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

Should you visit Manila or Brussels?

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

Where Should I go: Manila or Brussels?

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.

Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Brussels 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 $99, while the average daily cost in Brussels is $191. 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 Brussels in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $51
    Brussels $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $102
    Brussels $170
Compare Hotels in Manila and Brussels

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Brussels? 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 Brussels


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 Brussels Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $13
    Brussels $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • Adventure Awaits: Spelunking at Cavinti Cave Complex w/ Transfers: $160
  • Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
  • Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $150
  • Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
  • Full On 5-7 hours ATV Adventure Rivers-Mountains-Jungle with Transfers Manila: $280
  • Half Day Intramuros and Distillery Experience with Transfer: $75
  • METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
  • Manila Airport Transfer: $38
  • Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
  • Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $25
  • Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $51
  • Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:


  • Subway Pass
    $5.22
  • Atomium train ticket (2)
    $9.28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:

  • BRU Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $31
  • Private Airport Transfer to the City: $58
  • Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $73
  • Brussels Shuttle Transfer Mons (1 to 8 PLACES): $74
  • Transfer Shuttle Brussels South Station Mons (1-8 SEATS): $74
  • Brussels Private Transfer from Brussels city centre to Brussels Airport (BRU): $78
  • Private Departure Transfer from Brussels City to Brussels Airport by luxury car: $87
  • Departure Private Transfer from Brussels to Brussels Airport BRU by Business Car: $87
  • Brussels Zaventem Airport (BRU) Private Transfer to/from City: $90
  • Brussels Airport Transfer (BRU) to or from Brussels (Sedan): $110
  • Private Transfers Between Brussels Airport and the City: $116
  • Private transfer from Brussels Airport To Brussels: $127

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Brussels?

Prices for flights to both Brussels 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
    Brussels $77

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 Brussels

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:


  • Ice Cream & Macaroons
    $5.34
  • Dessert (Turkish Delights)
    $5.51
  • Cheese
    $6.50
  • Olives and Snacks
    $8.10
  • Waffle
    $3.48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Chocolate and Beer Food Tour of Brussels: $45
  • City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $74
  • Brussels Food Tour: Main Dish, Beer, Waffle & Chocolate: $93
  • Brussels Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $99
  • Walking Food Tour with Chocolate, Beer, & Waffles: $111
  • Brussels Food Tour: 10 Tastings of Waffles, Beers, Fries & More: $125
  • Food Tour of 10 Tastings - Waffles, Beers & More: $147
  • Brussels Private Food Tour: Waffles, Fries, Beer & Local History: $149
  • Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $179
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $183

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $18
    Brussels $27

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
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Brussels

Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tasting Tour: A Taste of Brussels - by Legends: $2.33
  • The Most Complete Tour Of Brussels: $3.46
  • Gastronomic Tour: A Taste of Brussels: $3.46
  • Free tour of Brussels in Italian ( with booking fee): $3.46
  • Brussels Walking Tour with Guide plus PDF: $3.46
  • Where Comics, Culture & Quirk Collide Walking Tour: $4.65
  • Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.68
  • Audio Guided Walking Tour of Brussels: $5.79
  • Brussels Essential : Self-Guided Tour created by local Official Guide: $5.79
  • 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
  • Brussels Audioguided walking tour 2h40 and 25 reviews: $6.84
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour Along Brussels Comic Book Route: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.29
    Brussels $15

Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $12
  • Beer
    $6.96

Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:

  • Mario Kart Championship at Micro Brewery & Distillery: $5.21
  • BBQ night at Tipsy Tribe Brewery & Distillery: $15
  • Immersive Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings - Brussels Area: $18
  • Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $20
  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $23
  • micro brewery & distillery tour + beer tasting: $29
  • Beer & Chocolate Tasting in a Micro Brewery-Distillery: $52
  • Sip the Unexpected at a Hidden Leuven Brewery: $58
  • Gin Cocktail Workshop at a Brussels Brewery & Distillery: $66
  • Private tasting: Beer & Chocolate in a Micro Brewery-Distillery: $75
  • Beer Pong in a Micro Brewery and Distillery: $76
  • Brewing Workshop at Tipsy Tribe Brewery & Distillery: $139


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


Which is Bigger, Manila or Brussels?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Brussels, 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 Brussels?

Brussels 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 Brussels in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Brussels. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Manila is a little warmer than Brussels. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manila in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Brussels averages at about 18°C (65°F).

Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Brussels. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Brussels 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Manila or Brussels in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Manila as well as Brussels. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Brussels because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Manila is generally much warmer than Brussels. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 26°C (79°F), and Brussels fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Brussels. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Brussels 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Manila or Brussels in the Winter?

Both Brussels 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, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brussels this time of year.

It's quite cold in Brussels in the winter. Manila is much warmer than Brussels in the winter. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Brussels fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Brussels. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Brussels 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Manila or Brussels in the Spring?

Both Brussels 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 Brussels for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Manila is much warmer than Brussels. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manila in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Brussels averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Manila usually gets less rain in April than Brussels. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Brussels receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Brussels 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Brussels and Manila

Manila Brussels
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in)