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

Should you visit Manila or Suzhou?

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

Where Should I go: Manila or Suzhou?

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.

Suzhou

Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.


Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Manila?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $127. 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 Suzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $54
    Suzhou $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $108
    Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Manila and Suzhou

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Suzhou? 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 Suzhou


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $14
    Suzhou $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
  • Manila Airport Chauffeur service Manila Airport private Transfer : $20
  • Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $24
  • Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $29
  • Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $29
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila HTL-APT (MNL): $30
  • Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City: $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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:

  • Suzhou Gardens Entry Ticket with Optional Guide&Transfer Services: $8.00
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
  • Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
  • Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $144
  • Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Suzhou?

Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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 $31
    Suzhou $57

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila

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

  • Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
  • ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
  • Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
  • Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
  • 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
  • Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
  • Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
  • Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou

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

  • Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
  • Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
  • Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
  • Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $19
    Suzhou $9.47

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
  • Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
  • Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art 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
  • Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
  • Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37

Tours and Activities in Suzhou

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

  • Tiger Hill Ticket Booking: $14
  • Lingering Garden Ticket Booking: $15
  • Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket Booking: $18
  • Huqiu Adult Tickets without Time Slots: $20
  • Suzhou:Humble Administrator's Garden Ticket for Adult: $22
  • Suzhou Brunch Guided Walking Tour: $55
  • Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
  • Zen Culture and Garden Tour: $68
  • Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $72
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
  • Shantang Street Shared Suzhou Walking Tour: $80
  • Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.90
    Suzhou $6.50


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


Which is Bigger, Manila or Suzhou?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Suzhou. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?

Suzhou 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 Suzhou in the Summer?

Both Suzhou and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.

In the summer, Manila is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manila in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Suzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Manila or Suzhou in the Autumn?

Both Suzhou 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.

In October, Manila is generally a little warmer than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 26°C (79°F), and Suzhou 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 Suzhou. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Manila or Suzhou in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Suzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.

The weather in Suzhou can be very cold. Manila is much warmer than Suzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Suzhou. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Manila or Suzhou in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Suzhou. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Manila is much warmer than Suzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manila in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Suzhou averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Suzhou. Manila usually gets less rain in April than Suzhou. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Suzhou and Manila

Manila Suzhou
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)