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

Should you visit Petra or Manila?

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 Petra and Manila can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Manila?

Petra

Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.

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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, Manila or Petra?

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 Petra is $153, while the average daily cost in Manila is $99. 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 Petra and Manila in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Manila $51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Manila $102
Compare Hotels in Petra and Manila

Looking for a hotel in Petra 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.

Hotels in Petra


Hotels in Manila


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: Petra Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Manila $13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Private Transfer from Petra to Aqaba Cruise Port: $71
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Ma'in Hotel and vice versa: $73
  • Airport Transfer to and from Petra: $92
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional: $94
  • Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Petra to Wadi Rum: $100
  • Petra Private Transfer To Aqaba: $100
  • Petra Private Transfer To Multiple Destinations: $115
  • Private Transfer from Ma'in Hotel to Aqaba Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Comfort VIP Private Transfer: Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels: $140
  • Private Transfer from Petra to Madaba – Safe & Comfortable Ride: $140

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
  • 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
  • Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Manila?

Prices for flights to both Manila and Petra 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
    Petra $66
    Manila $29
Typical Food Prices in Petra

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $12
  • Juice
    $1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra

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

  • Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains.: $50
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $150

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Manila $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:


  • Entry to Petra for One
    $71

Tours and Activities in Petra

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

  • Self Guided Tour of Petra Main Trail with App (No Tickets): $8.99
  • Guided 3 Hour Tour of Petra's Iconic Landmarks: $44
  • Private Guided Tour in Petra with licensed guide: $70
  • Private 3-Hour Guided Tour of Petra with Hotel Pickup .: $75
  • Private 3-Hour Petra Tour: The Treasury & Main Ancient Highlights: $75
  • Amman: Petra by Night Tour with Optional Day Visit: $99
  • Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $100
  • Petra Highlight Tour with Private Guide Sami Nawafleh | 2.5 Hours: $120
  • 6 Hours Private Tour in Petra: $125
  • Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $130
  • Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
  • 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145

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
  • Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
  • The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Manila $9.29


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Manila, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East and Manila is in Asia, 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra 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 Petra Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Petra or Manila?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 750 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Manila?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Petra or Manila in the Summer?

Both Manila and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. In July, Petra usually receives less rain than Manila. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

It's very hot in Petra this time of the year. Petra is a little warmer than Manila in the summer. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Manila 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Petra or Manila in the Autumn?

Both Manila and Petra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra 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. Petra usually gets less rain in October than Manila. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Petra is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Petra in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Manila averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Manila 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Petra or Manila in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Petra usually receives more rain than Manila. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Petra is generally much colder than Manila. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 15°C (59°F), and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Manila 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Petra or Manila in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Petra as well as Manila. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.

Petra usually gets less rain in April than Manila. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Petra is cooler than Manila in the spring. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 25°C (76°F) in April, and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Manila 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Manila and Petra

Petra Manila
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in)