Which place is cheaper, Manila or Pattaya?
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 Pattaya or Manila?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pattaya and Manila can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Pattaya or Manila?
Pattaya
Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.
Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.
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Pattaya Prices
Thailand PricesManila Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPattaya $93Manila $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Pattaya is $93, while the average daily cost in Manila is $106. 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 Pattaya and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPattaya $27Manila $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPattaya $54Manila $108
Compare Hotels in Pattaya and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Pattaya or Manila? 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: Pattaya Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pattaya $13Manila $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya
Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Pattaya Coral Island Tour with Indian Lunch and Hotel Transfer: $4.35
- Private Transfer between Pattaya and U Tapao Airport : $16
- The Sanctuary of Truth Pattaya Ticket & Transfer Optional: $19
- Mini Siam Miniature World in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $22
- Pattaya Art in Paradise Admission Ticket with Return Transfer: $22
- Teddy Bear Museum in Pattaya with Return Transfer: $22
- Private U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya Airport Transfer to Pattaya City: $25
- Private Departure Transfer from Pattaya to DMK or BKK Airport : $27
- Private Arrival Transfer from Airport BKK or DMK to Pattaya Hotel: $27
- Frost Magical Ice Of Siam at Pattaya with Return Transfer: $27
- Mini Siam Miniature World Admission with Roundtrip Transfer from Pattaya: $28
- Colosseum Show Pattaya Ticket with Private Hotel Transfers: $29
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 Pattaya or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Pattaya 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 dayPattaya $43Manila $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pattaya
For Pattaya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- All Star Dinner Cruise with Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $45
- Ocean Sky Pattaya Dinner Cruise with Live Entertainment : $54
- Pattaya Night Guided Tour with Dinner: $54
- Ocean Sky Dinner Cruise with Live Cabaret Show in Pattaya: $60
- All Star Dinner Cruise Pattaya with Private Hotel Transfer: $73
- Thai Cooking Class in Pattaya: $76
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pattaya $24Manila $19
Tours and Activities in Pattaya
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.
- Coral Island Speedboat Tour from Pattaya Only for Indian Tourists: $3.15
- Pattaya Floating Market Tickets: $3.19
- Pattaya Coral Island Join Tour with Lunch: $5.00
- Pattaya Floating Market Ticket with 4 Regions Thai Culture: $5.73
- Experience The Floating Market in Pattaya: $6.00
- Pool Party and Foam Experience for Indian Tourists at Pattaya : $6.41
- Pattaya Coral Islands Tour with Lunch: $8.05
- Art in Paradise Pattaya Entrance (Ticket Only): $8.51
- Art in Paradise Pattaya Tickets: $9.00
- Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum Entry Ticket in Pattaya: $9.34
- Entry Ticket for Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum in Pattaya: $10
- Mini Siam Miniature World in Pattaya Admission Ticket: $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: $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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPattaya $9.42Manila $9.90
When comparing the travel costs between Pattaya and Manila, 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 Pattaya Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Pattaya. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Manila, 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 Pattaya or Manila?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Pattaya or Manila in the Summer?
Both Manila and Pattaya during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pattaya usually gets less rain in July than Manila. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Pattaya is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pattaya in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Manila averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPattaya 29°C (84°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Manila in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya. Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pattaya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pattaya usually receives around the same amount of rain as Manila. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Pattaya is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 28°C (82°F), and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPattaya 28°C (82°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Manila in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Manila. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
Pattaya usually gets more rain in January than Manila. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Pattaya is around the same temperature as Manila in the winter. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPattaya 27°C (80°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Manila in the Spring?
Both Manila and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Pattaya is December to April. The rainy season in Pattaya is June to October. In April, Pattaya usually receives more rain than Manila. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Pattaya is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pattaya in April average around 30°C (86°F), and Manila averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPattaya 30°C (86°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Pattaya
| Pattaya | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 30°C (86°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 30°C (85°F) | 202 mm (7.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 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.