Which place is cheaper, Brussels or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $93Brussels $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $93, while the average daily cost in Brussels 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 Brussels in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Brussels $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Brussels $156
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Brussels $18
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Brussels are as follows:
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Subway Pass$4.82
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Atomium train ticket (2)$8.57
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:
- Brussels Airport: Transfer to/from Gent Sint Pieters Station: $11
- Airport Transfer to/from Lille City Center: $16
- Brussels to Ostend Airport (OST) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
- Airport Arrivals Private Transfer to the City: $60
- Private arrival OR departure transfer in Brussels from/to airport: $60
- Arrival Transfer from Brussels Train Station to Brussels by Sedan: $64
- Arrival Private Transfer Brussels Train Station to Brussels by Luxury Car or Van: $68
- VIP Transfer between City/ Airport and Ghent: $70
- Airport transfers from Brussels to Zaventem Brussels airport by luxury car: $74
- Brussels City all area to Brussels Airport BRU - Private Airport transfer 1-7pax: $75
- Brussels City all area to Brussels Airport BRU - Private Airport transfer 1-3pax: $75
- Private Departure Transfer from Brussels City to Brussels Airport by luxury car: $78
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
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Food Meals for one dayManila $18Brussels $41
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
Typical Food Prices in Brussels
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:
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Ice Cream & Macaroons$4.93
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Dessert (Turkish Delights)$5.09
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Cheese$6.00
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Olives and Snacks$7.48
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Waffle$3.21
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: $28
- Chocolate and Beer Food Tour of Brussels: $43
- City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $61
- Food Tour in Brussels - Do Eat Better Experience: $106
- Brussels Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $130
- Secret Food Tours Brussels: $138
- Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $160
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Brussels $25
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 Brussels
Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Historical Walking Tour: The Story of Brussels - by Legends: $3.26
- Free Tour of Brussels in Italian (with booking fee): $3.26
- BELvue Belgium History Museum Entry Ticket: $5.38
- 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
- A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.46
- Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $7.00
- Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.27
- Museum Halle Gate Entry Ticket: $7.53
- Brussels’ Noble Beginnings: An Upper Town Audio Tour: $7.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.88Brussels $14
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Brussels are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$11
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Beer$6.43
Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:
- Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $17
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $18
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 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) |
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.