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

Should you visit Manila or Amsterdam?

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

Where Should I go: Manila or Amsterdam?

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.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that cross and weave around the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The historical architecture, scenic bridges, and energetic cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam 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 $106, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $248. 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 Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $54
    Amsterdam $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $108
    Amsterdam $240
Compare Hotels in Manila and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Amsterdam? 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 Amsterdam


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 Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $14
    Amsterdam $23

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

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


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.75
  • Renting a Bike
    $18
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $12
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $3.05
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $15
  • Amsterdam Airport (AMS) Transfer to Amsterdam/Rotterdam/Keukenhof: $35
  • Private Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Transfer Service: $40
  • Private Transfer: Hotel in Amsterdam to Amsterdam Cruise Port: $40
  • From Keukenhof Gardens Ticket and Transfer: $41
  • Amsterdam Airport Arrival Transfer (Airport to Amsterdam Hotel or Address): $41
  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) Departure transfer from Amsterdam City: $42
  • Private Amsterdam Local Transfer to/from any Location: $49
  • Private Airport Transfer Amsterdam Airport to or from Amsterdam: $55
  • Private Transfer from Amsterdam City to Schiphol Airport AMS: $57
  • Amsterdam local transfers: $59
  • Keukenhof Gardens with Windmill Cruise & Transfer from Amsterdam: $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam 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 $31
    Amsterdam $94

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

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $7.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

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

  • Food Tour Amsterdam | Taste The Best of Dutch Flavors: $3.58
  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $11
  • Stroopwafel & Secrets: Amsterdam Street Food Tour de Pijp : $42
  • Amsterdam Guided Cruise with New York Pizza, Drinks and Ice Cream: $45
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café: $61
  • 3-course dinner party at a secret pop-up restaurant: $72
  • Amsterdam Music Tour with Dinner: $86
  • Small-Group Guided Sunset Canoe Tour in Waterland with Dinner: $93
  • 10 Tastes of Food Tour by UNESCO Canals and Jordaan: $102
  • Anne Frank and the Jewish Quarter Food Tour: $108
  • Discover Amsterdam's Culinary Scene: Morning Food Tour: $117
  • Amsterdam Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $118

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $19
    Amsterdam $44

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $7.04
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $20

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

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

  • The Anne Frank Tour Amsterdam: $3.57
  • The Classic Walking Tour of Amsterdam | 2 Hours with a Local: $3.57
  • Walking Tour of Haunted Amsterdam: $3.58
  • Self Guided Space Tourist Exploration of Amsterdam's Cosmic Side: $5.00
  • Amsterdam Tour through its most famous Icons: $5.97
  • Red Light District Amsterdam Tour with Audioguide: $8.35
  • Amsterdam Interactive City Tour: $8.36
  • An Amsterdam Introduction: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the City's Origins: $8.99
  • WW2 Jewish & Anne Frank Amsterdam Smartphone Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Amsterdam's Red Light District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Dutch Experience in Volendam with Traditional Outfits : $11
  • Self-Guided Interactive Walking Tour Jordaan : $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.90
    Amsterdam $28

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • Cheese and Wine tasting in Amsterdam: $24
  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $29
  • Amsterdam Private Pub Crawl in the City Center: $30
  • Red Light Halloween Pub Crawl: $42
  • Dutch Wine Tasting Experience: $141


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


Which is Bigger, Manila or Amsterdam?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Amsterdam, 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 Amsterdam?

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Amsterdam. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Manila is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Manila or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Manila as well as Amsterdam. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Manila is much warmer than Amsterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Amsterdam. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Manila or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Manila or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Manila during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Manila usually gets less rain in April than Amsterdam. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Manila

Manila Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)