Which place is cheaper, Saint John's or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manila or Saint John's?
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 Saint John's can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Saint John's?
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.
Saint John's
If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.
St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $93Saint John's $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $93, while the average daily cost in Saint John's is $222. 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 Saint John's in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Saint John's $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Saint John's $240
Compare Hotels in Manila and Saint John's
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Saint John's? 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 $14Saint John's $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
- Active Taal Volcano experience 2024 (with transfers): $140
- Adventure Awaits: Spelunking at Cavinti Cave Complex w/ Transfers: $160
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Day Hike Mt. Batulao 811 meters with transfers from Manila** 2024: $130
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- Half Day Historical Manila City tour and much more with transfers: $70
- Manila Airport (MNL): One-way Private Transfers: $57
- Manila Airport Transfer: $37
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
- Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $9.80
- Nagpatong Rock Day hike + Tungtong Falls(with transfers**) 2023: $130
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:
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Local Bus$1.52
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Taxi From Airport$6.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:
- Round-Trip Transfer between Antigua Airport and Antigua Hotels: $32
- Shared Roundtrip Taxi Transfer from Antigua Airport to Royalton Antigua Resort: $45
- Private One-Way Antigua Airport Transfer To/From Antigua: $45
- Private Transfer from St. John's Port to Antigua Airport (ANU): $50
- Private Transfer from Antigua Airport (ANU) to St. John's Port: $50
- Airport Transfer from/to all resorts in Antigua - Water Inc.: $60
- Antigua Airport Private Roundtrip Transfer to and from Royalton Antigua Resort: $60
- Private Airport Transfers to Antigua and Barbuda: $60
- Biggvee Airport Roundtrip Transfer: $70
- VIP Meet and Greet Fast Track on Arrival at Antigua Airport - without Transfers : $74
- Island to Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU)- Private Transfer: $78
- Antigua&Barbuda V.C.Bird Airport(ANU) to island Private Transfer: $78
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Saint John's?
Prices for flights to both Saint John's 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 $18Saint John's $68
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
- ⭐ 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
- Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $69
- Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $82
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.
- City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
- Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
- Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Saint John's $103
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Guided Tour of the Historic San Sebastian Basilica (Manila): $6.42
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $18
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- ⭐ Makati Bar Hopping Tour with Venus ⭐: $27
- Intramuros Historical Walk Tour: $27
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $33
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $35
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $43
- ⭐ Intramuros The Walled City Walking Tour ⭐: $46
- ⭐ Authentic Manila Chinatown Experience ⭐: $46
- Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $50
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's
Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu$3.00
Tours and Activities in Saint John's
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Chariot City Tour Antigua: $20
- Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Cultural and Historical Home Tour in The Antiguan Experience : $66
- Small-Group Hiking Experience in Antigua: $70
- Glenmon taxi and tours: $70
- Stingray City Experience Antigua - ONLY TICKET: $73
- Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
- Kayak Eco Adventures Glass Kayak Nature and Snorkeling Tour: $75
- Authentic Antiguan Experience: $79
- Nightlife Tour of Antigua and Barbuda: $80
- TRIPLE ACTIVITY TOUR, Bike Kayak Hike, ANTIGUA : $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.88Saint John's $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Saint John's, we can see that Saint John's 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 Saint John's is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Saint John's would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John's 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 Saint John's Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Saint John's?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 430 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Saint John's, 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 Saint John's?
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 Saint John's in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Saint John's. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Saint John's receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Saint John's. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Saint John's. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Saint John's fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Saint John's 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Manila or Saint John's in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Manila as well as Saint John's. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Saint John's. Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Saint John's. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Manila is around the same temperature as Saint John's in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Saint John's fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Saint John's 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Manila or Saint John's in the Winter?
Both Saint John's and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Saint John's. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Manila is around the same temperature as Saint John's. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Saint John's averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Saint John's 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Manila or Saint John's in the Spring?
Both Saint John's and Manila during the spring 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 Saint John's year-round.
Saint John's gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Manila usually gets less rain in April than Saint John's. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Manila is generally a little warmer than Saint John's. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Saint John's fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Saint John's 26°C (78°F)
Typical Weather for Saint John's and Manila
| Manila | Saint John's | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.