Which place is cheaper, Manila or Hanoi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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: Hanoi or Manila?
Hanoi
Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.
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 Adventure Tours to Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam, The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHanoi $49Manila $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Hanoi is $49, 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 Hanoi and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHanoi $25Manila $55
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHanoi $50Manila $110
Compare Hotels in Hanoi and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Hanoi 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: Hanoi Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hanoi $6.89Manila $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
-
Taxi to Bus Station$1.20
-
Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.20
-
Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.40
-
Short Taxi Ride$1.36
-
Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Amazing Hanoi Private TransferTaxi-Cheap Vietnam SimCard Internet: $6.90
- Hanoi Private Car Airport Transfer To Hotel: $7.15
- Hanoi Private Departure Transfer: City Center Hotel to Airport: $8.00
- Noi Bai International Airport Private Transfer: $8.17
- Noi Bai Airport Transfer Service: $8.54
- Private Noi Bai International Airport Transfer: $11
- Private Transfer from Hanoi Airport HAN to Old Quarter : $13
- Hanoi Airport: Private Transfer: $14
- Bus transfer Ha Noi - Cat Ba: $14
- Hanoi Airport and Hanoi City Private Transfer: $14
- Nội Bài International Airport Private Transfer: $14
- Private Noi Bai International Airport Transfer: $14
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 Hanoi or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Hanoi 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 dayHanoi $13Manila $18
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
-
High End Dinner (for Two)$12
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.39
-
Bowl of Pho$0.80
-
Italian Dinner (for Food)$6.19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $5.00
- Private Traditional Vietnamese Food Cooking Class in Hanoi : $5.00
- Hanoi free food tour - Old Quarter food walking tour: $5.00
- Street Food Tour (Group/Individual): $5.11
- Hanoi Street Food Tour Visit Train Street Add Old Quarter: $19
- Hanoi local street food tour: $20
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $20
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $22
- Hanoi street food tour small group tour: $22
- Ngon ngon & Authentic Hanoi Food Tour: $23
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Vietnamese Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $23
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
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $81
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hanoi $8.51Manila $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Puppet Theater$1.60
-
The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.60
-
National History Museum$1.60
-
Puppet Theater Ticket$2.80
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bus Ticket Cat Ba - Hanoi ( Bus+ Ferry ) - Best Selling: $0.02
- Culture Exchange with Free Private Tour Guide: $3.58
- Skip the Line: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Entrance Tickets: $4.90
- Sightseeing Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
- Private Walking Tour of Hanoi City: $5.00
- Half Day Hanoi Old Quarter Private Walking Tour : $5.00
- Street Food Walking Tour in Hanoi: $5.00
- Early Morning Tour | Free Private Tour Guide: $5.11
- CUSTOMIZED Walking tour (Evening): $5.11
- Museum Tour - Unveiling Stories of the Past: $5.11
- Old Quarter Private Walking Tour: $5.11
- From Duong Lam Ancient Village Tour: $5.11
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
- Intramuros Historical Walk Tour: $27
- ⭐ Makati Bar Hopping Tour with Venus ⭐: $27
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $33
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Intramuros Manila Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $35
- 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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHanoi $7.70Manila $9.97
Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Hanoi Beer and Brewery Tour: $48
- Pub Crawl Party & Hanoi's nightlife: $65
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hanoi and Manila, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Hanoi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hanoi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hanoi 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 Hanoi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hanoi Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hanoi or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hanoi. When comparing the sizes of Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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 Hanoi or Manila in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hanoi and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hanoi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Manila. Hanoi gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Hanoi is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hanoi in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Manila averages at about 27°C (80°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHanoi 29°C (84°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Manila in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hanoi as well as Manila. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
Also, November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Manila. Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hanoi usually gets less rain in October than Manila. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Hanoi is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Hanoi average around 25°C (77°F), and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHanoi 25°C (77°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Manila in the Winter?
Both Manila and Hanoi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Hanoi usually receives less rain than Manila. Hanoi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Hanoi is cooler than Manila in the winter. The daily temperature in Hanoi averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHanoi 17°C (63°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Hanoi or Manila in the Spring?
Both Manila and Hanoi during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
November to April is the dry season in Hanoi. May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. Hanoi usually gets more rain in April than Manila. Hanoi gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Hanoi is cooler than Manila. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hanoi in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Manila averages at about 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHanoi 24°C (75°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Hanoi
| Hanoi | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.