Which place is cheaper, Houston or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manila or Houston?
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 Houston can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Houston?
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.
Houston
The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $93Houston $262
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $93, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 Houston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Houston $142
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Manila and Houston
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Houston? 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 Houston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Houston $72
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston William P. Hobby Airport HOU: $48
- Private Arrival Transfer from Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): $51
- Round-Trip Shuttle Transfer to NASA Space Center: $54
- Transfer in private vehicle from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $60
- Private One-way George Bush Airport Transfer To/From Houston: $71
- Houston to Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $81
- Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Arrival Private Transfer: $81
- Transfer in private minivan from Houston City Center to George Bush Airport: $88
- Transfer in private minivan from Houston George Bush Airport to Houston Downtown: $88
- Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Business Car: $106
- Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $108
- Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $109
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Houston?
Prices for flights to both Houston 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 $18Houston $35
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
- Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
- Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
- Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
- East Downtown Food Tour: $90
- Montrose Food Tour: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Houston $14
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
Tours and Activities in Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sights of Downtown Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.31
- Houston Museum of Natural Sciences: Planetarium Ticket: $9.00
- Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Wacky Walks: $10
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Houston by Operation City Quest: $10
- Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern History Tour: $12
- Sightseeing Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $14
- Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Children's Museum Houston Entry Ticket: $17
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Houston with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- Family Guy Experience - Houston: $25
- Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.88Houston $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Houston
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
- Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
- 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
- Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Houston, we can see that Houston 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 Houston is in North America, 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Houston?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Houston. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Houston, 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 Houston?
Houston 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 Houston in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Houston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Houston. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Houston fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).
Houston 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 Houston. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Houston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Manila or Houston in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Manila as well as Houston. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Manila is a little warmer than Houston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
It's quite rainy in Houston. Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Houston. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Houston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Manila or Houston in the Winter?
Both Houston and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year.
In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Houston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Houston averages at about 52°F (11°C).
In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Houston. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Houston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Manila or Houston in the Spring?
Both Houston 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. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city.
In April, Manila is generally a little warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Houston fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
Manila usually gets less rain in April than Houston. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Houston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Houston and Manila
| Manila | Houston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
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.