Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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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 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesKoh Phi Phi Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Koh Phi Phi $95
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $95. 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 $54Koh Phi Phi $50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Koh Phi Phi $100
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 $7.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Safe and secure Airport Transfer Best in Manila: $216
- Tagaytay-Pagsanjan Falls combo tour with transfers** updated 2024: $180
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $98
- Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
- METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $65
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
- Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49
- Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
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)$17
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Longboat Taxi$3.14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $29
- Easy Island Transfer from Phi Phi Island to Koh Tao: $80
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 $31Koh Phi Phi $23
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
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$1.88
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Sit Down Lunch$11
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Casual Lunch$6.59
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Coconut Donut$0.31
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Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$13
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Sit Down Dinner$16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Ala Carte Package: $22
- International Dinner & Cabaret Show - Set Menu Package: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Koh Phi Phi $52
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- (Excursion) Day tour in Manila: $265
- A Day in Paradise at Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Adventure: $150
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $24
- Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
- Amazing Taal Volcano Tour (Boat Included): $125
- Antipolo Day Tour with Cloud 9 and Pinto Art Museum: $82
- BAGUIO CITY DAY TOUR (FROM MANILA): $365
- BANAUE:BATAD Rice Terraces with Sagada 4D3N PRIVATE TOUR: $7,305
- Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $208
- Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $73
- Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $85
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
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$9.42
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: $15
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
- Phi Phi Sunset Longtail Boat Cruise to Maya Bay and Snorkeling: $18
- Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket: $19
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Half-Day Phi Phi Island Longtail Boat Tour with Maya Bay Visit: $19
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
- Phuket Trick Eye Museum Admission Ticket (SHA Plus): $22
- Trick Eye Museum at Phuket Admission Ticket: $24
- Half-Day Morning Bamboo Island Tour from Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
- Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.90Koh Phi Phi $6.51
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$16
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Banana Daiquiri$6.28
When comparing the travel costs between Manila and Koh Phi Phi, 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 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.