Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manila or Bilbao?
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 Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Bilbao?
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.
Bilbao
The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $93Bilbao $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $93, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is $147. 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 Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Bilbao $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Bilbao $156
Compare Hotels in Manila and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Bilbao? 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 Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Bilbao $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Full On 5-7 hours ATV Adventure Rivers-Mountains-Jungle with Transfers Manila: $280
- Active Taal Volcano experience 2024 (with transfers): $140
- Adventure Awaits: Spelunking at Cavinti Cave Complex w/ Transfers: $160
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Day Hike Mt. Batulao 811 meters with transfers from Manila** 2024: $130
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- Half Day Historical Manila City tour and much more with transfers: $70
- Manila Airport (MNL): One-way Private Transfers: $57
- Manila Airport Transfer: $37
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
- Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $9.80
- Nagpatong Rock Day hike + Tungtong Falls(with transfers**) 2023: $130
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Private One way Airport Transfer Bilbao Airport to from Bilbao: $33
- Private transfer from Bilbao City Center to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $33
- Private transfer from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City Center: $33
- Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $45
- Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
- Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $60
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
- Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
- Private one way arrival OR departure transfer in Bilbao from/to airport: $67
- Private Transfer on arrival and departure in Bilbao: $72
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao 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 $18Bilbao $48
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
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $64
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $69
- Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $82
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $113
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $115
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
- The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $135
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $135
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $156
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $198
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Bilbao $31
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: $33
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $35
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $43
- ⭐ Intramuros The Walled City Walking Tour ⭐: $46
- ⭐ Authentic Manila Chinatown Experience ⭐: $46
- Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $50
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bilbao´s Old Town Responsible Free Walking Tour: $1.94
- Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $4.31
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- Panoramic boat tour through the bay of Abra: $6.46
- Bilbao Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.52
- VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $11
- Bilbao Confidential Tour: Crime and Punishment: $13
- 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $15
- Tour of the Great Villas in Getxo and Hanging Bridge: $16
- Bilbao tour: $18
- San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $18
- Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.88Bilbao $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
- Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
- Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $80
- Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $81
- Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $178
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $188
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Bilbao: $201
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $217
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $241
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $242
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao 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 Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Bilbao?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?
Bilbao 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 Bilbao in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Bilbao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Manila is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Manila or Bilbao in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Manila as well as Bilbao. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Manila is much warmer than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Bilbao. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Manila or Bilbao in the Winter?
Both Bilbao and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Manila or Bilbao in the Spring?
Both Bilbao and Manila during the spring 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 travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.
In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Manila usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Manila
| Manila | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 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.