Which place is cheaper, Canberra or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Manila or Canberra?
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 Canberra can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Canberra?
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.
Canberra
There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.
-
Manila Prices
Philippines PricesCanberra Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Canberra $159
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Canberra is $159. 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 Canberra in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Canberra $83
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Canberra $166
Compare Hotels in Manila and Canberra
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Canberra? 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: Manila Hotel Prices and Canberra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Canberra $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila HTL-APT (MNL): $30
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
- Tagaytay-Pagsanjan Falls combo tour with transfers** updated 2024: $180
- Safe and secure Airport Transfer Best in Manila: $216
- Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49
- Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $29
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $29
- Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $24
- Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $98
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra
Also for Canberra, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Canberra to Canberra Airport (CBR) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
- Canberra Int'l Airport (CBR) to Canberra Arrival Private Transfer: $67
- Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $125
- Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $134
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Canberra?
Prices for flights to both Canberra 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 dayManila $31Canberra $60
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 Canberra
For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Lunch$16
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Canberra $17
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
Tours and Activities in Canberra
For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- National Portrait Gallery Guided Tour: $9.92
- Museum Highlights Tour | 1pm Daily: $13
- Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
- First Australians Tour | 3pm Daily: $13
- Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
- Personalised Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing in Canberra, with John: $40
- Ultimate Museum Experience | Tour + Dine + Shop (10am daily): $42
- Ultimate Museum Experience | Dine + Tour + Shop (1pm daily): $42
- Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour: $43
- The Women Behind Inspiring Tour with Local Guide: $43
- Guided Tree Ropes Course Experience in Majura Pines: $46
- Canberra Glassblowing Experience: Make Your Own Bird: $79
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.90Canberra $16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:
-
Drinks at a Bar$9.16
Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra
Also in Canberra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Canberra Bar Crawl Can I Get a Drink Canberra: $15
- Wine Tour From Canberra to Murrumbateman - Hop on Hop Off: $60
- 2 People - Indulgence Wine Tasting with Matched Elements Canberra: $87
- Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $114
- From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
- Canberra Wine Tour: $161
- Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $174
- 2 People - Premium Wine Tasting Experience and 2-Course Lunch: $181
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Canberra, we can see that Canberra 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 Canberra is in Pacific, 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Canberra?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Canberra, 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 Canberra?
Canberra 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 Canberra in the Summer?
Both Canberra and Manila during the summer 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 summer months attract visitors to Canberra because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Manila is generally a little warmer than Canberrain January. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Canberrain January. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManila 27°C (80°F)Canberra 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Manila or Canberra in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Canberra this time of year.
Manila is much warmer than Canberra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in April.
Canberra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Manila usually receives more rain than Canberrain April. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilManila 26°C (79°F)Canberra 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Manila or Canberra in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Manila as well as Canberra. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Canberra averages at about 11°C (52°F)in July.
Manila usually gets less rain in January than Canberrain July. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyManila 24°C (76°F)Canberra 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Manila or Canberra in the Spring?
Both Canberra and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Canberra in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Canberrain October. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Canberrain October. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberManila 29°C (84°F)Canberra 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Canberra and Manila
| Manila | Canberra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.