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

Should you visit Alexandria 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 Alexandria and Manila can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Manila?

Alexandria

There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.

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 Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, Manila or Alexandria?

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 Alexandria is $29, 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 Alexandria and Manila in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $11
    Manila $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $22
    Manila $108
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Manila

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria 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 Alexandria


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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $3.92
    Manila $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:


  • Taxi to Train Station
    $0.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:

  • Private Day Trip To Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Old Cairo By Private Transfers: $8.00
  • Private Transfer from or to Borg Al Arab Airport: $14
  • Private Airport Transfer in Alexandria: $24
  • Private Transfer Alexandria Hotel to Borg El Arab Airport: $24
  • Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer: $25
  • Alexandria Airport Departure Transfer: $29
  • Alexandria to Alexandria Airport (HBE)-Departure Private Transfer: $36
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport to Alexandria Hotels: $40
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $43
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria Port: $43
  • transfer from Alexandria to Cairo airport, Cairo & Giza hotels: $45
  • Pickup Transfers From Alexandria Borg Al Arab Airport To Alexandria Hotel: $50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:

  • Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
  • Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
  • Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
  • METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
  • Manila Airport Chauffeur service Manila Airport private Transfer : $20
  • Manila Airport Transfer: $38
  • Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
  • Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
  • Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
  • Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City: $30
  • Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Alexandria or Manila?

Prices for flights to both Manila and Alexandria 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
    Alexandria $15
    Manila $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

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

  • Private Full-Day Food Tour of Alexandria with Hotel Pick Up: $33
  • Alexandria Food Tour Top Rated: $40
  • Food Tour in Alexandria for Lunch or Dinner in The Best Restaurants: $45
  • Private Food Tour To The Famous Restaurant In Alexandria : $45

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $5.47
    Manila $19

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

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

  • Alexandria day tour.The catacomb, pompy's pillar,the citedal: $5.00
  • Alexandria Free Walking Tour Discover the Hidden Gems: $5.00
  • Group Tour to the landmarks of Alexandria from Alexandria city : $20
  • Private Day Tour National Museum & Roman Theater & Catacomb In Alexandria: $27
  • Private Alexandria Highlights Guided Day Tour: $30
  • Alexandria Group Tour from Cairo : $30
  • Catacombs of kom el shoqafa Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Alexandria by night private tour by horse carriage ride : $35
  • Guided City Walking Tour: $35
  • Graeco Roman Museum Guided Walking Tour by a Storyteller: $35
  • Alexandria Half day Tour: $35
  • Exclusive Tour Alexandria, It's newly opened Greek & Roman Museum: $35

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
  • Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
  • Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art 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
  • Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
  • Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
  • Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.48
    Manila $9.90


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Manila, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alexandria is in Africa 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 Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Manila would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manila than you might in Alexandria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alexandria Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Manila?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Alexandria. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria or Manila in the Summer?

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

Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Manila. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Alexandria is around the same temperature as Manila in the summer. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Manila 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Manila in the Autumn?

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

It's quite rainy in Manila. Alexandria usually gets less rain in October than Manila. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the autumn, Alexandria is cooler than Manila. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alexandria in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Manila averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Manila 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Manila in the Winter?

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

In January, Alexandria usually receives more rain than Manila. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In January, Alexandria is generally much colder than Manila. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 13°C (55°F), and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Manila 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Manila in the Spring?

Both Manila and Alexandria during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.

Alexandria usually gets less rain in April than Manila. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Alexandria is much colder than Manila in the spring. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Manila 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Manila and Alexandria

Alexandria Manila
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in)