Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $94Shanghai $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $94, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $115. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $55Shanghai $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $110Shanghai $162
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Shanghai $3.87
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): $22
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $22
- Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
- 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
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
- Manila Airport (MNL): One-way Private Transfers: $57
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
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Taxi Ride$3.59
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Two Subway Tickets$0.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $18
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Departure Transfers: $20
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Railway Station from City Hotels or Outskirts: $22
- Private Transfer to ERA Acrobats Show at Shanghai Circus World: $22
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Hotels to Shanghai Cruise Port: $24
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Cruise Port to Shanghai Hotels: $24
- Private Transfer to Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: $24
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer between Qibao Ancient Water Town and Shanghai City Area : $25
- Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong New Int’l Expo Centre and City Area : $25
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Maglev Train Station to City Area : $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
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Food Meals for one dayManila $18Shanghai $21
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
- Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.38
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.19
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Cantelope$1.66
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Dumplings and Soup$2.07
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Duck Dinner$4.15
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Pastries$2.90
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Barbeque Dinner$8.85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai: $67
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $69
- 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings: $70
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $85
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- 4-Hour Food Tour in Qibao Water Town from Shanghai by Subway: $95
- 3-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai Night Tour with Local Dinner Option: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $20Shanghai $8.44
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
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
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30 Minute River Cruise for Two$28
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Zoo for Two$14
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions: $14
- Shanghai Yu Garden Tour：Harmony & Spirituality in Garden Art: $20
- Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour: $29
- Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour: $29
- Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $35
- Shanghai Hotels to Wusongkou Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Great service: $38
- Shanghai Downtown Hotel to Baoshan Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Greet service: $38
- Fudan University Student Guide Tour: $42
- Shanghai Tower Tickets Booking: $43
- 4-Hour Nightlife Adventure & Tasting Bike Tour: $45
- Oriental Pearl Tower Tickets Booking: $47
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.97Shanghai $7.36
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Pub Crawl: unique bar-hopping tour 2024: $20
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.