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

Should you visit Manila or Guangzhou?

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

Where Should I go: Manila or Guangzhou?

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.

Guangzhou

With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou 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 $106, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $104. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $54
    Guangzhou $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $108
    Guangzhou $116
Compare Hotels in Manila and Guangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Guangzhou? 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 Guangzhou


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $14
    Guangzhou $14

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: $65
  • 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: $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $24
  • Guangzhou private airport transfer: $27
  • [Airport transfer] Guangzhou Airport - Guangzhou city transfer service with a good reputation! <Private charter: $27
  • Guangzhou : Private One-Way Transfers to/from Baiyun Airport(CAN): $30
  • Guangzhou Airport & Train Station Private Transfer English Driver: $32
  • Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
  • Private Transfer: Guangzhou hotel to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport: $33
  • Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou hotel: $33
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
  • Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Guangzhou Chimelong International Circus Private Transfer Service: $38
  • Guangzhou Private Intercity Transfer Shenzhen, Dongguan and More: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Guangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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 $31
    Guangzhou $34

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 Guangzhou

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

  • Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
  • Shenzhen Cantonese Dim Sum Cooking Class with Lunch: $86
  • Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
  • Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
  • Morning Tea, Cantonese Opera, and Food Tour: $183
  • Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $19
    Guangzhou $18

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 Guangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Guangzhou:New Cultural Landmark Ticket -Explore Tang Style: $2.56
  • 2,000-Year-Old Wonder-Nanyue King’s Tomb Ticket: $3.19
  • Reputable Private Guangzhou Tour Guide Service by Xaq: $5.00
  • Cantonese Heritage Tour with Key Cultural Stops: $6.74
  • Discover Private Tour of Culture, Food & Pearl River: $6.99
  • Pearl River 1-hour Night Cruise (Optional Piers): $13
  • Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
  • Private Guangzhou Tour with Comfortable Transportation: $16
  • Lychee Bay River Cruise: $24
  • Grandview Museum of Nature Science Ticket: $25
  • Pick Up Service and Tour for Canton Culture and Food: $26
  • Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Canton Tower: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.90
    Guangzhou $14


When comparing the travel costs between Manila and Guangzhou, we can see that Manila is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Guangzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Manila or Guangzhou?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Guangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?

Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Guangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.

In the summer, Manila is around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manila in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 29°C (84°F).

Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Guangzhou. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Manila or Guangzhou in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Manila as well as Guangzhou. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 26°C (79°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Guangzhou. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Manila or Guangzhou in the Winter?

Both Guangzhou and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.

Manila is much warmer than Guangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Manila or Guangzhou in the Spring?

Both Guangzhou 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.

In the spring, Manila is a little warmer than Guangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manila in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Manila usually gets less rain in April than Guangzhou. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Manila

Manila Guangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)