Which place is cheaper, Auckland or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manila or Auckland?
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 Auckland can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Auckland?
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.
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $94Auckland $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $94, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $139. 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 Auckland in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $55Auckland $88
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $110Auckland $176
Compare Hotels in Manila and Auckland
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Auckland? 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 Auckland Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Auckland $16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- ⭐ Manila International Airport Car Transfer To & From City⭐: $72
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila APT-HTL (MNL) : $30
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
- Round-trip Coron Airport Transfer + Town Tour (Shared): $31
- Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $22
- Private Transfer from Clark Airport (CRK) to Subic Bay Port: $46
- Private One-way Airport Transfer(Manila Airport To/From Manila): $22
- Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $68
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Paranaque Private Transfer: $120
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$9.51
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Airport Shuttle$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Auckland:City Hotel Transfers to/from Cruise Ship in Minivan: $27
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Airport: $27
- Private Transfer from Auckland City to Auckland Cruise Port: $39
- Auckland:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Minivan: $53
- Cheap airport transfer: $53
- Private Transfer from Auckland Port to Auckland Airport (AKL): $55
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland Port: $55
- Auckland Airport Private Transfers in a Luxury Minibus: $58
- North Shore to Auckland Airport (AKL)-Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Private Transfer From Auckland City To Auckland Airport : $62
- Auckland Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Auckland: $68
- Private Auckland Airport Transfer to/from Auckland Hotels -SUV: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Auckland?
Prices for flights to both Auckland 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 $18Auckland $27
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
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Auckland Harbour 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Welcome Drink: $89
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $91
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $104
- Local Auckland Food Tour : Explore the suburbs!: $167
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $20Auckland $27
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
- Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $188
- Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $72
- Corregidor daytour Via Manila to Bataan: $298
- Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $80
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- From 4-Day Sagada and Banaue Rice Terraces Tour: $338
- From Day Tour to Enchanting Hidden Valley: $160
- From Majestic Pagsanjan Falls Adventure: $160
- From Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour: $106
- From Panoramic Tagaytay Ridge Tour: $150
- From Taal Volcano Island & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour: $135
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$33
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$120
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore Auckland's Sailing Spirit: In-App Audio Tour: $5.32
- Auckland Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
- Tree Heart Park Adventure Clue Trail Family Package: $15
- Join the locals: 2-Hour Precinct Tour of Dealer Art Galleries: $16
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $17
- Vibrosaun Therapy Experience: $18
- Skip the Line: Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Auckland Ticket: $19
- Auckland Sky Tower General Admission Ticket : $24
- Sky Tower General Admission Ticket: $24
- Hologate Virtual Reality Gaming Experience: $29
- The Lagoon Lights Family Experience at Tree Heart Park: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.97Auckland $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Wine Tour Tasting Wines on Waiheke: $92
- Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland: $106
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $131
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $148
- Waiheke Island: Tour with Wine Tastings and Restaurant Lunch: $148
- From Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $151
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $169
- Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $173
- Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $179
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Auckland, we can see that Auckland 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 Auckland 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland 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 Auckland Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Auckland?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Auckland, 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 Auckland?
Auckland 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 Auckland in the Summer?
Both Auckland and Manila during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.
In July, Manila is generally a little warmer than Aucklandin January. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Aucklandin January. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManila 27°C (80°F)Auckland 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Manila or Auckland in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Also, many travelers come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
Manila is much warmer than Auckland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in April.
Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Manila usually receives more rain than Aucklandin April. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilManila 26°C (79°F)Auckland 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Manila or Auckland in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Manila as well as Auckland. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Auckland averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Auckland. Manila usually gets less rain in January than Aucklandin July. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyManila 24°C (76°F)Auckland 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Manila or Auckland in the Spring?
Both Auckland and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Auckland for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Aucklandin October. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Aucklandin October. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberManila 29°C (84°F)Auckland 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Auckland and Manila
| Manila | Auckland | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 83 mm (3.3 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.