Which place is cheaper, Wollongong or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Manila or Wollongong?
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 Wollongong can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Wollongong?
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.
Wollongong
Wollongong is south of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the third largest city in the state. Wollongong has a unique geography in that it is only six kilometers wide at its widest point and is forty kilometers long. It is squeezed in between the mountains and the ocean and in the process of growth, has swallowed several coastal towns between Dapto and Port Kembla. Wollongong is home to the University of Wollongong and has a diverse population that includes people of Serbian, Croatian, Italian, and Turkish descent among other nationalities. The influence of these cultures is obvious in the city's restaurant and entertainment options. Throughout the city you'll find some wonderful beaches with few crowds and some decent surfing opportunities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesWollongong Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Wollongong $144
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Wollongong is $144. 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 Wollongong in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Wollongong $65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Wollongong $130
Compare Hotels in Manila and Wollongong
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Wollongong? 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 Wollongong Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Wollongong $39
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
- Amazing Taal Volcano Island Boat Tour with Transfers: $120
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $98
- Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
- METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Wollongong?
Prices for flights to both Wollongong 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 $31Wollongong $53
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
Typical Food Prices in Wollongong
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Wollongong:
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Lunch$7.85
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Wollongong $22
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- (Excursion) Day tour in Manila: $258
- A Day in Paradise at Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Adventure: $150
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
- Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
- Amazing Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Tour 2in1: $125
- Amazing Taal Volcano Tour (Boat Included): $125
- Antipolo Day Tour with Cloud 9 and Pinto Art Museum: $80
- BAGUIO CITY DAY TOUR (FROM MANILA): $357
- BANAUE:BATAD Rice Terraces with Sagada 4D3N PRIVATE TOUR: $7,130
- Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $208
- Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $71
- Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $85
Tours and Activities in Wollongong
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Wollongong.
- From Sydney: Jervis Bay Tour with Beach, Koalas & Kangaroos: $145
- Sydney: Kiama Costal Private Day Tour with Local Experiences: $562
- Sydney: Private South Coast, Highlands and Kiama Tour: $906
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.90Wollongong $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manila is in Asia and Wollongong is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Wollongong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wollongong 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 Wollongong Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Wollongong?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?
Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Manila as well as Wollongong. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Manila is a little warmer than Wollongong in the summer. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.
Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManila 27°C (80°F)Wollongong 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Manila or Wollongong in the Autumn?
Both Wollongong and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.
In the autumn, Manila is a little warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manila in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Wollongong averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Manila. In October, Manila usually receives more rain than Wollongongin April. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilManila 26°C (79°F)Wollongong 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Manila or Wollongong in the Winter?
Both Wollongong 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. Also, many travelers come to Wollongong for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Manila is generally much warmer than Wollongongin July. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 24°C (76°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Manila usually gets less rain in January than Wollongongin July. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyManila 24°C (76°F)Wollongong 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Manila or Wollongong in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Wollongong. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Also, many visitors come to Wollongong in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
Manila is much warmer than Wollongong in the spring. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in October.
In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Wollongongin October. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberManila 29°C (84°F)Wollongong 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Wollongong and Manila
| Manila | Wollongong | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 47 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 54 mm (2.1 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.