Which place is cheaper, Boston 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 Boston?
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 Boston can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Boston?
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.
Boston
Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, and The Best Camping Tours in United States of America.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesBoston Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $98Boston $291
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $98, while the average daily cost in Boston is $291. 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 Boston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $50Boston $166
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $100Boston $332
Compare Hotels in Manila and Boston
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Boston? 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 Boston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $13Boston $37
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:
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Taxi$35
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Subway Daily Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:
- Private Departure Transfer to Boston Airport BOS: $28
- BOS Airport Private Transfer to Boston Downtown: $37
- Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Arrival Private Transfer: $60
- Boston to Boston Logan Airport (BOS) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Boston Airport (BOS) to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer: $69
- Manchester–Boston Regional Airport to Manchester - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
- Manchester to Manchester–Boston Regional Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $74
- Private Transfer from Flynn Cruise Port to Boston Airport (BOS): $81
- Private Transfer from Boston Airport (BOS) to Flynn Cruise Port: $81
- Round Trip Private Transfer Boston Airport BOS to Boston Downtown: $83
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $85
- Private Airport Transfer to/from Logan Airport: $99
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Boston?
Prices for flights to both Boston 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 $29Boston $86
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 Boston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Boston.
- Self-Guided "The North End Pizza, Cannoli and Picnic" Tour: $5.50
- Morning Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
- Freedom Trail History and Food Tour: $39
- North End Pizza Walking Tour with 3 Slices & Cannoli: $69
- Boston Pizza Lovers Food and History Walking Food Tour: $69
- Boston’s North End Food Tour: Italian Flavors & Heritage Walk: $70
- 2-Hour Boston North End Food Tour with Authentic Italian Flavors: $75
- Boston North End Food Tour with Authentic Local Flavors & Dishes: $75
- North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $75
- Pizza Beer and Paul Revere Tour: $75
- Pizza, Beer, and Paul Revere Tour: $75
- Boston Seafood Tour: Behind the Scenes at the Historic Fish Pier: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $18Boston $33
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Boston
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Boston are as follows:
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Two Tickets to Celtics Game$101
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Duck Tour$32
Tours and Activities in Boston
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Boston are as follows:
- Boston Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $4.14
- The Ghosts of Boston's Past Haunted Self-guided Tour: $5.00
- App-Guided "Historic Boston Downtown Freedom Trail" Walking Tour: $5.00
- Boston Freedom Trail Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $5.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Boston North End: $5.75
- Harvard’s Secret Society: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.93
- Boston Freedom Trail Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $5.93
- North End Boston Mafia Exploration Game and Tour: $7.10
- Harvard's Haunts Solo Smart Phone Guided App Ghost Walking Tour: $7.75
- Self Guided Classic Freedom Trail Location Aware (GPS) Walking Audio Tour: $7.75
- Self-Guided Smartphone Ghost Walking Tour in Salem: $7.75
- City History and Highlights Audio App Walking Tour: $7.99
For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.17Boston $27
Sample the Local Flavors in Boston
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:
- Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
- Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $35
- 2 Hour Historic Pub Crawl in Boston: $35
- Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $36
- History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $56
- Freedom Trail History Tour and Brewery Taste: $71
- Sushi Making Class at a Local Brewery in Boston: $75
- Day Trip from Meadery Tour & Wine Tasting: $85
- Boston Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105
- Signature Boston Guided Brewery Tour with snack: $119
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Boston, we can see that Boston 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 Boston 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 Boston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boston 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 Boston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Boston?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Boston. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Boston, 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 Boston?
Boston 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 Boston in the Summer?
Both Boston 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, most visitors come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Manila is a little warmer than Boston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manila in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Boston averages at about 73°F (23°C).
It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Boston. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Boston 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Manila or Boston in the Autumn?
Both Boston 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Boston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Manila is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 26°C (79°F), and Boston fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Boston. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Boston 54°F (12°C)
Should I visit Manila or Boston in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Boston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boston this time of year.
It's quite cold in Boston in the winter. Manila is much warmer than Boston in the winter. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°C).
In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Boston. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Boston 29°F (-2°C)
Should I visit Manila or Boston in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Boston. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Manila is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manila in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Boston averages at about 48°F (9°C).
Manila usually gets less rain in April than Boston. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Boston 48°F (9°C)
Typical Weather for Boston and Manila
| Manila | Boston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 29°F (-2°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 30°F (-1°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 38°F (4°C) | 3.7 inches (95 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 3.3 inches (84 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 45°F (7°C) | 4.3 inches (108 mm) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 33°F (1°C) | 3.9 inches (99 mm) |
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.