Which place is cheaper, Seoul 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 Seoul?
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 Seoul can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Seoul?
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.
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesSeoul Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $99Seoul $117
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $99, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $117. 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 Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $51Seoul $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $102Seoul $98
Compare Hotels in Manila and Seoul
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Seoul? 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 Seoul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $13Seoul $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
- Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $28
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $28
- Private Airport Transfer: Metro Manila → NAIA Airport (MNL): $30
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
- Manila Airport Transfer: $38
- Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
- Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.28
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Short Taxi Ride$4.59
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Metro Ride$0.88
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Seoul City Pass Plus$6.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- Seoul Private Transfer Airport Gangneung Jeonju Gyeongju Busan: $13
- Private One-Way Transfers to/from Incheon Airport(ICN): $39
- Night Views Tour with Guide and Transfers: $41
- From Round-Trip Transfer to Dae Jang Geum Park: $50
- Private Airport Transfer: Hotel in Seoul → Gimpo Airport: $57
- Seoul Gimpo Airport (GMP) Transfer to Seoul/Suwon/Seongnam/Yongin: $60
- Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) Departure Private Transfer: $63
- Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) to Seoul - Arrival Private Transfer: $63
- Private Airport Transfer:Seoul City Incheon ⇄Airport: $67
- Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport → Hotel in the City: $75
- Private Seoul KTX Station Transfer from/to Seoul Area: $85
- Incheon Airport Transfer service pick up drop off Seoul ~7 Pax: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Seoul?
Prices for flights to both Seoul 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 $29Seoul $47
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $60
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $60
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
- 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
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $105
- A taste of Manila's History & Filipino Culture with Buffet Dinner: $175
- Subic: Sunset Dinner Yacht Cruise from Manila & Clark: $212
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$3.93
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Waffle$0.66
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Dippin' Dots$1.31
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Chicken Fried Rice$3.60
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Chicken Stick$1.31
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.24
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Lunch Buffet$3.93
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Donut$0.66
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Mushroom Burger$3.41
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.16
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Udon & Sushi$4.59
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Fresh Burger$3.14
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Soba Noodles Lunch$2.95
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.28
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Fried Rice$3.60
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Vietnamese Dinner$6.22
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.22
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Donut$1.64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Guided Street Food Tour at Namdaemun Market: $45
- Seoul Night Run for Local-Favorite Korean BBQ Dinner: $50
- [Wine & K-BBQ] A Perfect Pairing Dinner in Sinchon: $51
- Street Food Tour in Jongno, Heart of Seoul: $57
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $57
- Sunset Walking Tour in Naksan Park with Dinner: $58
- Hidden Market Food Tour with 12+ Tasters & Drinking Games: $58
- Wine & K-BBQ: A Perfect Pairing Dinner: $58
- Dinner at a Local's Hanok & Seoul's Night Life: $60
- Kimchi Dishes Cooking Class with Wine Pairing: $61
- Explore Seoul's Flavors on Group Cooking Class Adventure: $63
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $18Seoul $24
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: $23
- Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
- Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
- Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
- The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $30
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $30
- Manila night cruise, night life, foodie tour and 3d theather: $32
- Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$5.24
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Movie Ticket$5.24
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Kimchi Museum$1.97
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- K-Culture Adventure in Seoul Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.49
- Seoul Ghost Tour: Self-Guided Haunted Walk: $4.94
- Seoul Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Seoul Walking Tour 3h30 and 19 audio reviews: $6.69
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.00
- Seoul Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Experience Hanboknam (내국인불가): $7.10
- Gwanghwamun Tour l 120 Minutes to Understand South Korea: $10
- Bukchon Hanok Village Seoul Walking Tour with Audioguide: $12
- K-Beauty Scalp Spa Experience in Hongdae: $13
- Seoul : Essential History Walking Tour for Visitor: $13
- Changdeokgung Hanbok Experience at hanboknam: $14
- Gyeongbokgung Hanbok Experience at hanboknam: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.29Seoul $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- The Seoul Pub Crawl Official: $22
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $26
- LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl and Drag Show with Local Drag Queen: $28
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - story of 3 pigs: $41
- Rice Wine Tasting with Sommelier - Finest Makgeolli (& Soju): $46
- Soju Tasting at Distillery: $51
- Premium Pub Crawl with Open Bottles: $57
- Craft Makgeolli Brewery Tour & Tasting Experience: $67
- Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery: $78
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $80
- From Yeongdong Day Trip with Wine Tasting and Janggu: $91
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Seoul, we can see that Seoul 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul 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 Seoul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Seoul?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Seoul. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Seoul, 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 Seoul?
Seoul 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 Seoul in the Summer?
Both Seoul 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, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Seoul this time of year.
In July, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Seoul. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Seoul. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Seoul 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Manila or Seoul in the Autumn?
Both Seoul 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Seoul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
Manila is much warmer than Seoul in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Seoul fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Seoul. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Seoul 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Manila or Seoul in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Seoul. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Seoul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Seoul can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Seoul. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Seoul averages at about -3°C (27°F).
In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Seoul. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Seoul -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Manila or Seoul in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Seoul. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Seoul for the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Manila usually gets less rain in April than Seoul. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Seoul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Seoul and Manila
| Manila | Seoul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 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.