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

Should you visit Manila or Anchorage?

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

Where Should I go: Manila or Anchorage?

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.

Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Anchorage 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 Anchorage is $228. 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 Anchorage in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $50
    Anchorage $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $100
    Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Manila and Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Anchorage? 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 Anchorage


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 Anchorage Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $13
    Anchorage $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
  • Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
  • Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $23
  • Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $28
  • Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $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 Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:

  • One Way Private Transfer: $10
  • Anchorage to Whittier Shared Bus Transfer Service: $69
  • Anchorage to Seward Direct Transfer Tour: $79
  • ANC Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $79
  • Anchorage to Whittier Direct Transfer Tour: $80
  • Seward to Anchorage Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour: $227
  • Anchorage to Seward Cruise Transfer & Wildlife Tour: $227
  • Private Transfer, Anchorage to Seward Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
  • Matanuska Glacier Hike with Transfers: $299

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Anchorage?

Prices for flights to both Anchorage 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
    Anchorage $87

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

Typical Food Prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:


  • Bread
    $4.25
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage

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

  • Anchorage Sightseeing and Food Tour - Available All Year Long!: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $18
    Anchorage $30

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
  • The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
  • Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $33
  • 1/2 Day Rafting Trip
    $105

Tours and Activities in Anchorage

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

  • Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Anchorage to Homer: $20
  • Anchorage–Homer Sterling Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $20
  • Anchorage Trolley's 1-Hour City Tour: $25
  • Anchorage Museum General Admission Ticket: $25
  • Alaska Road Trip: Anchorage, Seward, Homer & Denali Audio Tour: $40
  • Self Guided Driving Audio Tour: Anchorage to Seward: $40
  • Anchorage Trolley's Deluxe City Tour: $50
  • Anchorage's Winter City Tour = Samples + Stops + WildLife: $59
  • Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Alaska Bundle: $65
  • Anchorage City Tour, w/Choc Factory Samplings: $65
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.17
    Anchorage $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:

  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $110
  • NEW: Girdwood Views and Brews with Aerial Tram and Brewery: $209
  • Hike Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey, Wine Tasting: $310


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


Which is Bigger, Manila or Anchorage?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Anchorage, 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 Anchorage?

Anchorage 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 Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage 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, many visitors come to Anchorage in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Manila is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manila in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C).

It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Anchorage 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Manila or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage 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, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during autumn. In October, Manila is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 26°C (79°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Anchorage. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Anchorage 35°F (2°C)

Should I visit Manila or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. Manila is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)

Should I visit Manila or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Anchorage. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the spring. In the spring, Manila is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manila in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C).

Manila usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Anchorage. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Anchorage 36°F (2°C)

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Manila

Manila Anchorage
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 15°F (-9°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 19°F (-7°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°F (-3°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 36°F (2°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 47°F (8°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 55°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 49°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 22°F (-6°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°F (-8°C) 1.1 inches (28 mm)