Which place is cheaper, Manila or Dubai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Dubai 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 Dubai and Manila can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Dubai or Manila?
Dubai
Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.
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 Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, 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 dayDubai $248Manila $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, 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 Dubai and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personDubai $170Manila $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomDubai $340Manila $110
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Dubai 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: Dubai Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Dubai $13Manila $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:
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Taxi Ride$12
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Airport Taxi$12
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Sea Taxi$0.54
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai
Also for Dubai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Global Village Dubai Skip the Line Tickets with Transfer Option: $9.15
- Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): Transfer to/from Dubai Al Jafiliya: $9.53
- Global Village Dubai Ticket with Optional transfer: $10
- Global Village Dubai Tickets with Transfers Option: $11
- Private Dubai Airport Transfer DXB to Anywhere in Dubai: $13
- Shared Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Aquaventure/Lost Chamber: $18
- Sharing Transfers from Dubai Hotels to Dubai Mall (Burj Khalifa, VR Parks, DAUZ): $18
- Dubai Frame Ticket with Optional Transfer: $19
- Airport Transfers to/from all Terminals: $19
- Dubai Global Village All Days Ticket With Shared Transfer: $20
- Dubai Frame Entry Ticket With Optional Transfer: $20
- Dubai Frame Admission Ticket with Transfer Option: $20
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 Dubai or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Dubai 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 dayDubai $56Manila $18
Typical Food Prices in Dubai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:
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French bread$0.95
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Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice$10
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Lemon Mint Tea$4.36
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Coffee & Cake$6.54
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Smoothie$5.45
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Shawarma$1.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
- Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $14
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
- Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $14
- 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
- Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
- Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
- Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
- Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
- Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19
- Dhow Cruise Dinner Creek: $19
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.Dubai $19Manila $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai
For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Visit to the Dubai Museum$0.82
Tours and Activities in Dubai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dubai.
- Tourist eSIM/SIM Card with Data and Minutes: $2.49
- Dubai Guided Old Town Tour, Abra Boat, Gold & Spice Souk: $4.63
- Ticket to Muséum of the futuré: $5.30
- Global Village Entry Ticket: $6.13
- Burj Khalifa, Dubai Hidden Gems - Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.34
- 4G Data Roaming eSIM Card for Tourists: $7.22
- Small-Group Premium Old Town, Souk, & Abra Boat Tour: $7.62
- Old Town Walking Tour with Souks, Abra Ride & Snacks: $8.00
- Old Walking tour with Boat ride, Souks and Museums: $8.17
- Old Dubai, Walking Tour, Souk Shopping, and Abra Ride: $8.85
- Pearl Merchants and Palm Trees: A Self-Guided Tour of Sharjah: $8.99
- Dubai Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
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 dayDubai $23Manila $9.97
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:
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A Couple Drinks$25
Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dubai:
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tours: $66
- Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Manila, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Dubai or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai 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 Dubai or Manila in the Summer?
Both Manila and Dubai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
June to August is the dry season in Dubai. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Manila. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's very hot in Dubai this time of the year. Dubai is a little warmer than Manila in the summer. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyDubai 35°C (95°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Manila in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Manila. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Dubai is a little warmer than Manila. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dubai in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Manila averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberDubai 29°C (84°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Manila in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Manila. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
January to March in Dubai is the rainy season. Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Manila. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Dubai is generally cooler than Manila. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 19°C (66°F), and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryDubai 19°C (66°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Dubai or Manila in the Spring?
Both Manila and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai 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 Dubai is June to August. In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Manila. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Dubai is cooler than Manila in the spring. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 26°C (79°F) in April, and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilDubai 26°C (79°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Dubai
| Dubai | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°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.