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

Should you visit Manila or Tianjin?

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

Where Should I go: Manila or Tianjin?

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.

Tianjin

Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.

Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Tianjin 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 Tianjin is $92. 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 Tianjin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $54
    Tianjin $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $108
    Tianjin $70
Compare Hotels in Manila and Tianjin

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Tianjin? 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 Tianjin


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
    Tianjin $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • Safe and secure Airport Transfer Best in Manila: $216
  • Tagaytay-Pagsanjan Falls combo tour with transfers** updated 2024: $180
  • Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
  • Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $98
  • Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
  • METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $65
  • Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
  • Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
  • Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49
  • Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
  • Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin

Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • [Airport Transfer] Tianjin Airport ⇔ Tianjin City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service <Charter charter>: $13
  • Tianjin Binhai Airport(TSN) to Tianjin - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
  • Tianjin Binhai International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Tianjin Cruise Port Private Transfer to Binhai Railway Station: $32
  • Tianjin Railway Station Private Transfer to Cruise Port: $32
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN): $39
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Binhai International Airport (TSN) to Hotel: $39
  • Tianjin Airport (TSN) to Tianjin RoundTrip Private Transfer: $48
  • Tianjin Cruise Port Transfer To Tianjin Airport one way private transfer: $50
  • Private Tianjin Transfer to Xingang International Cruise Port from City Hotels: $60
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Tianjin Cruise Port to Train Stations (Tianjin/Tanggu): $63
  • Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port to Tianjin City Hotels: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Tianjin?

Prices for flights to both Tianjin 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
    Tianjin $36

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⭐: $64
  • 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: $68
  • Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $73
  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $19
    Tianjin $10

Tours and Activities in Manila

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

  • (Excursion) Day tour in Manila: $265
  • A Day in Paradise at Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Adventure: $150
  • A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $24
  • Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
  • Amazing Taal Volcano Tour (Boat Included): $125
  • Antipolo Day Tour with Cloud 9 and Pinto Art Museum: $82
  • BAGUIO CITY DAY TOUR (FROM MANILA): $365
  • BANAUE:BATAD Rice Terraces with Sagada 4D3N PRIVATE TOUR: $7,305
  • Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $208
  • Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $73
  • Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $85
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37

Tours and Activities in Tianjin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.

  • Tianjin International Cruise Home Port to Beijing Airport/City Tr: $119
  • Guided Day Tour to Tianjin Downtown with Lunch: $148
  • Private Tianjin City Night Tour with Haihe River Cruise: $176
  • 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
  • Tianjin Cruise Port To Beijing Capital Airport With the English Speaking Driver: $187
  • Private Tianjin City Highlight Day Tour: $188
  • Tianjin Port-up To Beijing City Self-Guide Tour and Drop-off at Beijing Hotel: $192
  • 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Shijia Mansion with Bullet Train Experience: $210
  • Tianjin Shore Excursion: Huangyaguan Great Wall Private Day Tour: $214
  • Tianjin Private Walking Tour Guided by a Lady Worked in Europe: $215
  • Private Tianjin Shopping Tour: $218
  • All-inclusive Day Tour: China House, Five Avenues, Ancient Street & Tianjin Eye: $224

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.90
    Tianjin $11


When comparing the travel costs between Manila and Tianjin, we can see that Manila 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 Tianjin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Manila or Tianjin?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Tianjin. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Tianjin, 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 Tianjin?

Tianjin 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 Tianjin in the Summer?

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

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

It's quite rainy in Tianjin. Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Tianjin. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Tianjin receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Tianjin 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Manila or Tianjin in the Autumn?

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

In October, Manila is generally much warmer than Tianjin. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 26°C (79°F), and Tianjin fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Manila. In October, Manila usually receives more rain than Tianjin. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Tianjin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Tianjin 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Manila or Tianjin in the Winter?

Both Tianjin and Manila during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tianjin. Manila is much warmer than Tianjin in the winter. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Tianjin fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Manila usually gets more rain in January than Tianjin. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tianjin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Tianjin -3°C (27°F)

Should I visit Manila or Tianjin in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Manila is much warmer than Tianjin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manila in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Tianjin averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Tianjin. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tianjin receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Tianjin 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Tianjin and Manila

Manila Tianjin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) -3°C (27°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) -1°C (31°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 9 mm (0.3 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 25 mm (1 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) -1°C (31°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)