A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manila vs. Alesund for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Manila or Alesund?

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 Alesund can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Manila or Alesund?

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.

Alesund

Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Manila?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $98, while the average daily cost in Alesund is $143. 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 Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $50
    Alesund $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $100
    Alesund $124
Compare Hotels in Manila and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Alesund? 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.

Hotels in Manila


Hotels in Alesund


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.
    Manila $13
    Alesund $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
  • Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $23
  • Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $28
  • Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $28
  • Private Airport Transfer: Metro Manila → NAIA Airport (MNL): $30
  • Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
  • Manila Airport Transfer: $38
  • Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38
  • Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
  • Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
  • Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
  • Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
  • Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund hotels-Round Trip Transfer: $104
  • Private Transfer from Alesund city hotels to Maloy Cruise Port: $161
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Airport (AES) to Maloy Cruise Port: $161
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $162
  • Private Transfer To OR From Airport in Ålesund: $190

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Manila $29
    Alesund $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.

  • Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $60
  • Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $60
  • Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
  • ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
  • Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
  • Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
  • Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
  • Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $105
  • A taste of Manila's History & Filipino Culture with Buffet Dinner: $175
  • Subic: Sunset Dinner Yacht Cruise from Manila & Clark: $212

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $18
    Alesund $19

Tours and Activities in Manila

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:

  • Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
  • A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
  • Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
  • Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
  • Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
  • The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
  • Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $30
  • Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $30
  • Manila night cruise, night life, foodie tour and 3d theather: $32
  • Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
  • Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $39

Tours and Activities in Alesund

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Alesund are as follows:

  • The Essence of Ålesund Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
  • Geiranger Fjord Tour (Hellesylt-Geiranger one way): $44
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $50
  • Alesund Walking Tour Art Nouveau and Postcard Views: $76
  • Hellesylt Panorama Tour in Ljoen Viewpoint and Oye Village: $77
  • Molde and Atlantic Ocean Road Audio Tour: $88
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $99
  • Ålesund Sightseeing and Viking Saga Islands: $121
  • Hjørundfjord Fjord Tour Roundtrip from Ålesund: $122
  • Guided Adventure on Fjord Kayaking in Hellesylt, Norway: $133
  • Alesund Shore Excursion: The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $141
  • Alnes Lighthouse, Sunnmøre Museum, Aksla and City Sightseeing: $143

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.17
    Alesund $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Alesund, we can see that Alesund 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 Alesund is in Europe, 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 Alesund would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alesund 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 Alesund Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Manila or Alesund?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Alesund, 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 Manila or Alesund?

Alesund 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 Alesund in the Summer?

Both Alesund 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, the summer months attract visitors to Alesund because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Manila is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manila in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Alesund averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Alesund. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Alesund 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Manila or Alesund in the Autumn?

Both Alesund 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Alesund this time of year.

In October, Manila is generally much warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 26°C (79°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Alesund 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 Alesund. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Alesund 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Manila or Alesund in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Alesund. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Alesund for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Alesund. Manila is much warmer than Alesund in the winter. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Alesund. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Alesund 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Manila or Alesund in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Alesund. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Alesund in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Alesund can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Manila is much warmer than Alesund. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manila in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Alesund averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Manila usually gets less rain in April than Alesund. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Alesund 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Alesund and Manila

Manila Alesund
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 188 mm (7.4 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 187 mm (7.4 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 4°C (38°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)