Which place is cheaper, Chengdu or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Manila or Chengdu?
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 Chengdu can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Chengdu?
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.
Chengdu
Chengdu is in China's Sichuan Provence and is in what is known as the Red Basin. It is a particularly fertile region in China that is known for its agriculture. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as the "Land of Milk and Honey". The Funan River cuts through the city but has almost no boat traffic anymore. The city itself has a wonderful relaxed vibe compared to the rest of China and is filled with green parks and places to relax. It is considered one of the most livable cities in China.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesChengdu Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Chengdu $67
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Chengdu is $67. 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 Chengdu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Chengdu $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Chengdu $42
Compare Hotels in Manila and Chengdu
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Chengdu? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Chengdu $6.02
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
- Manila Airport Chauffeur service Manila Airport private Transfer : $20
- Manila Airport Transfer: $38
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
- Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City: $30
- Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chengdu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chengdu:
- Panda Research Base Ticket or Private Transfer Tour: $15
- Chengdu Panda Breeding Base Tour with Guide or Transfer: $20
- Chengdu Panda Breeding Base Ticket w/ Optional Transfer or Guide: $20
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chengdu Train Stations: $23
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chengdu International Airport (CTU) to Hotel: $23
- Private Transfer from Chengdu hotel to Chengdu Train Station: $27
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Chengdu Railway Station to City Hotel: $28
- Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu City - Arrival Private Transfer: $30
- Chengdu City to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
- Hassle-Free & Comfortable Airport Transfer Service: $30
- Chengdu to Chengdu Airport (CTU) - Departure Private Transfer: $31
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport Transfer to Downtown Hotel: $32
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Chengdu?
Prices for flights to both Chengdu 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 $31Chengdu $38
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chengdu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chengdu.
- Chengdu Night: VIP Seat Opera Show or Back Alley Food Tour: $40
- Eat Like a Local! Food Tour in the Hidden Alleys: $67
- Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats: $69
- Half-Day Professional Mapo Tofu Cooking with a Local Market Visit: $69
- Half day Sichuan Cuisine Cooking Class Tour(Cooking 3 dishes): $75
- Half-Day Chengdu Cooking Class with a Local Market Visit: $75
- Evening Food Tour with Local Guide: $78
- Chengdu Evening Food Tour: $79
- Half-Day Private Hot-Pot Cooking Class with a Local Market Visit: $80
- Cooking Class with Fresh Market Half Day Experience: $80
- Chengdu Food Tour with Wenshu Yuan Monastery Visit: $82
- Half-Day Sichuan Cooking Class Experience in Chengdu: $84
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Chengdu $16
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
Tours and Activities in Chengdu
Here are a few actual costs in Chengdu for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Customize Your China Tour 2024/2025: $5.00
- Panda Research Base Ticket or Volunteer Day Trip: $9.50
- Chengdu Museum Tours & Tickets : $10
- Ticket reservation for Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Base: $15
- Private Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket and Guide opt: $16
- Chengdu Panda Research Base Tickets And Optional Private Tour: $16
- Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $16
- Half-Day Panda Base Tour with Guide Option: $17
- Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $17
- Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum Ticket for Adult: $18
- Panda Breeding Base Tickets Booking: $19
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding Ticket pre-booking: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.90Chengdu $3.99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Chengdu, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Chengdu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chengdu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chengdu 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 Chengdu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Chengdu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Chengdu?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chengdu. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Chengdu, 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.
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.