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

Should you visit Manila or Zurich?

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

Where Should I go: Manila or Zurich?

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.

Zurich

Zurich has the biggest connection for trains in Switzerland. It also has the country's biggest and busiest airport. Because of its importance as a transportation center, it is likely to be the first place you visit in Switzerland. It is the financial capital of the country (although, contrary to what you may have thought, not the political capital). It has many international companies, and is home to the country's stock exchange.

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 Switzerland, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Zurich 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 $98, while the average daily cost in Zurich is $366. 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 Zurich in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $50
    Zurich $199
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $100
    Zurich $398
Compare Hotels in Manila and Zurich

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Zurich? 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 Zurich


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 Zurich Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $13
    Zurich $42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
  • Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
  • Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $23
  • Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $28
  • Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $28
  • Private Airport Transfer: Metro Manila → NAIA Airport (MNL): $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
  • Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Zurich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Zurich:


  • City Pass (2)
    $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zurich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zurich:

  • Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich Airport to Zurich: $71
  • Private One-way Airport Transfer from Zurich to Zurich Airport: $71
  • Private Zurich Airport Transfers to and from Zurich Hotels: $71
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich - Arrival Private Transfer: $79
  • Zurich to Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Departure Private Transfer: $79
  • Transfer from Zurich City Center to Zurich Airport (ZRH): $79
  • Transfer from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Zurich City Center: $83
  • Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal Arrival Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer from Zurich Hotels to Zurich Airport: $85
  • Private Transfer Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Luxury Sedan: $89
  • From Zurich Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer To Zurich Hotel: $91
  • Airport Transfer: Zurich Airport ZRH to Zurich by Business Car: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Zurich?

Prices for flights to both Zurich 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 $29
    Zurich $125

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila

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

  • Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $60
  • Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $60
  • Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
  • ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
  • 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
  • Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
  • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $105
  • A taste of Manila's History & Filipino Culture with Buffet Dinner: $175
  • Subic: Sunset Dinner Yacht Cruise from Manila & Clark: $212

Typical Food Prices in Zurich

Some typical examples of dining costs in Zurich are as follows:


  • Breakfast for 2
    $16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zurich

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

  • Zurich Food Tour with 10 Local Delicacies, Cheeses & Chocolates: $178

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $18
    Zurich $42

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
  • Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
  • Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
  • The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
  • Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $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
  • Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
  • Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $39

Tours and Activities in Zurich

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

  • Zurich Old Town Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.92
  • Zurich Audio Guided Walking Tour 1h45 and 20 audio reviews: $6.98
  • St Gallen Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.44
  • Stein am Rhein Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.06
  • Zurich Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.06
  • Winterthur Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.06
  • Zurich Historic Old Town Audio Self Guided Tour: $12
  • Zurich Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $12
  • TOP Zurich : Private guided tour with your mobile: $12
  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: $19
  • Zurich Old Town Walking Tour: $32
  • Last Minute Ticket to Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.17
    Zurich $34

Sample the Local Flavors in Zurich

Also in Zurich, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Zurich: $39


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


Which is Bigger, Manila or Zurich?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Zurich, 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 Zurich?

Zurich 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 Zurich in the Summer?

Both Zurich 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 Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Manila is generally a little warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite rainy in Manila. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Zurich. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Zurich 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Manila or Zurich in the Autumn?

Both Zurich 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Zurich because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Manila is much warmer than Zurich in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Zurich fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Zurich. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Zurich 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Manila or Zurich in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Zurich. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Zurich this time of year.

It's quite cold in Zurich in the winter. In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Zurich. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Zurich averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Zurich. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Zurich 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Manila or Zurich in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manila as well as Zurich. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Zurich for the natural beauty.

In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Zurich. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Zurich fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Manila usually gets less rain in April than Zurich. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Zurich receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Zurich 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Zurich and Manila

Manila Zurich
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 4°C (39°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)