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

Should you visit Manila or Lima?

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

Where Should I go: Manila or Lima?

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.

Lima

Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.

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 Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.


Which place is cheaper, Lima or Manila?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Lima 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 Lima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $54
    Lima $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $108
    Lima $104
Compare Hotels in Manila and Lima

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Lima? 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 Lima


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 Lima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $14
    Lima $6.06

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
  • Manila Airport Chauffeur service Manila Airport private Transfer : $20
  • Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $24
  • Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $29
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila HTL-APT (MNL): $30
  • Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City: $30
  • Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
  • Manila Airport Transfer: $38
  • Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $39
  • Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $5.73
  • Taxi Ride
    $5.73
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $4.30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:

  • QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Miraflores to Lima Airport: $5.95
  • QuickLlama: Transfer from Miraflores Kennedy Park to Lima Airport: $5.95
  • LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
  • Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM): $13
  • Private Transfer to Lima Airport (LIM): $13
  • Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $16
  • Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM) to Callao Port: $17
  • Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $17
  • Private Airport Transfer to Miraflores San Isidro and Barranco: $18
  • Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $18
  • Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima Hotels: $18
  • Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $18

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Lima?

Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $31
    Lima $32

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 Lima

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.59
  • Ice cream
    $3.73
  • Coffee
    $3.15
  • Donut
    $1.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima

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

  • Lima Food Tour with Ceviche, Pisco, and Grilled Chicken: $32
  • Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $40
  • Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour : $48
  • #1 Reviewed Lima Cooking Class: $49
  • Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $55
  • Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
  • Peru’s Most Beloved Recipes Cooking Class: $58
  • Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
  • Lima Night: Cooking Experience with locals: $65
  • Peruvian Cooking Class, Local Market Tour & Exotic Fruit Tasting: $65
  • Vegan Peruvian Food Cooking Class | Ceviche + Pisco Sour: $69
  • 4 iconic restaurants of Lima / 3-hour guided food tour: $69

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $19
    Lima $9.15

Tours and Activities in Manila

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:

  • Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
  • A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $24
  • Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
  • Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
  • Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
  • The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
  • Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $31
  • Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $31
  • Manila night cruise, night life, foodie tour and 3d theather: $33
  • Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $35
  • Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $35
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37

Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:


  • Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)
    $17
  • Movie Tickets
    $2.44

Tours and Activities in Lima

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:

  • Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
  • Lima City Tour with Baby Alpaca Class and Pisco Tasting: $16
  • Skip the Line: Larco Museum Admission Ticket: $18
  • Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
  • Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
  • Bike Tour Lima: $19
  • Water Magic Circuit Lima Night Tour by Panoramic Bus: $20
  • Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
  • Bohemian and artistic ravine walking tour: $22
  • Lima Half-Day City Walking Tour (Small Groups): $24
  • Pisco Sour experience with mini causitas at República del Pisco: $25
  • Guided Walking Tour in Barranco: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.90
    Lima $5.95

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $7.71
  • Beer
    $4.30
  • Cocktail
    $3.44

Sample the Local Flavors in Lima

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:

  • Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $19
  • Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $30
  • Local Wine Tour : $55
  • From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
  • Full Day Paracas, Huacachina and Wine Tasting from Lima : $138


When comparing the travel costs between Manila and Lima, 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. Even though Manila is in Asia and Lima is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Manila or Lima?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Lima. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Lima, 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 Lima?

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 Lima in the Summer?

Both Lima and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Lima. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Manila is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manila in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Lima averages at about 18°C (64°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Lima 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Manila or Lima in the Autumn?

Both Lima and Manila during the autumn 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 Lima year-round.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Lima. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Manila is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 26°C (79°F), and Lima fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).


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

Should I visit Manila or Lima in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Lima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Manila usually receives more rain than Lima. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Manila is around the same temperature as Lima in the winter. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Lima 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Manila or Lima in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Lima. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.

Manila usually gets more rain in April than Lima. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Manila is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manila in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Lima averages at about 22°C (72°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Lima 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Lima and Manila

Manila Lima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)