Which place is cheaper, Boracay or Mandalay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Mandalay or Boracay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mandalay or Boracay, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Mandalay or Boracay?
Mandalay
Located in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) on the banks of the Irawaddy River, Mandalay is the nation's second largest city behind Yangon. It is centered on the restored Royal Palace and has a large population of Buddhist monks who frequent the city's many temples and monasteries.
Boracay
A small island in the Philippines known for its resorts and beaches, Boracay is a little escape. Each beach has its own unique character, each with new treasures waiting to be discovered.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Philippines, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Philippines.
-
Mandalay Prices
Myanmar PricesBoracay Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMandalay $19Boracay $61
The average daily cost (per person) in Mandalay is $19, while the average daily cost in Boracay is $61. 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 Mandalay and Boracay in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMandalay $8.65Boracay $21
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMandalay $17Boracay $42
Compare Hotels in Mandalay and Boracay
Looking for a hotel in Mandalay or Boracay? 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: Boracay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mandalay -Boracay $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mandalay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mandalay:
- Around Mandalay in 2 Day and Next Day to Transfer Bagan: $200
- Bagan Land Transfer form Mandalay: $103
- From Mandalay To Kalaw-NyaungShwe-Inle Lake Private Transfer: $230
- Inle [Heho] Airport Private Transfer : $46
- Mandalay Airport Private Transfer: $55
- Private Land Transfer : Mandalay to Bagan: $139
- Private Mandalay Airport Transfer: $27
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boracay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boracay:
- Airport Transfer to Boracay Semi Private: $39
- Boracay Adventures Transfer Services Via Caticlan: $45
- Boracay Transfer Caticlan/Kalibo Airport(MPH/KLO) w/ All Fee: $15
- Boracay to Caticlan Airport (MPH) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
- Boracay to Caticlan Airport (MPH) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
- Poseidon Spa Experience with Round-Trip Transfers: $119
- Private Executive Speedboat Transfer Service: $361
- Private Transfer from Caticlan Airport to Boracay: $49
- Roundtrip Transfer and Island Hopping Tour: $85
- Shared Transfer from/to MPH for Domestic Passports: $36
- Speedboat and Van Airport Transfer: $25
- Caticlan Airport (MPH) to Boracay - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Mandalay or Boracay?
Prices for flights to both Boracay and Mandalay 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 dayMandalay $10Boracay $23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mandalay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mandalay.
- Myanmar traditional cooking class with local: $26
- Bicycle Food Tour in Mandalay: $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boracay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boracay.
- Native Delicacies Cooking Class: $19
- Filipino Cooking Class with Local Instructor: $41
- Boracay Private Island-Hopping Tour and Buffet Dinner: $78
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mandalay -Boracay $14
Tours and Activities in Mandalay
Here are a few actual costs in Mandalay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- A Little Adventure Village Explore: $17
- Private Tour in Mandalay and Amarapura: $41
- Mandalay Bike 'n Bite Tour: $45
- Adventure to Dee Dote Waterfalls from Mandalay: $63
- Mandalay Half-Day Sightseeing: $65
- One Day Tour Of Mandalay,Sagaing,Innwa,Amarapura: $70
- Ancient City Tour in Mandalay: $70
- Mandalay Half-Day Tour: $70
- Amarapura,Sagging,Innwa/Ava Sightseeing: $75
- Private Tour for Amarapura, Mingun, Sagaing and Inwa (AVA): $77
- Private Full Day Mandalay City Tour With Professional Guide: $80
- Mandalay Fullday Sightseeing: $80
Tours and Activities in Boracay
Here are a few actual costs in Boracay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Crystal Kayak Photo-op Experience: $5.94
- Boracay - Crystal Kayak phot-op Experience: $8.48
- Banana Boat Adventure: $9.92
- Flying Donut Water Tubing Experience: $14
- Sunset Cruise with Water Activities: $15
- Boracay Land Tour (Daytime/Sunset): Willy Rock, Keyhole..etc: $15
- Boracay Sunset Cruise: $16
- Boracay UFO Ride Adventure: $17
- Boracay UFO Adventure: $17
- All-Terrain Vehicle or Buggy Car Experience: $17
- Boracay Island Hopping+Water Slide+Buffet+Beach+Kawa DayTour: $19
- Island and Beach-Hopping Boat Tour with Snorkeling: $19
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMandalay -Boracay $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mandalay and Boracay, we can see that Boracay is more expensive. And not only is Mandalay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mandalay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mandalay 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 Boracay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boracay than you might in Mandalay.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mandalay Expensive? and Is Boracay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mandalay or Boracay?
Mandalay has a larger population, and is about 530 times larger than the population of Boracay. When comparing the sizes of Mandalay and Boracay, 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.
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.