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

Should you visit Manila or Fortaleza?

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

Where Should I go: Manila or Fortaleza?

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.

Fortaleza

A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, and The Best Eco Tours in Brazil.


Which place is cheaper, Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza is $83. 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 Fortaleza in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $54
    Fortaleza $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $108
    Fortaleza $58
Compare Hotels in Manila and Fortaleza

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Fortaleza? 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 Fortaleza


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 Fortaleza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manila $14
    Fortaleza $20

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 Fortaleza

Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer leaving from the Fortaleza waterfront to Beach Park: $8.65
  • Transfer to Beach Park: $11
  • Roundtrip transfer from Pinto Martins Airport to Hotels in Fortaleza: $17
  • Beach Park Transfer from Fortaleza: $19
  • Transfer from Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $28
  • Fortaleza Roundtrip Airport Transfers: $38
  • Fortaleza Airport Private Transfer: $40
  • Cumbuco Shared Transfer From Fortaleza: $46
  • Fortaleza to Fortaleza Airport (FOR) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Fortaleza Airport (FOR) to Fortaleza - Arrival Private Transfer: $48
  • Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Cumbuco: $48
  • Round trip transfer to Jericoacoara: $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Fortaleza?

Prices for flights to both Fortaleza 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
    Fortaleza $39

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 $19
    Fortaleza $15

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 Fortaleza

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.

  • 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $12
  • Full Day Tour to Cumbuco From Fortaleza: $12
  • Águas Belas Tour: $14
  • Lagoinha Beach Tour: $17
  • Tour 3 beaches in 1 day: $17
  • Fortaleza Panoramic City Tour with visit to Cumbuco Beach: $19
  • Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $19
  • Tour 3 Beaches in 1 day (Morro Branco, Praia das Fontes and Canoa Quebrada): $23
  • Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $23
  • Jericoacoara Tour in a Full Day - Leaving Fortaleza by Girafatur: $25
  • City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $25
  • Historical and Cultural City Tour of Fortaleza: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.90
    Fortaleza $9.58


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Fortaleza, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Fortaleza much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manila is in Asia and Fortaleza is in South America, 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 Fortaleza would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza.

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


Which is Bigger, Manila or Fortaleza?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Fortaleza. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Fortaleza, 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 Fortaleza?

Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Manila as well as Fortaleza. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Fortaleza in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Fortalezain January. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Fortaleza fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Fortalezain January. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, July to January in Fortaleza is the dry season. January to July in Fortaleza is the rainy season.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Manila or Fortaleza in the Autumn?

Both Fortaleza and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Fortaleza for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Manila is around the same temperature as Fortaleza in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Fortaleza fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. It's quite rainy in Manila. In October, Manila usually receives less rain than Fortalezain April. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 356 mm (14 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Fortaleza 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Manila or Fortaleza in the Winter?

Both Fortaleza 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Fortaleza because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Manila is around the same temperature as Fortaleza. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Fortaleza averages at about 26°C (79°F)in July.

Manila usually gets less rain in January than Fortalezain July. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year. July to January is the dry season in Fortaleza. January to July is the rainy season in Fortaleza.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Fortaleza 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Manila or Fortaleza in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Fortaleza. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Fortaleza this time of year.

In April, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Fortalezain October. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Fortaleza fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In April, Manila usually receives more rain than Fortalezain October. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Fortaleza receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Fortaleza 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Fortaleza and Manila

Manila Fortaleza
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 205 mm (8.1 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 323 mm (12.7 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 356 mm (14 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 256 mm (10.1 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 26°C (80°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)