Which place is cheaper, Airlie Beach or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manila or Airlie Beach?
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 Manila and Airlie Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Airlie Beach?
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.
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach, in Queensland, offers the closest port to the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef. It's a small town of only 25,000 and has grown out of the area's popularity as a tourist destination. It's main industry remains tourism and, as such, there are many venues set up to accommodate travelers hoping to make trips to the Whitsunday Islands and the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The town has the feel of a vacation destination. While in the past Airlie Beach appealed specifically to the backpacker crowd, it's popularity has spread and now there are facilities catering to all travel types. The area has become more commercialized and there are plenty of large resorts to choose from. Even so, you'll still find no shortage of affordable accommodation around town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $94Airlie Beach $141
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $94, while the average daily cost in Airlie Beach is $141. 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 Manila and Airlie Beach in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $55Airlie Beach $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $110Airlie Beach $116
Compare Hotels in Manila and Airlie Beach
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Airlie Beach? 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 and Airlie Beach Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Airlie Beach $19
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $9.80
- Private One-way Airport Transfer(Manila Airport To/From Manila): $22
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $22
- Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
- Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido Transfer: $25
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila APT-HTL (MNL) : $30
- Round-trip Coron Airport Transfer + Town Tour (Shared): $31
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
- Manila Airport Transfer: $37
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Private Transfer from Clark Airport (CRK) to Subic Bay Port: $46
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Airlie Beach
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Airlie Beach:
- Whitsunday: Prosperpine Airport to Airlie Beach Transfer: $16
- One Way Only - Airport Transfer share shuttle service: $17
- Airport Transfers - Return (round fare) share shuttle service: $28
- Return Transfer PPP Airport Shute Harbour / Renta Yacht / Freedom Shores: $32
- South Molle Island Camping Transfer: $47
- South Molle Island Camping Transfer: $59
- Whitehaven Beach Club Transfers from Airlie Beach: $92
- Crayfish Beach Hook Island Camping Transfer: $139
- Private Transfer to Whitsunday Coast Airport: $314
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Airlie Beach?
Prices for flights to both Airlie Beach and Manila 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 dayManila $18Airlie Beach $32
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Airlie Beach
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Airlie Beach.
- 3-Hour Sunset Segway Tour with Dinner: $72
- Whitsundays Segway Sunset and Boardwalk Tour with Dinner: $83
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $20Airlie Beach $160
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
Tours and Activities in Airlie Beach
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Airlie Beach are as follows:
- Private Airlie Beach Tuk-Tuk Tours: $20
- 2-Hour Sunset Cruise with Sparkling Wine: $45
- Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise : $46
- Whisper Cruises - One-Hour Turtle Spotting Bay Cruise: $46
- Sundowner Sunset Cruise Airlie Beach: $46
- Airlie Beach sightseeing Tour: $50
- Airlie Beach Trike Tours: $50
- Whitsundays Sunset Sailing Cruise: $53
- Glass-Bottom Boat Tour: $58
- 2 Hour Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise: $59
- Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Tour: $59
- 1 hour Mimosa Morning Turtle Spotting Cruise: $59
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.97Airlie Beach $8.99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Airlie Beach, we can see that Airlie Beach is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manila is in Asia and Airlie Beach is in Pacific, 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 Airlie Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Airlie Beach 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 Manila Expensive? and Is Airlie Beach Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Manila or Airlie Beach?
Airlie Beach has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Manila experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Manila or Airlie Beach in the Summer?
Both Airlie Beach and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Airlie Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Manila is around the same temperature as Airlie Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manila in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Airlie Beach. It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Airlie Beachin January. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManila 27°C (80°F)Airlie Beach 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Manila or Airlie Beach in the Autumn?
Both Airlie Beach and Manila during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Airlie Beach because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Manila is generally a little warmer than Airlie Beachin April. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 26°C (79°F), and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Airlie Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Airlie Beachin April. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilManila 26°C (79°F)Airlie Beach 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Manila or Airlie Beach in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Airlie Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Airlie Beach this time of year.
Manila is a little warmer than Airlie Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Airlie Beach fluctuates around 16°C (62°F)in July.
In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Airlie Beachin July. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyManila 24°C (76°F)Airlie Beach 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Manila or Airlie Beach in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Airlie Beach. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Airlie Beach for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Manila is a little warmer than Airlie Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manila in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Airlie Beach averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.
Manila usually gets less rain in April than Airlie Beachin October. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Airlie Beach receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberManila 29°C (84°F)Airlie Beach 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Airlie Beach and Manila
| Manila | Airlie Beach | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 377 mm (14.8 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 191 mm (7.5 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.