and Exploration Game: $5.76
- Ghost Hunt Quest Experience: $5.81
- Life in Communist Quest Experience: $5.81
- Bucharest 1989 Revolution Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.13
- Bucharest 1989 Revolution Walking Tour with Smartphone App: $6.15
- Entry ticket at the Museum of Communism: $8.32
- Museum of Communism Ticket with Communist Coffee: $9.24
- Reptiland Bucharest Entry Ticket: $10
- Museum of Senses Entry Ticket: $10
- Alternative Bucharest Walking Tour: $11
- The Essential Tour: $13
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
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- A Step Back in Time: Intramuros Walking tour: $27
- Intramuros Walking Tour in Manila: $27
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $30
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $30
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Intramuros, National Museum, and Chinatownn 6hrsTour: $36
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- Intramuros Historical Walking Tour: $40
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $41
- Walls of History: Exploring Intramuros’ Secrets Guided Tour: $44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBucharest $8.82Manila $9.56
Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest
Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Weekend Pub Crawl: $23
- Romanian Wine Tasting Experience at Corks: $27
- Bachelor Party Custom Bar Crawl: $36
- Bucharest Guided Pub Crawl: $37
- Bar Crawling: $42
- Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $45
- Private Wine Tasting Experience: $53
- Pub Crawling in Style to the Most Fancy Bars, Drinks Incl.: $56
- Wine Tasting in Bucharest long version: $65
- Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $81
- From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $86
- Wine Tasting and Cheese Platter, Along with Expert Sommelier: $86
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Manila, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bucharest 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest 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 Bucharest Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Bucharest. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Manila?
Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Manila in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Manila. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the summer, Bucharest is cooler than Manila. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Manila averages at about 27°C (80°F).
Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Manila. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBucharest 23°C (73°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Manila in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Manila. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
In October, Bucharest is generally much colder than Manila. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Manila. Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Manila. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBucharest 13°C (55°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Manila in the Winter?
Both Manila and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Bucharest can be very cold during winter. Bucharest is much colder than Manila in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
In January, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Manila. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBucharest -1°C (29°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Manila in the Spring?
Both Manila and Bucharest during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
In the spring, Bucharest is much colder than Manila. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Manila averages at about 29°C (84°F).
Bucharest usually gets more rain in April than Manila. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBucharest 12°C (54°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Bucharest
| Bucharest | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (29°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (44°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.