Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $94Seoul $107
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $94, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $107. 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 $55Seoul $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $110Seoul $108
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 $14Seoul $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $9.80
- Private One-way Airport Transfer(Manila Airport To/From Manila): $21
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $22
- 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 Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.62
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Short Taxi Ride$5.07
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Metro Ride$0.98
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Seoul City Pass Plus$7.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- From Half-Day MBC Dae Jang Geum Park Transfer: $55
- From Everland Admission Ticket with Transfer: $75
- Everland Transfer + Admission ticket with Meal Coupon: $75
- Airport Private Transfer: Incheon Airport ⇔ Seoul Hotel (More member, Less cost): $78
- Airport Private Transfer : Seoul Hotel to Incheon International Airport (ICN): $78
- Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-5 pax): $80
- Seoul Incheon International Airport to from Incheon Private Transfer: $85
- Seoul Airport: Private Departure Transfer from Seoul City Center: $87
- Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $95
- Incheon Airport Private Transfer between Seoul City: $98
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 $18Seoul $30
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
- Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $63
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $63
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $81
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
Typical Food Prices in Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.34
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Waffle$0.72
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Dippin' Dots$1.45
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Chicken Fried Rice$3.98
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Chicken Stick$1.45
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.38
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Lunch Buffet$4.34
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Donut$0.72
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Mushroom Burger$3.76
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.39
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Udon & Sushi$5.07
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Fresh Burger$3.48
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Soba Noodles Lunch$3.26
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.62
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Fried Rice$3.98
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Vietnamese Dinner$6.88
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.88
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Donut$1.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace : Tour, dinner and coffee: $36
- Seoul Mangwon Market Social Night Food Tour: $44
- Grandma's Home Cooking Class at Korean House l Seoul: $45
- Namdaemun Market: the Largest Traditional Market Food Tour: $46
- Namdaemun Market Street Food Tour: $47
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $54
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $57
- Sunset Walking Tour in Naksan Park with Dinner: $59
- Night Market Food Tour: $70
- Energizing Korean Cooking Class in a Local Home in Seoul: $71
- Night Market Food Tour: $72
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $20Seoul $26
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
- Intramuros Historical Walk Tour: $27
- ⭐ Makati Bar Hopping Tour with Venus ⭐: $27
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $33
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Intramuros Manila Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $35
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $43
- ⭐ Intramuros The Walled City Walking Tour ⭐: $45
- ⭐ Authentic Manila Chinatown Experience ⭐: $46
- Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $50
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$5.79
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Movie Ticket$5.79
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Kimchi Museum$2.17
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
- [NEWTRO ART TOUR] Media art museum & walking tour: $8.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Skip the Line: 63 Building Observatory + Aqua Planet 63 Combo Ticket: $11
- Skip the Line: Figure Museum W Ticket (내국인 불가): $11
- Seoul Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid (내국인 불가): $13
- Dongdaemun City Tour Bus(내국인불가): $14
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Private Half-Day Tour: $19
- Seoul Myeongdong Catholic Church Historic Private Walking Tour: $20
- Hanbok rental, hanbok experience: $25
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Half Day Tour: $25
- Deoksugung Palace Half Day Walking Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.97Seoul $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $10
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $21
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $25
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - story of 3 pigs: $42
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - Story of Three Pigs: $42
When comparing the travel costs between Manila and Seoul, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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.