Which place is cheaper, Cardiff or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manila or Cardiff?
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 Cardiff can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Cardiff?
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.
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, and a major port on the country's southern coast. Though Cardiff boomed with the coal industry during the Industrial Revolution, the city began its history as a Roman fort on the River Taff-perhaps taking its name from a combination of the Welsh word for fort (caer) and the name of the river (Taff). The fort still stands today along with many other landmarks that attract tourists each year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $93Cardiff $196
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $93, while the average daily cost in Cardiff is $196. 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 Cardiff in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Cardiff $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Cardiff $234
Compare Hotels in Manila and Cardiff
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Cardiff? 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 Cardiff Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Cardiff $27
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cardiff
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:
- Bristol Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $13
- Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16
- Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
- Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
- Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
- Arrival Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport CWL to Cardiff by Luxury Vehicle: $96
- Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $96
- Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
- Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Cardiff?
Prices for flights to both Cardiff 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 $18Cardiff $55
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Cardiff $31
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 Cardiff
Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ghosts of Llandaff Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Cardiff’s Bay and Waterfront: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Self-Guided Audio Tour of Bay and Barrage: $5.99
- A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Cardiff's Civic Centre: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- The Ghosts of Llandaff: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Essential Caerphilly: Explore the town’s history on a self-guided audio tour: $6.22
- Uncover Ghostly Chester: In-App Audio Tour of Eerie Tales: $11
- Uncover Spectral Secrets with the Llandaff Ghosts Audio Tour: $11
- Discover Cardiff's Waterfront: In-App Audio Tour: $11
- Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Llanberis, Conwy and Caernarfon Castle: A Self-Guided Driving Tour of Snowdonia: $15
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.88Cardiff $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Cardiff
Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
- Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff 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 Cardiff Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Cardiff?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?
Cardiff 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 Cardiff in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Cardiff. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Manila is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Cardiff 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Manila or Cardiff in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Manila as well as Cardiff. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.
Manila is much warmer than Cardiff in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite rainy in Cardiff. Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Cardiff. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Cardiff 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Manila or Cardiff in the Winter?
Both Cardiff 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, many travelers come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Cardiff. In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Cardiff averages at about 3°C (38°F).
In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Cardiff 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Manila or Cardiff in the Spring?
Both Cardiff 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cardiff in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Manila usually gets less rain in April than Cardiff. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Cardiff 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Cardiff and Manila
| Manila | Cardiff | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 80 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 96 mm (3.8 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.