Which place is cheaper, Basel or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Manila or Basel?
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 Basel can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Basel?
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.
Basel
Basel is often overlooked as a tourist destination in Switzerland, but despite this, it does have a lot to offer visitors as well as a beautiful medieval historic center. Every year it also hosts a Carnival festival that is one of the most popular in Europe, competing with those in Venice and Rio de Janeiro in its popularity. There are also some excellent museums and great examples of regional architecture around town. Basel also serves as an excellent entry point to the Swiss Jura mountains and a jumping off point to visit more popular cities such as Zurich or Lucerne.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesBasel Prices
Switzerland Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $98Basel $328
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $98, while the average daily cost in Basel is $328. 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 Basel in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $50Basel $167
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $100Basel $334
Compare Hotels in Manila and Basel
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Basel? 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 Basel Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $13Basel $53
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
- 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
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Basel
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Basel:
- Basel Airport (BSL) to Basel - Arrival Private Transfer: $92
- Basel to Basel Airpor (BSL) - Departure Private Transfer: $92
- Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Business Car: $111
- Departure Private Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $111
- Arrival Private Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Business Car: $111
- Basel Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Business Car: $111
- Departure Private Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) in Luxury Van: $122
- Basel Airport Transfer: EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) to Basel in Luxury Van: $122
- Airport Transfer: Basel to EuroAirport (BSL MLH EAP) by MB Van: $122
- Basel Airport (BSL) to Feldberg Resort - Arrival Private Transfer: $124
- Private Transfer from Basel Airport BSL to Basel City: $128
- Private Transfer Service from Basel to Basel Airport: $132
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Basel?
Prices for flights to both Basel 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 $29Basel $123
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Basel
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Basel.
- Self-Guided Food Tour: $49
- Traditional Swiss Dinner: Cheese Fondue, Appetizers/Dessert: $162
- Cooking Class: Homemade Italian Lasagna Experience by Locals: $187
- Homemade Italian Pizza & Focaccia Experience with a Local Family: $192
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $18Basel $43
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 Basel
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Basel are as follows:
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $6.24
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Reading City Tour: $6.40
- Basel (Kleinbasel) Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
- Basel Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone: $9.42
- Basel's Portrait: Self-Guided Audio City Tour: $12
- Swiss Cheese Tasting Experience | Basel: $19
- Basel Historical Old Town Tour: $20
- Swiss Cheese Tasting Experience | Basel: $20
- Swiss Chocolate Tasting Experience | Basel: $22
- Tour on the vintage tram: $26
- Basel Historical Old Town Tour: $26
- City tour Basel (walking tour): $31
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.17Basel $38
Sample the Local Flavors in Basel
Also in Basel, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Alsace wine tour & medieval villages small group guided tour: $368
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Basel, we can see that Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Basel?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Basel, 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 Basel?
Basel 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 Basel in the Summer?
Both Basel 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 travelers come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Manila is generally a little warmer than Basel. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Basel fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Basel. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Basel receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Basel 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Manila or Basel in the Autumn?
Both Basel 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. Also, many visitors come to Basel in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Manila is much warmer than Basel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Basel fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Basel. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Basel receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Basel 13°C (56°F)
Should I visit Manila or Basel in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Basel. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Also, most visitors come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Basel can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Basel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Basel averages at about 3°C (37°F).
In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Basel. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Basel receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Basel 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Manila or Basel in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Basel. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty.
In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Basel. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Basel fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Manila usually gets less rain in April than Basel. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Basel receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Basel 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Basel and Manila
| Manila | Basel | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°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.