Which place is cheaper, Havana or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manila or Havana?
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 Havana can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Havana?
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.
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $93Havana $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $93, while the average daily cost in Havana 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 Havana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Havana $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Manila and Havana
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Havana? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Havana $19
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 Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.68
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Havana?
Prices for flights to both Havana 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 $18Havana $10
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
- ⭐ 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
- Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $69
- Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $82
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145
Typical Food Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
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Pizza$0.03
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Havana $11
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: $33
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $35
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $43
- ⭐ Intramuros The Walled City Walking Tour ⭐: $46
- ⭐ Authentic Manila Chinatown Experience ⭐: $46
- Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.88Havana $5.76
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
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Mojito$0.15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Havana, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Havana much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manila is in Asia and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Havana would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Havana 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 Havana.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Havana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Havana?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Havana. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Havana, 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 Havana?
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 Havana in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Havana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Havana 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 Havana. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Manila is around the same temperature as Havana in the summer. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Havana 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Manila or Havana in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Manila as well as Havana. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.
Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Havana. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Manila is around the same temperature as Havana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manila in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Havana averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Havana 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Manila or Havana in the Winter?
Both Havana 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 Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Havana. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Manila is generally a little warmer than Havana. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 24°C (76°F), and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Havana 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Manila or Havana in the Spring?
Both Havana 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 Havana year-round.
Manila usually gets less rain in April than Havana. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Manila is a little warmer than Havana in the spring. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Havana 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Havana and Manila
| Manila | Havana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.