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.
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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.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $99Lima $98
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $99, while the average daily cost in Lima is $98. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $51Lima $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $102Lima $108
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $13Lima $6.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
- Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $28
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $28
- Private Airport Transfer: Metro Manila → NAIA Airport (MNL): $30
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
- Manila Airport Transfer: $38
- Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
- Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.91
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Taxi Ride$5.91
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Short Taxi Ride$4.43
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 : Bus transfer to/from Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco: $11
- Lima Airport One Way Private Transfer LIM to Lima City Center: $12
- LIMA AIRPORT SHUTTLE - Shared Transfer: $13
- Transfer: Lima City Center to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $14
- Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel or Hotel-Airport!!: $15
- Lima Airport Transfer Service Available 24 7: $15
- Taxi transfers from and to the Lima Airport and Paracas Ica: $15
- Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $15
- Private Transfer from Lima Airport (LIM) to Callao Port: $16
- Private Taxi Transfers to Lima Jorge Chavez Airport: $17
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
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Food Meals for one dayManila $29Lima $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $60
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $60
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
- Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
- Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $105
- A taste of Manila's History & Filipino Culture with Buffet Dinner: $175
- Subic: Sunset Dinner Yacht Cruise from Manila & Clark: $212
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.73
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Ice cream$3.84
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Coffee$3.25
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Donut$1.03
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Street Food Tour: Taste Authentic Peruvian Delights: $45
- Dinner at Mangos Larcomar Restaurant: $48
- Lima Street Food Tour: Markets & Local Life: $50
- Peruvian Cooking Class with Chef Lucia Dabdoub: $50
- Private Cooking Class in Causa & Lomo Saltado: $50
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $50
- Private Guided Walking Street Food Tour in Lima: $55
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $59
- #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $59
- Lima Market Food Tour: $65
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $67
- Lima Food Tour - Prepare your Anticuchos and Pisco Sour: $69
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $18Lima $9.43
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: $23
- Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
- Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
- Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
- The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $30
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $30
- Manila night cruise, night life, foodie tour and 3d theather: $32
- Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$18
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Movie Tickets$2.51
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Lima Cathedral Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Walking Tour in the Historical Centre and China Town: $18
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Best Art and History Tour in Barranco: $20
- Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
- A Journey Through Time: Lima's Historic Center & Catacombs Tour: $20
- Colorful Barranco Tour and Street Art: $20
- Tour around Lima City: $20
- From Pyramids & Bohemian Streets: Lima Miraflores & Barranco Tour: $25
- Miraflores & Barranco Bike Tour with Local Guide: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.29Lima $6.13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.95
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Beer$4.43
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Cocktail$3.55
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $22
- Bar Crawl Night Tour in Miraflores: $38
- Lima Nightlife Tour & Society – Cultural Pub Crawl: $50
- From Paracas & Huacachina & Wine Tasting: $135
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).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 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).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 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).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 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).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 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) |
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.