A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manila vs. Seattle for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Manila or Seattle?

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 Seattle can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Manila or Seattle?

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.

Seattle

Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Seattle or Manila?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $93, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $205. 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 Seattle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $54
    Seattle $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $108
    Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Manila and Seattle

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Seattle? 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.

Hotels in Manila


Hotels in Seattle


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 Seattle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $14
    Seattle $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $9.80
  • Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
  • Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido Transfer: $25
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila APT-HTL (MNL) : $30
  • Round-trip Coron Airport Transfer + Town Tour (Shared): $31
  • Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
  • Manila Airport Transfer: $37
  • Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
  • Private Transfer from Clark Airport (CRK) to Subic Bay Port: $46
  • Manila Airport (MNL): One-way Private Transfers: $57
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $68

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:


  • Lightrail from Airport (for 2)
    $5.50
  • Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:

  • One-Way Transfer: Cruise Piers to Airport : $28
  • One-Way Transfer: SeaTac Hotels to Seattle Cruise Terminals : $33
  • Private Arrival Transfer In Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) : $40
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer(Seattle Airport To/From Seattle): $58
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Seattle - Arrival Private Transfer: $71
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) - Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle hotels - Arrival Private Transfer : $74
  • Private Transfer from Seattle hotels to Smith Cove Terminal : $74
  • Seattle Airport (SEA) to Smith Cove Terminal - Arrival Transfer: $74
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Airport (SEA) - Departure Transfer: $74
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Hotels Arrival Private Transfer : $74
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Seattle Airport: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Seattle?

Prices for flights to both Seattle 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Manila $18
    Seattle $51

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

Typical Food Prices in Seattle

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:


  • Expresso & cookie at Pier 70
    $7.00
  • Cashews at Pike Place Market
    $6.00
  • 6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market
    $3.25
  • Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)
    $21
  • Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)
    $32
  • Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)
    $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.

  • Secret Food Tours Seattle: $65
  • Seattle Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours: $67
  • Eat Around the World Seattle Food Tour: $69
  • International District Food Tour: $69
  • Street Food Tour of South Lake Union: $75
  • Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $85
  • Pike Place Market Food Tour: $99
  • Small Group Cooking Class: $138
  • Private Seattle Cooking Class with a Chef in Her Home: $198

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $19
    Seattle $16

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

Tours and Activities in Seattle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:

  • Space Needle Park Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $8.49
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Seattle by Crazy Dash: $10
  • Downtown Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
  • Seattle Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Seattle Mariners Baseball Game Ticket at T Mobile Park: $15
  • Seattle bakery walk tour: $19
  • National Nordic Museum Entry Ticket: $20
  • Smith Tower Straight Up Observatory Access Ticket: $22
  • Terrors and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour: $26
  • MoPOP Entry Ticket: $27
  • Woodland Park Zoo Day Admission Ticket: $28
  • Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.88
    Seattle $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:

  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
  • Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour : $40
  • Woodinville Wine Country: Downtown Wine Tasting Pass: $65
  • Woodinville Wine Country: Artisan Hill Wine Tasting Pass: $65
  • Brewery and Restaurant Tour of Historic Seattle Neighborhood: $109
  • Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour : $120
  • From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $262
  • Snoqualmie Falls + Wine Tasting: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour: $263


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle is in North America, 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Manila or Seattle?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

Seattle 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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Manila is a little warmer than Seattle in the summer. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Seattle. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Seattle 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Manila or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle 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. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Manila is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manila in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Seattle averages at about 54°F (12°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Seattle. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Seattle 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Manila or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Seattle. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Manila is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 24°C (76°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 42°F (5°C).

Seattle receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Seattle. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Seattle 42°F (5°C)

Should I visit Manila or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Seattle. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Manila is much warmer than Seattle in the spring. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Manila usually gets less rain in April than Seattle. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Seattle 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Seattle and Manila

Manila Seattle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 42°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 45°F (7°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 67°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 67°F (19°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 47°F (8°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 42°F (6°C) 6 inches (152 mm)