Which place is cheaper, Dalian 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 Dalian?
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 Dalian can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Dalian?
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.
Dalian
Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.
-
Manila Prices
Philippines PricesDalian Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Dalian $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $124. 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 Dalian in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Dalian $55
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Dalian $110
Compare Hotels in Manila and Dalian
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Dalian? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Dalian $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Safe and secure Airport Transfer Best in Manila: $216
- Tagaytay-Pagsanjan Falls combo tour with transfers** updated 2024: $180
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Amazing Taal Volcano Island Boat Tour with Transfers: $120
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $98
- Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
- METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
- Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49
- Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Dalian?
Prices for flights to both Dalian 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 $31Dalian $48
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.Manila $19Dalian $4.86
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 Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Seaside and Skyline A Scenic Walking Tour of Dalian: $150
- Waves & Wharfs: Dalian's Chill Soul 1-Day Tour: $215
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $250
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.90Dalian $6.41
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Dalian, we can see that Dalian is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian 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 Dalian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Dalian?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Dalian. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Dalian, 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 Dalian?
Dalian 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 Dalian in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Manila as well as Dalian. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Manila is a little warmer than Dalian in the summer. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Dalian fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite rainy in Dalian. Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Dalian. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Dalian 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Manila or Dalian in the Autumn?
Both Dalian and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
In the autumn, Manila is much warmer than Dalian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manila in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Dalian averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Manila. In October, Manila usually receives more rain than Dalian. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Dalian 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Manila or Dalian in the Winter?
Both Dalian and Manila during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Dalian. In January, Manila is generally much warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 24°C (76°F), and Dalian fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
Manila usually gets more rain in January than Dalian. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Dalian -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Manila or Dalian in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Dalian. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
Manila is much warmer than Dalian in the spring. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Dalian fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Dalian. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Dalian 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Dalian and Manila
| Manila | Dalian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.