Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manila or Koh Phi Phi?
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 Koh Phi Phi can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Koh Phi Phi?
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.
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $94Koh Phi Phi $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $94, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $72. 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 Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $55Koh Phi Phi $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $110Koh Phi Phi $80
Compare Hotels in Manila and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Koh Phi Phi $6.89
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
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- Adventure Awaits: Spelunking at Cavinti Cave Complex w/ Transfers: $160
- Active Taal Volcano experience 2024 (with transfers): $140
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Nagpatong Rock Day hike + Tungtong Falls(with transfers**) 2023: $130
- Day Hike Mt. Batulao 811 meters with transfers from Manila** 2024: $130
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Paranaque Private Transfer: $120
- ⭐ Manila International Airport Car Transfer To & From City⭐: $72
- Half Day Historical Manila City tour and much more with transfers: $70
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $68
- Manila Airport (MNL): One-way Private Transfers: $57
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
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Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$15
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Longboat Taxi$2.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $22
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $25
- Superfast Transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi by Arisa Speed Boat: $28
- One-Way Departure Transfer from Phi Phi Island (Speedboat) to Phuket Airport : $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 $18Koh Phi Phi $11
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 Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
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Crepe$1.64
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Sit Down Lunch$9.27
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Casual Lunch$5.73
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Coconut Donut$0.27
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Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$11
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Sit Down Dinner$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $20Koh Phi Phi $45
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
- Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $188
- Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $72
- Corregidor daytour Via Manila to Bataan: $298
- Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $80
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- From 4-Day Sagada and Banaue Rice Terraces Tour: $338
- From Day Tour to Enchanting Hidden Valley: $160
- From Majestic Pagsanjan Falls Adventure: $160
- From Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour: $106
- From Panoramic Tagaytay Ridge Tour: $150
- From Taal Volcano Island & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour: $135
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $13
- Phuket Trick Eye 3D Museum Admission Ticket: $14
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
- Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $21
- Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $27
- Wonderful Phi Phi Islands Highlights Tour: $50
- PHI PHI ISLAND - Sunrise Trip From Phi Phi Don By Phi Phi Local Tour: $53
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Half Day & Sunset Phi Phi Island Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.97Koh Phi Phi $5.66
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
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Mojito Bucket$14
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Banana Daiquiri$5.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Phi Phi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Koh Phi Phi?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 10440 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Manila or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Manila as well as Koh Phi Phi. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Manila or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Manila. In October, Manila usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Manila is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Manila or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Manila during the winter 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 Koh Phi Phi year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi. Manila usually gets less rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Manila is cooler than Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Manila or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Manila
| Manila | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.