Is Manila Expensive?

Is Manila expensive to visit?

Manila is a moderately priced destination with an average daily cost of $94. Compared to the rest of Asia, it is a moderately priced place to visit. It's ranked in the top 50% of cities in Asia for its travel costs, comparable to places like Busan (Pusan) and Xi'an.



Manila, Philippines

How expensive is Manila?

On average, visitors spend about $94 per day when visiting Manila (U.S. Dollars). Two travelers together would spend an average of $187 per day. Prices vary dramatically by travel style and length of trip, but if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and use public transportation when possible, you can expect to stay close to this budget. See more travel costs for Manila here.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Manila?

A weekend trip to Manila costs about $281 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a weekend trip costs $561.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Manila?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one week trip to Manila costs around $655 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $1,310.

Is it expensive to backpack in Manila?

With more than 20 hostels in the area, Manila is a popular backpacker destination for travelers looking to stay on a tight budget and have a fun time along the way. Here, hostels cost an average of $11 per night for a dorm bed, with private rooms being more expensive. (See hostel prices in Manila here.) It's also common to see a wide range in prices, as the cheapest hostels here cost $3, but the most expensive can be more than $33 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Manila.

  • $16 for a dorm bed at Manila-Z-Hostel
  • $8 for a dorm bed at Ola! Hostel Manila
  • $11 for a dorm bed at Lub d Makati

Are hotels expensive in Manila?

From our analysis of hotel prices in Manila, we can see that they are moderate and on par in comparison to the rest of the world. On average, a night in a hotel room costs approximately $35. The area hosts around 4 five-star hotels, averaging $91 per night. For those with an eye on both comfort and economy, three-star hotels present a reasonable choice at an average of $38 per night, while two-star hotels offer an even more economical option at $24 per night.


Hotels by star rating in Manila
Rating Number of Hotels Average Hotel Price
5 stars 4 $91
4 stars 3 $49
3 stars 30 $38
2 stars 23 $24
1 star 2 $28

Manila Ocean Park Complex, Manila
Overall Rating 8.5
Muralla corner Victoria Streets, Manila
Overall Rating 9.6

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Manila?

Activities and things to do in Manila can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $20 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting, which is more than the country's average of $14.

    • Immerse in Culture: Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Experience: $145
    • Taal Volcano Experience & A Hidden Waterfalls: A Dual Adventure: $150
    • Taal Volcano Boat Experience and Lake Sightseeing from Manila: $125
    • Manila to Tagaytay Tour (8hours) : $130
    • Corregidor daytour Via Manila to Bataan: $298
    • Intramuros: History of Old Manila | Manila Walking Tours with Transportation: $83
    • Island Hopping, Snorkeling & Bamboo Cottages Tour from manila**: $180
    • Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22

    Is food expensive in Manila?

    Food in Manila can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $18 on food per person per day, which is more than the country's average of $15. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

    • Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145
    • Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
    • Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
    • Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
    • Manila Night Market and food tour Experience: $58
    • Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $63

    Is transportation expensive in Manila?

    Exploring local transportation in Manila shows that the price can vary greatly by the type of transportation used. On average, previous travelers have spent $14 per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $21. If you want to save money, use public transit as it's much cheaper than taxis or private drivers.

    More for Manila

    If you're planning a trip to Manila, Philippines, check out these other informative travel guides.



    We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



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