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

Should you visit Manila or Zhengzhou?

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

Where Should I go: Manila or Zhengzhou?

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.

Zhengzhou

Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.

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


Which place is cheaper, Zhengzhou or Manila?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $94, while the average daily cost in Zhengzhou is $98. 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 Zhengzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $55
    Zhengzhou $36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $110
    Zhengzhou $72
Compare Hotels in Manila and Zhengzhou

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Zhengzhou? 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 Zhengzhou


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
    Zhengzhou $63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • Full On 5-7 hours ATV Adventure Rivers-Mountains-Jungle with Transfers Manila: $280
  • Active Taal Volcano experience 2024 (with transfers): $140
  • Adventure Awaits: Spelunking at Cavinti Cave Complex w/ Transfers: $160
  • Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
  • Day Hike Mt. Batulao 811 meters with transfers from Manila** 2024: $130
  • Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
  • Half Day Historical Manila City tour and much more with transfers: $70
  • Manila Airport (MNL): One-way Private Transfers: $57
  • Manila Airport Transfer: $37
  • Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
  • Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $9.80
  • Nagpatong Rock Day hike + Tungtong Falls(with transfers**) 2023: $130

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:

  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
  • Zhengzhou Special Car Service, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
  • Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
  • Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
  • Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
  • Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Zhengzhou?

Prices for flights to both Zhengzhou 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 $18
    Zhengzhou $28

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
  • Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
  • Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $81
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
  • Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou

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

  • Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $20
    Zhengzhou $8.18

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
  • ⭐ Makati Bar Hopping Tour with Venus ⭐: $27
  • Intramuros Historical Walk Tour: $27
  • Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $32
  • Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
  • 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
  • Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $50

Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
  • Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
  • Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
  • Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
  • All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
  • Zhengzhou Yellow River Scenic Spots Private Tour : $209
  • Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
  • Zhengzhou Private Half-Day Tour: Shaolin Temple & Kungfu Show: $222
  • Private Tour to Zhongyue Temple and Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $233
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233
  • Private Full-Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Mt.Song from Zhengzhou: $238

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.97
    Zhengzhou $6.31


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


Which is Bigger, Manila or Zhengzhou?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Zhengzhou. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Zhengzhou, 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 Zhengzhou?

Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou in the Summer?

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

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

Zhengzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Manila or Zhengzhou in the Autumn?

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

In October, Manila is generally much warmer than Zhengzhou. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 26°C (79°F), and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Zhengzhou. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Manila or Zhengzhou in the Winter?

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

Zhengzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Manila is much warmer than Zhengzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Zhengzhou fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In January, Manila usually receives more rain than Zhengzhou. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Manila or Zhengzhou in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Manila is much warmer than Zhengzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manila in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Zhengzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Manila usually gets less rain in April than Zhengzhou. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Zhengzhou receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Zhengzhou and Manila

Manila Zhengzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)