Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Manila or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
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 Buenos Aires, Argentina can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
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.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $93Buenos Aires, Argentina $10
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $93, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.07
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.14
Compare Hotels in Manila and Buenos Aires, Argentina
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Buenos Aires, Argentina? 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.55
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 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
-
Taxi from Airport$0.13
-
Local Bus$0.00
-
Metro Ride$0.00
-
Taxi to airport$0.03
-
Taxi$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
- ONE WAY: Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) Transfer to/from Buenos Aires City: $18
- Private transfer Vehicle from Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires City: $20
- Airport Transfer: Buenos Aires to Jorge Newbery Airfield Airport (AEP): $26
- Buenos Aires Center One-way Private Transfer to Local Airport: $30
- Buenos Aires Local Airport One - way Private Transfer from 30 USD: $30
- Private Airport Transfer AEP Jorge New Berry to CAPITAL BA: $30
- Jorge Newbery Airport One-way Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City Center: $30
- Private Transfer from Jorge Newbery Airport to Downtown Area: $35
- Roundtrip Transfer Private SUV Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $39
- Private Transfer Jorge Newbery Airport to Hotel in Buenos Aires: $40
- Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Ezeiza Airport (EZE) -Buenos Aires City: $40
- Airport Transfer: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires : $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 dayManila $18Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.19
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 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
-
Lunch$0.03
-
Cup of Coffee$0.01
-
Empandas$0.02
-
Espresso$0.01
-
Dinner (Pizza)$0.01
-
Ice Cream$0.01
-
Breakfast at Airport$0.04
-
Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
-
Sweets$0.01
-
Hot Dog$0.01
-
Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
-
Lunch for 2$0.16
-
Cake and Coffee$0.52
-
Dinner$1.85
-
Powerade$0.11
-
Lunch$0.82
-
Dinner$1.19
-
Chocolate$3.07
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $35
- 3-Hour Buenos Aires Empanadas and Alfajores Guided Cooking Class: $35
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $39
- Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $40
- Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $40
- Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $45
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- Small Group Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Blending: $49
- La Ventana Tango Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $49
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $50
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.28
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
-
Movie Ticket$0.02
-
Tango Class$0.03
-
Bar entrance$0.57
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Buenos Aires Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Recoleta Cemetery Walking Tour: $10
- Literature Self-Guided Audio Tour in Buenos Aires: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour - Discover Caminito and Tango: $10
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Evita Peron: Don't cry for me Argentina : $10
- La Boca Walking Tour: $13
- Walking Tour Knowing Rodrigo Bueno in Buenos Aires: $15
- True Crime Buenos Aires: A Walking Tour: $15
- Bike tour through the La Boca neighborhood. Tango, Football and Art: $15
- Walking Tour La Boca: $15
- Graffiti Tour: $15
- Palermo Soho for curious people Walking Tour: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.88Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.78
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:
-
Beer$0.01
-
Beer (0.66L)$0.02
-
Cocktail$0.03
-
Alcohol$0.65
Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $30
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $42
- Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Wine Tasting Boutique in Buenos Aires: $62
- Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $70
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manila is in Asia and Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Manila would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manila than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Manila. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Buenos Aires, Argentina, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
In July, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManila 27°C (80°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Manila or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Manila as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Manila is a little warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (65°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilManila 26°C (79°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Manila or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.
In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyManila 24°C (76°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Manila or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?
Both Buenos Aires, Argentina 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.
In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Manila usually gets less rain in April than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberManila 29°C (84°F)Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Manila
| Manila | Buenos Aires, Argentina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 104 mm (4.1 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.