Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Manila or Shanghai?
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 Shanghai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Shanghai?
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.
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest and most modern city in China. With a population of over 23 million, it is the economic and financial hub of the country. It also continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in China with regular changes to the city's layout and skyline. It is not uncommon for buildings to be torn down, rebuilt and then torn down and rebuilt again. The city also has skyscrapers that rank among the tallest in the world. It has an ever changing downtown and street scape. In Shanghai, the general mantra remains "out with the old, in with the new".
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
-
Manila Prices
Philippines PricesShanghai Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $99Shanghai $140
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $99, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $140. 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 Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $50Shanghai $87
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $100Shanghai $174
Compare Hotels in Manila and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Shanghai? 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 Shanghai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $13Shanghai $4.15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
- Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $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
- NAIA Airport Transfer to/from anywhere in Metro Manila: $31
- Manila Airport Transfer: $38
- Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
-
Taxi Ride$3.85
-
Two Subway Tickets$0.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Shanghai Yu Garden Ticket with Optional Private Transfer: $9.95
- Private Transfers to/from Shanghai Pudong Airport(PVG): $16
- Pudong PVG Hongqiao SHA Private Transfer ⇄ City Center: $16
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $18
- Private Transfer to/from Shanghai Disneyland Park: $19
- Yiwu Airport Private Transfer, airport pick up drop off services: $20
- Private Transfer: Hotel to Shanghai Stadium (Football Match, League of Legends): $20
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Railway Station from City Hotels or Outskirts: $22
- Shanghai City to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
- [Airport Transfer] Shanghai Pudong Airport / Hongqiao Airport ⇔ Shanghai City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! : $23
- Shanghai Airport Transfer: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai 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 dayManila $29Shanghai $40
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: $51
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $51
- 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 Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
-
Dumpling Breakfast$1.48
-
Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$22
-
Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.71
-
Cantelope$1.78
-
Dumplings and Soup$2.22
-
Duck Dinner$4.45
-
Pastries$3.11
-
Barbeque Dinner$9.48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- City Center Authentic Local Food Tour-Tip Based: $3.52
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li: $20
- Authentic Shanghai Food Tour with Chi Gua Va: $35
- Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple and Local Food Tour: $49
- Market to Table Chinese Cooking Experience: $69
- Authentic Local Food Tour Near the Bund: $71
- Shanghai Breakfast Omakase A Home Cook Food Tour: $71
- Shanghai Food Tour and Alleyways to Skyline with 8 Local Eats: $71
- Small Group: Shanghai After Dark Food Tour with 9 tastings: $74
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $18Shanghai $9.04
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 Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
-
30 Minute River Cruise for Two$30
-
Zoo for Two$15
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour-Tip Based: $3.52
- Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour-Tip Based: $3.52
- Shanghai Evolution Free Walking Tour: $4.00
- French Concession Multicultural Walking Tour: $4.00
- Customized Private Tour in Shanghai The Bund Yu Garden Zhujiajiao: $5.00
- Evening Walking Tour at the Bund: $5.00
- French Concession Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st & Best Rated: $5.00
- Shanghai Yu Garden Admission Ticket: $9.67
- Private Shanghai Full Day Tour Yu Garden, Bund and Oriental Pearl: $10
- Shanghai Day Tour with English Guide – Explore Yu Garden & More: $10
- Yuyuan Garden Entrance Ticket: $10
- Shanghai Natural History Museum Ticket Booking: $11
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.21Shanghai $7.89
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Bar Crawl: TCM Cocktails & Local Craft Beer: $89
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai 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 Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Manila. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Shanghai, 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 Shanghai?
Shanghai 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 Shanghai in the Summer?
Both Shanghai 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, most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Manila or Shanghai in the Autumn?
Both Shanghai 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Manila is a little warmer than Shanghai in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Shanghai. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Manila or Shanghai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Shanghai averages at about 4°C (39°F).
In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Manila or Shanghai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Shanghai. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Manila usually gets less rain in April than Shanghai. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Manila
| Manila | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.