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

Should you visit Manila or Ghent?

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 Ghent can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Manila or Ghent?

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.

Ghent

Ghent is a large city in the northern part of Belgium (the Flanders region) with a population of about 250,000. This city was one of the most powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, which is portrayed today, mostly through architecture. There is a large university in Ghent with over 60,000 students, and a large portion of the population are young students. However, among the natives and students, there are also many foreigners and artists that you will find walking the streets of the city. Ghent is also Belgium's second largest port city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Ghent 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 $99, while the average daily cost in Ghent is $167. 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 Ghent in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $51
    Ghent $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $102
    Ghent $166
Compare Hotels in Manila and Ghent

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Ghent? 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 Ghent


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 Ghent Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $13
    Ghent $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
  • Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
  • Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $25
  • Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $28
  • Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $28
  • Private Airport Transfer: Metro Manila → NAIA Airport (MNL): $30
  • Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
  • NAIA Airport Transfer to/from anywhere in Metro Manila: $31
  • Manila Airport Transfer: $38
  • Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38
  • Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
  • Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ghent

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ghent:

  • Transfer Ghent Luxembourg (1 to 8 places): $248

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Ghent?

Prices for flights to both Ghent 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 $29
    Ghent $69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila

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

  • Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $60
  • Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $60
  • Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
  • ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
  • 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
  • Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $105
  • A taste of Manila's History & Filipino Culture with Buffet Dinner: $175
  • Subic: Sunset Dinner Yacht Cruise from Manila & Clark: $212

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ghent

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

  • Walking Food Tour in Ghent: $94
  • Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $109

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $18
    Ghent $10

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
  • Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
  • A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
  • Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
  • Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
  • The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
  • Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $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
  • Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
  • Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34

Tours and Activities in Ghent

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

  • Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent: $3.47
  • Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included: $3.47
  • Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent: $3.47
  • Ghent Self Guided Walking Tour Rebels, Dragons and Secret: $5.00
  • Ghent Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self Guided Walking Tour: $5.80
  • TOP Ghent : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $5.80
  • Ghent Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $12
  • Hidden A Self-Guided Audio Tour Of The Flemish City: $12
  • Pub Trail Kortrijk: an adventure full of surprises: $13
  • Pub Trail Ostend: an adventure full of surprises: $13
  • 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center: $13
  • 40 Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.29
    Ghent $21

Sample the Local Flavors in Ghent

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ghent:

  • Brewery Visit in Ostend- Two 33cl Beers Included: $21
  • Brewery Visit in Ostend- 3 Beers & Breughel Plate Experience: $41
  • NEW Ghent Brewery Visit, Beer Tasting Tour & Chocolate Pairing: $87


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


Which is Bigger, Manila or Ghent?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Ghent, 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 Ghent?

Ghent 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 Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent 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, most visitors come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Manila is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manila in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Ghent averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Ghent. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Ghent 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Manila or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Ghent because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Manila is generally much warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 26°C (79°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Ghent. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Ghent 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Manila or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Ghent. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ghent in the winter. Manila is much warmer than Ghent in the winter. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Ghent. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Ghent 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Manila or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Ghent. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Ghent for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Manila is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manila in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Ghent averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Manila usually gets less rain in April than Ghent. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Ghent 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Ghent and Manila

Manila Ghent
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)