Which place is cheaper, Manila or Mandalay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Mandalay or Manila?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Mandalay or Manila, 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 Manila?
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.
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 Eco Tours in Philippines, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMandalay $15Manila $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Mandalay is $15, 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 Mandalay and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMandalay $8.65Manila $55
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMandalay $17Manila $110
Compare Hotels in Mandalay and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Mandalay 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: Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mandalay -Manila $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mandalay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mandalay:
- Private Mandalay Airport Transfer: $27
- Inle [Heho] Airport Private Transfer : $46
- Airport Transfer, Paleik Snake Pagoda, a little bit of Bagan and to AVA: $50
- Private Land Transfer : Mandalay to Bagan: $139
- Mandalay To Bagan Transfer Tour: $150
- Private Transfer Of Mandalay To Bagan: $150
- From Private Transfer to Bagan: $150
- Around Mandalay in 2 Day and Next Day to Transfer Bagan: $200
- Inle Lake Land transfer from Mandalay: $213
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 Mandalay or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila 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 $5.95Manila $18
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
- Bamboo Bike Food Tour: $42
- Bicycle Food Tour in Mandalay: $45
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
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mandalay -Manila $20
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
- Morning Cycling Tour in Mandalay: $35
- Private Tour in Mandalay and Amarapura: $41
- Private Full-Day Mandalay Heritage Charter Car Tour: $45
- Mandalay Half-Day Tour: $45
- Half-Day Private Tour to Mingun: $48
- Mandalay Half-Day Sightseeing: $53
- Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: $53
- Mandalay Full-Day Tour: $60
- Mandalay Fullday Sightseeing: $65
- Half day to Mandalay city tour: $65
- Private Full-Day Sightseeing Tour: $65
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
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- ⭐ Makati Bar Hopping Tour with Venus ⭐: $27
- Intramuros Historical Walk Tour: $27
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $32
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- 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 dayMandalay -Manila $9.97
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mandalay and Manila, we can see that Manila 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 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 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 Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mandalay or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Mandalay. When comparing the sizes of Mandalay 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.
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.