Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas?
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 Thomas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Saint Thomas?
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 Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Manila and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Saint Thomas? 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 Thomas $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Safe and secure Airport Transfer Best in Manila: $216
- Tagaytay-Pagsanjan Falls combo tour with transfers** updated 2024: $180
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Amazing Taal Volcano Island Boat Tour with Transfers: $120
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $98
- Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
- METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
- Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49
- Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $83
- VI Top Taxi and Tours - St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $90
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St.Thomas Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay / Limetree: $110
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- PARADISE TAXI & TOURS USVI-St.Thomas-Airport Transfer to Marriott Frenchman Cove: $110
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $115
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- Exclusive Airport Transfers (up to 4 persons) One-Way: $135
- St.Thomas island to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $135
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to the Redhook Ferry: $144
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to The Ritz Carlton Resort: $144
- Paradise Taxi & Tours USVI- St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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 $31Saint Thomas $94
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⭐: $62
- 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: $66
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
- Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Saint Thomas $60
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- (Excursion) Day tour in Manila: $258
- A Day in Paradise at Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Adventure: $150
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
- Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
- Amazing Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Tour 2in1: $125
- Amazing Taal Volcano Tour (Boat Included): $125
- Antipolo Day Tour with Cloud 9 and Pinto Art Museum: $80
- BAGUIO CITY DAY TOUR (FROM MANILA): $357
- BANAUE:BATAD Rice Terraces with Sagada 4D3N PRIVATE TOUR: $7,130
- Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $208
- Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $71
- Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $85
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Nature and Sightseeing Tour at Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden: $16
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
- Coral World Ocean Park General Admission Ticket: $29
- Cruise Ship Shuttle to Ferry going to St. John: $34
- Rum Tasting Experience in the Old Barrel House: $35
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- St. Thomas Sightseeing Tour with a Guide: $40
- Guided Tour of Coral World Ocean Park & Happy Hour: $40
- St. Thomas Ghost Tour of Historic Charlotte Amalie : $41
- Prince taxi & Tours St.Thomas Virgin Islands-Island Scenic Tour: $45
- Guided Kayak Tour from Margaritaville: $48
- Guided Kayak Tour from Elysian: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.90Saint Thomas $27
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas 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 Thomas 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 Thomas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Thomas 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 Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Saint Thomas?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 520 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Saint Thomas, 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 Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Manila or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Manila as well as Saint Thomas. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Saint Thomas. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Manila is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manila in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Manila or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
Both Saint Thomas and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. It's quite rainy in Manila. In October, Manila usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Manila or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint Thomas year-round.
Manila usually gets less rain in January than Saint Thomas. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Manila is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the winter. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Manila or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Saint Thomas. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Manila is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manila in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Manila
| Manila | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.