Which place is cheaper, Darwin 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 Darwin?
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 Darwin can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Darwin?
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.
Darwin
Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesDarwin Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Darwin $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Darwin is $139. 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 Darwin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Darwin $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Darwin $124
Compare Hotels in Manila and Darwin
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Darwin? 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 Darwin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Darwin $12
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: $39
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:
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Shuttle to Train Station$9.81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:
- DRW Airport to Darwin City Centre Private Transfer: $47
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $87
- Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $87
- Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $101
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Arrival Private Transfer: $101
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Darwin?
Prices for flights to both Darwin 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 $31Darwin $65
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⭐: $64
- 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: $68
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $73
- 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 Darwin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.
- Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $72
- Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $96
- Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $104
- Cape Adieu Sunset Cruise with 4-Course Dinner: $111
- Signature four course Sunset Dinner Cruise: $111
- Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $113
- Cape Adieu Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise: $113
- Waterfront Seafood Dinner with Wine for Two: $131
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Darwin $15
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: $24
- 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: $31
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $31
- Manila night cruise, night life, foodie tour and 3d theather: $33
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $35
- Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $35
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
Tours and Activities in Darwin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Darwin are as follows:
- Aquascene Fish Feeding Experience: $11
- Explore Delightful Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
- Adelaide River Queen Original Jumping Crocodile Cruise: $27
- Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $32
- Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $33
- 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $37
- Darwin History and Wartime Experience Tour: $40
- Adelaide River Cruises - Jumping Crocodile Experience: $40
- 1-Hour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $43
- Discover Darwin Harbour: Darwin Harbour Afternoon Cruise: $43
- Discover Darwin Harbour 1 hour Darwin Harbour Cruise: $44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.90Darwin $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:
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Evening at a Bar$16
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Glass of Wine$4.58
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Darwin, we can see that Darwin 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 Darwin 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 Darwin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Darwin 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 Darwin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Darwin?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Darwin. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Darwin, 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 Darwin?
Darwin 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 Darwin in the Summer?
Both Darwin 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 travelers come to Darwin for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Darwinin January. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Darwin. It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives around the same amount of rain as Darwinin January. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManila 27°C (80°F)Darwin 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Manila or Darwin in the Autumn?
Both Darwin 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. Also, many visitors come to Darwin in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Manila is around the same temperature as Darwin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Darwinin April. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilManila 26°C (79°F)Darwin 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Manila or Darwin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Darwin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Also, most visitors come to Darwin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Manila is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Darwin averages at about 25°C (77°F)in July.
In January, Manila usually receives more rain than Darwinin July. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyManila 24°C (76°F)Darwin 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Manila or Darwin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Darwin. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Darwin because of the beaches.
In April, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Darwinin October. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Manila usually gets less rain in April than Darwinin October. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberManila 29°C (84°F)Darwin 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Darwin and Manila
| Manila | Darwin | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 342 mm (13.5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 234 mm (9.2 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.