Which place is cheaper, Cuenca or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Manila or Cuenca?
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 Cuenca can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Cuenca?
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.
Cuenca
Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador, the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. Cuenca is considered as Ecuador's most important and beautiful colonial city after Quito. Dating from the 16th century, Cuenca's historic center, a Unesco World Heritage Site with its trademark skyline of massive rotundas and soaring steeples, is a magical sight in which you will feel like you are moving back in time. Cuenca is the center of many craft traditions, including ceramics, metalwork and the internationally famous panama hat. The nearby villages also offer many other handicrafts. Tourists enjoy wandering the ancient streets discovering picturesque alleys and hidden corners, where nuns march along cobblestone streets and kids in Catholic-school uniforms skip past historic churches. Fascinating historic monuments and fabulous views are found at every turn. Cuenca also has outstanding art museums and festivals. For a rewarding cultural experience, visit during Easter to attend the Festival of Religious Music.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
-
Manila Prices
Philippines PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $53. 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 Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Cuenca $13
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Manila and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Cuenca? 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 Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Cuenca $11
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
-
Taxi Ride$2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
- Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca 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 $31Cuenca $26
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 Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
-
Lunch$10
-
Snacks$5.00
-
Empanada$1.50
-
Hot Dog$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cuenca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.
- Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador: $33
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Experience Ecuador: Join an Andean Cooking Class in Cuenca: $85
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Cuenca $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 Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca-Ec- Highlights City Tour : $16
- Half-Day Biking and Walking Tour in Cuenca: $30
- Cuenca Half-Day City Tour Including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Tour of the best of Cuenca walking through its Historic Center: $35
- Half-Day City Tour including Panama Hat Factory: $35
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca: $44
- Cuenca Your Way Exclusive Private City Tour: $45
- City Sightseeing Tour: $45
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $47
- Wonderful Cajas National Park tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $48
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.90Cuenca $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Cuenca, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manila is in Asia and Cuenca 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 Cuenca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cuenca 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 Cuenca.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Cuenca?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Cuenca, 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 Cuenca?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Manila or Cuenca in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Manila is generally a little warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Manila or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Manila as well as Cuenca. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Cuenca. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Manila is much warmer than Cuenca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Manila or Cuenca in the Winter?
Both Cuenca and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Manila usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite cold in Cuenca in the winter. In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Cuenca averages at about 4°C (39°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Manila or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
Manila usually gets less rain in April than Cuenca. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Manila
| Manila | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 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.