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

Should you visit Manila or Byron Bay?

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 Byron Bay can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Manila or Byron Bay?

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.

Byron Bay

South of Brisbane, off the Pacific Highway, is the coastal town of Byron Bay. It is close to Cape Byron, which is the easternmost point in mainland Australia. Byron Bay makes its way onto most traveler's itineraries because of its wonderful beach activities. The area is world famous for its waves, making it popular with surfers, but it also has incredible scuba diving, whale watching, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The area continues to rise in popularity with travelers and as such, amenities and facilities are popping up everywhere.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay 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 $106, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $175. 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 Byron Bay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $54
    Byron Bay $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $108
    Byron Bay $134
Compare Hotels in Manila and Byron Bay

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Byron Bay? 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 Byron Bay


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 Byron Bay Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $14
    Byron Bay $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
  • Manila Airport Chauffeur service Manila Airport private Transfer : $20
  • Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $24
  • Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $29
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila HTL-APT (MNL): $30
  • Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City: $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

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Byron Bay?

Prices for flights to both Byron Bay 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 $31
    Byron Bay $83

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila

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

  • Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
  • ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
  • Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
  • Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
  • 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
  • Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
  • Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
  • Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175

Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Dinner at Olivo (for 2)
    $59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Byron Bay

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

  • Bangalow Native Bush Food Tour: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $19
    Byron Bay $36

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
  • Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
  • Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art 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
  • Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
  • Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37

Typical Entertainment Prices in Byron Bay

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:


  • Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)
    $124
  • Surf Lesson
    $43

Tours and Activities in Byron Bay

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:

  • Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens Entry Ticket: $33
  • Skip the Line: Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens Admission Ticket: $33
  • Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour: $40
  • WANDER BYRON Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse: $46
  • Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay: $47
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Byron Bay Private Bike Tour : $50
  • Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $50
  • Group 2.5 Hour Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour: $56
  • Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour in Byron Bay: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.90
    Byron Bay $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay

Also in Byron Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Arvo Session Brewery and Distillery Tour: $99
  • Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $104
  • Full-Day Brewery and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $136
  • Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $137


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


Which is Bigger, Manila or Byron Bay?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 1540 times larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Byron Bay, 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 Byron Bay?

Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay in the Summer?

Both Byron Bay 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, many visitors come to Byron Bay in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Manila is generally a little warmer than Byron Bayin January. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Byron Bay. It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin January. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Manila or Byron Bay in the Autumn?

Both Byron Bay 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Manila is a little warmer than Byron Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 20°C (69°F)in April.

Byron Bay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Byron Bayin April. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)

Should I visit Manila or Byron Bay in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Byron Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Byron Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 14°C (58°F)in July.

In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Byron Bayin July. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Manila or Byron Bay in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Byron Bay. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.

In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Byron Bayin October. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Manila usually gets less rain in April than Byron Bayin October. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)

Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Manila

Manila Byron Bay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 23°C (74°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)