Which place is cheaper, Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach?
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 Railay Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Railay Beach?
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.
Railay Beach
If you're looking to scale great heights and add more achievements to your list during your vacation, consider a trip to the peninsula of Rai Leh, or more commonly Railay Bay or Railay Beach, in the Krabi region of Thailand. This swimming and rock climbing hotspot is known for its towering limestone peaks and gorgeous surrounding scenery.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesRailay Beach Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Railay Beach $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Railay Beach is $139. 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 Railay Beach in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Railay Beach $73
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Railay Beach $146
Compare Hotels in Manila and Railay Beach
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Railay Beach? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Railay Beach $29
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Railay Beach?
Prices for flights to both Railay Beach 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 $31Railay Beach $43
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 Railay Beach
Some typical examples of dining costs in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.28
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Pizza$5.34
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Railay Beach $26
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 Railay Beach
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Rock Climbing (for Two)$22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.90Railay Beach $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Railay Beach
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Railay Beach are as follows:
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Beer$1.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Railay Beach, we can see that Railay Beach is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Railay Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Manila or Railay Beach?
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 Railay Beach in the Summer?
Both Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Railay Beach is August to October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Railay Beach. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Manila is around the same temperature as Railay Beach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manila in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Manila or Railay Beach in the Autumn?
Both Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach year-round.
December to March is the dry season in Railay Beach. August to October is the rainy season in Railay Beach. Railay Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets less rain in October than Railay Beach. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 26°C (79°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Railay Beach 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Manila or Railay Beach in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Railay Beach. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Railay Beach attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Railay Beach is the dry season. In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Manila is cooler than Railay Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Manila or Railay Beach in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Railay Beach. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Railay Beach throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Railay Beach. Manila usually gets less rain in April than Railay Beach. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Manila is around the same temperature as Railay Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manila in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Railay Beach 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Railay Beach and Manila
| Manila | Railay Beach | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.