Which place is cheaper, Manila or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai 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: Chiang Mai or Manila?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, 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 dayChiang Mai $45Manila $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, 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 Chiang Mai and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Manila $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Manila $110
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.63Manila $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.09
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Moped Rental$4.91
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service Chiang Mai HTL-APT(CNX): $5.30
- Try find your better than us!Airport transfer service in Chiang Mai APT-HTL(CNX): $5.30
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Transfer to Hotel Or From Hotel To Airport : $5.41
- Chiang Mai Private Car :Airport To Hotel transfer (one way) : $7.47
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Private Transfer: $8.00
- Private Airport Transfer in Chiang Mai to/from Chiangmai Town: $8.87
- Chiang Mai Airport Private Departure Transfers: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): $11
- Chiang Mai Airport (CNX): One-Way Private Transfer: $12
- Chiang Mai Airport Departure – Private Transfer from Hotel to Airport: $13
- Chiang Mai Shared Arrival or Departure Transfer: $14
- Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Arrival Shared Transfer: $15
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
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- Adventure Awaits: Spelunking at Cavinti Cave Complex w/ Transfers: $160
- Active Taal Volcano experience 2024 (with transfers): $140
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Nagpatong Rock Day hike + Tungtong Falls(with transfers**) 2023: $130
- Day Hike Mt. Batulao 811 meters with transfers from Manila** 2024: $130
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Paranaque Private Transfer: $120
- ⭐ Manila International Airport Car Transfer To & From City⭐: $72
- Half Day Historical Manila City tour and much more with transfers: $70
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $68
- Manila Airport (MNL): One-way Private Transfers: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Chiang Mai or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Chiang Mai 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 dayChiang Mai $10Manila $18
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.32
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
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Casual Breakfast$1.09
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.46
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Mangoes$0.82
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Coffee$1.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Morning Cooking Class in Organic Garden | Chiang Mai: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit: $24
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $24
- Private Virtual Thai Cooking Class: $25
- Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
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.Chiang Mai $13Manila $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$35
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.64
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Kratong Lessons$2.73
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Pedicure$4.09
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.91
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- Scavenger Hunt City Tour for Your Smartphone: $7.65
- Chiang Mai Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Art in Paradise Illusion Museum Entry Ticket: $11
- Mae Ping River Cruise: $12
- Old City and Temples Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Local Food and Markets Guided Walking Tour: $14
- Skip the Line: Chiang Mai Art in Paradise Admission Ticket: $14
- Tweechol Botanic Garden Half Day Adventure : $14
- Chiang Mai Old City & Temples Guided Walking Tour - 2 Hrs: $15
- Chiang Mai Michelin Food Walking Tour with Professional Tour Guide: $15
- Circuit Karting Experience at Chiang Mai Circuit - Go Kart: $16
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
- Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $188
- Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $72
- Corregidor daytour Via Manila to Bataan: $298
- Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $80
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- From 4-Day Sagada and Banaue Rice Terraces Tour: $338
- From Day Tour to Enchanting Hidden Valley: $160
- From Majestic Pagsanjan Falls Adventure: $160
- From Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour: $106
- From Panoramic Tagaytay Ridge Tour: $150
- From Taal Volcano Island & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour: $135
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.76Manila $9.97
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$2.73
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Bars & Pubs in Chiang Mai!: $9.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Manila, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chiang Mai. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai or Manila?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Manila in the Summer?
Both Manila and Chiang Mai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
June to September is the rainy season in Chiang Mai. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in July than Manila. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Chiang Mai is generally a little warmer than Manila. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 30°C (86°F), and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Manila in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Chiang Mai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Chiang Mai usually receives less rain than Manila. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Manila in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 29°C (83°F) in October, and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Manila in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Manila. Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai is the dry season. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in January than Manila. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chiang Mai in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Manila averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Manila in the Spring?
Both Manila and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. In April, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Manila. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Chiang Mai can become quite hot in the spring. In April, Chiang Mai is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 31°C (88°F), and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.