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

Should you visit Manila or Hangzhou?

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

Where Should I go: Manila or Hangzhou?

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.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Manila?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $94, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $65. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $55
    Hangzhou $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $110
    Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Manila and Hangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Hangzhou? 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 Hangzhou


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
    Hangzhou $8.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • Full On 5-7 hours ATV Adventure Rivers-Mountains-Jungle with Transfers Manila: $280
  • Active Taal Volcano experience 2024 (with transfers): $140
  • Adventure Awaits: Spelunking at Cavinti Cave Complex w/ Transfers: $160
  • Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
  • Day Hike Mt. Batulao 811 meters with transfers from Manila** 2024: $130
  • Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
  • Half Day Historical Manila City tour and much more with transfers: $70
  • Manila Airport (MNL): One-way Private Transfers: $57
  • Manila Airport Transfer: $37
  • Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
  • Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $9.80
  • Nagpatong Rock Day hike + Tungtong Falls(with transfers**) 2023: $130

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • Private Transfer between Hangzhou Songcheng Park and City Area: $23
  • Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
  • [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
  • Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou East Railway Station Transfer To Hangzhou Downtown City: $32
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotels: $33
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Hangzhou downtown city one way private transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer between Hangzhou Safari Park and City Hotels: $37
  • Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from City hotels: $41
  • Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer to City Hotels or Railway Station: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Hangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 $18
    Hangzhou $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila

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

  • Manila Night Market and food tour Experience: $58
  • Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $63
  • ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $63
  • Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
  • Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
  • Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $81
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
  • Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145

Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.35
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

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

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
  • Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $20
    Hangzhou $20

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
  • Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $18
  • Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
  • ⭐ Makati Bar Hopping Tour with Venus ⭐: $27
  • Intramuros Historical Walk Tour: $27
  • Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $32
  • Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
  • Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $43
  • ⭐ Intramuros The Walled City Walking Tour ⭐: $45
  • ⭐ Authentic Manila Chinatown Experience ⭐: $46
  • Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $50

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

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

  • Hangzhou Lingyin Temple Tour : $28
  • Hangzhou Longjing Tea Plantation Culture Experience Tour: $53
  • Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
  • Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $69
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Ticket with Private Transport: $89
  • One-day Hangzhou Lakeside Mountains Relics & Ruins Hiking – Guided Outdoor Tour : $90
  • Independent Tour to Shaoxing City from Hangzhou: $94
  • Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Hefang Heritage Street : $95
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
  • Genuine West Lake and Tea Experience with Locals: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.97
    Hangzhou $10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Hangzhou, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou.

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


Which is Bigger, Manila or Hangzhou?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?

Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou in the Summer?

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

In July, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Manila or Hangzhou in the Autumn?

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

Manila is a little warmer than Hangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Hangzhou. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Manila or Hangzhou in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 5°C (41°F).

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Manila or Hangzhou in the Spring?

Both Hangzhou 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 April, Manila is generally much warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Manila usually gets less rain in April than Hangzhou. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Manila

Manila Hangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)