Which place is cheaper, Noosa Heads or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manila or Noosa Heads?
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 Noosa Heads can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Noosa Heads?
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.
Noosa Heads
A town and suburb located on Queensland, Australia's Sunshine Coast, Noosa is best known as a destination of pleasant weather, beautiful beachside scenery, shopping, dining, and outdoor adventure. Some of the top attractions of the area include Noosa National Park and Sunshine Beach.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Contiki Tours to Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $94Noosa Heads $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $94, while the average daily cost in Noosa Heads is $110. 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 Noosa Heads in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $55Noosa Heads $58
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $110Noosa Heads $116
Compare Hotels in Manila and Noosa Heads
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Noosa Heads? 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 Noosa Heads Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Noosa Heads $17
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Noosa Heads
Also for Noosa Heads, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sunshine Coast Airport Departure Transfer from Hotels: $18
- Sunshine Coast and Noosa Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer: $32
- Eumundi Markets Bus Transfer from Noosa, Noosaville & Mooloolaba: $32
- Brisbane Airport Departure shuttle Transfer from Sunshine Coast Hotels/addresses: $55
- Australia Zoo Transfer from Noosa, Coolum, Marcoola & Twin Waters: $79
- Private Morning Transfer From Noosa to Rainbow Beach: $89
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (4pax): $99
- Private Transfer from Noosa to Sunshine Coast Airport up to 3 pax: $102
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (6pax): $116
- Private Transfers from Sunshine Coast Airport to Noosa (8pax): $129
- Private Transfer from Sunshine Coast Airport to Hotels 11 pax: $218
- Premium Airport/ Cruise Terminal Transfers: $234
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Noosa Heads?
Prices for flights to both Noosa Heads 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 $18Noosa Heads $33
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Noosa Heads
For Noosa Heads, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Classes on Witta Maleny Sunshine Coast: $119
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $20Noosa Heads $40
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 Noosa Heads
For Noosa Heads, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Surf Lesson$42
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Sea Kayak Tour (for 2)$84
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Sunset Cruise (for 2)$13
Tours and Activities in Noosa Heads
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Noosa Heads.
- 2 Hours Sunset Experience on Noosa River: $21
- The Original 1-Hour Mooloolaba Canal Cruise: $23
- Maleny Botanic Gardens Bird Aviary Experience Ticket: $28
- Sunset Cruise Mooloolaba: $30
- River Cruise on Historical Vessel: $32
- Aquaduck Sunshine Coast - 1hr Mooloolaba Amphibious Tour: $33
- 1 Hour Self Guided Water Bike Tour of the Noosa River: $33
- Seafood Lunch Cruise: $43
- River to River, Land and Sea E-bike Tour in Brisbane: $46
- Bushtucker Cruise: $50
- Sunset Tour with Live Music: $50
- Noosa Oceanrider - Adventure Tour: $52
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.97Noosa Heads $10
Sample the Local Flavors in Noosa Heads
Also in Noosa Heads, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Eumundi Market and Distillery Experience Market Days Wednesday & Saturday: $92
- Sunshine Coast Brewery Tour with Lunch: $162
- Hinterland Cheese & Wine Tasting Tour - with 2 course lunch included: $165
- Sunshine Coast & Noosa Scenic Food & Wine Tour Inc. Lunch: $182
- Noosa Hinterland Tour with Gourmet Lunch, Wine Tasting & Everglades Lake: $191
- Noosa Hinterland Drinks Tour- visit 2 distilleries, a winery and a brewery : $195
- Noosa Hinterland Drinks Private Tour with Gin, Beer, Mead & Wine Tastings: $277
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Noosa Heads, we can see that Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads is in Pacific, 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 Noosa Heads would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Noosa Heads?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 1040 times larger than the population of Noosa Heads. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Noosa Heads, 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 Noosa Heads?
Noosa Heads 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 Noosa Heads in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Manila as well as Noosa Heads. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Noosa Heads in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Manila is generally a little warmer than Noosa Headsin January. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
It's quite rainy in Noosa Heads. Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Noosa Headsin January. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManila 27°C (80°F)Noosa Heads 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Manila or Noosa Heads in the Autumn?
Both Noosa Heads and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Noosa Heads for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Manila is much warmer than Noosa Heads in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (58°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Manila. In October, Manila usually receives more rain than Noosa Headsin April. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilManila 26°C (79°F)Noosa Heads 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Manila or Noosa Heads in the Winter?
Both Noosa Heads 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Noosa Heads because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Noosa Heads. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Noosa Heads averages at about 7°C (44°F)in July.
Manila usually gets less rain in January than Noosa Headsin July. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 57 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyManila 24°C (76°F)Noosa Heads 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Manila or Noosa Heads in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Noosa Heads. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Noosa Heads this time of year.
In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Noosa Headsin October. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Noosa Heads fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Noosa Headsin October. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Noosa Heads receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberManila 29°C (84°F)Noosa Heads 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Noosa Heads and Manila
| Manila | Noosa Heads | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 117 mm (4.6 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.