Which place is cheaper, Gold Coast or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Manila or Gold Coast?
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 Gold Coast can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Gold Coast?
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.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is one of Australia's premier destinations. Famous for gorgeous beaches, warm weather, watersports, and plenty of activities for all ages, millions of tourists from Australia as well as everywhere in the world flock to this region every year. With beaches, national parks, theme parks, shopping and dining, nice resorts, boating, fishing, diving, theme parks and more, the Gold Coast offers something for everyone.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesGold Coast Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Gold Coast $119
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Gold Coast is $119. 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 Gold Coast in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Gold Coast $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Gold Coast $110
Compare Hotels in Manila and Gold Coast
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Gold Coast? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Gold Coast $23
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
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $98
- Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
- METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $65
- 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
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gold Coast
Also for Gold Coast, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Gold Coast Airport: Shared Transfer to Gold Coast: $21
- Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport: Shared Transfer Sydney CBD: $22
- OOL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $42
- Private Transfer Gold Coast Airport OOL to City Centre/Brisbane: $48
- Private Transfer from Gold Coast Airport - Surfers Paradise: $50
- Mt Tamborine Shuttle Service - Gold Coast Return Transfer: $66
- Chill Out at Byron Bay Bus Transfer: $72
- Gold Coast to Byron Bay scenic One Way Transfer: $81
- Departure Private Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $108
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Gold Coast to Airport OOL in Business Car: $108
- Gold Coast Airport Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast in Business Car: $108
- Arrival Transfer: Airport OOL to Gold Coast by Business Car: $113
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Gold Coast?
Prices for flights to both Gold Coast 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
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Food Meals for one dayManila $31Gold Coast $47
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⭐: $64
- 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: $68
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $73
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gold Coast
For Gold Coast, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show: $79
- Brisbane/Sunset, Dinner, Stars/Premium Telescope: $79
- Gold Coast Buffet Dinner Sightseeing Cruise: $87
- Gold Coast Private Sunset Sailing Charter w/ dinner & drinks: $309
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Gold Coast $19
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- (Excursion) Day tour in Manila: $265
- A Day in Paradise at Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Adventure: $150
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $24
- Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
- Amazing Taal Volcano Tour (Boat Included): $125
- Antipolo Day Tour with Cloud 9 and Pinto Art Museum: $82
- BAGUIO CITY DAY TOUR (FROM MANILA): $365
- BANAUE:BATAD Rice Terraces with Sagada 4D3N PRIVATE TOUR: $7,305
- Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $208
- Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $73
- Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $85
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
Tours and Activities in Gold Coast
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gold Coast.
- Spring Brook National Park Self Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Spring Brook National Park Driving Tour with an APP: $15
- Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Midday River and Canal Cruise: $15
- Surfers Paradise Sightseeing City Lights Cruise: $21
- Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Morning River and Canal Cruise: $21
- SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket: $22
- SkyPoint Observation Deck Ticket: $23
- Surfers Paradise: Cruise, HOTA Gallery Entry, & Dining Pass: $26
- Surfers Paradise: Sightseeing Sunset River Cruise: $29
- Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Cruise: $30
- Surfers Paradise: IceBar Entry Ticket and Drink: $32
- Aquaduck City Tour and River Cruise: $38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.90Gold Coast $5.23
Sample the Local Flavors in Gold Coast
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gold Coast:
- Granddad Jack's Distillery Gin Tasting & Talk: $43
- Queensland Distillery Tour: $76
- Craft Distillery and Brewery Tour on Gold Coast: $77
- Sirromet Wine Tasting and Blending Workshop for 2: $84
- Wine, Distillery & Rainforest Day Tour: $151
- Private Bespoke Hinterland Heritage Wine Tour: $161
- Tamborine Mountain Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch: $165
- Full-Day Guided Wine Tour in Mt Tamborine From Gold Coast : $167
- Luxury Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch & Distillery: $197
- Gold Coast and Craft Brewery VIP Tour from Brisbane: $956
When comparing the travel costs between Manila and Gold Coast, we can see that Gold Coast is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Manila is in Asia and Gold Coast is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Gold Coast Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Gold Coast?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Gold Coast. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Gold Coast, 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 Gold Coast?
Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Manila as well as Gold Coast. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Gold Coast because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Manila is around the same temperature as Gold Coast in the summer. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Gold Coast. Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Gold Coastin January. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManila 27°C (80°F)Gold Coast 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Manila or Gold Coast in the Autumn?
Both Gold Coast 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, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Gold Coast this time of year.
In the autumn, Manila is a little warmer than Gold Coast. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manila in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Gold Coast averages at about 22°C (71°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Gold Coast. It's quite rainy in Manila. In October, Manila usually receives more rain than Gold Coastin April. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilManila 26°C (79°F)Gold Coast 22°C (71°F)
Should I visit Manila or Gold Coast in the Winter?
Both Gold Coast 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, many travelers come to Gold Coast for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Manila is generally much warmer than Gold Coastin July. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 24°C (76°F), and Gold Coast fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
Manila usually gets less rain in January than Gold Coastin July. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyManila 24°C (76°F)Gold Coast 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Manila or Gold Coast in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Gold Coast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Gold Coast in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
Manila is a little warmer than Gold Coast in the spring. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Gold Coast fluctuates around 21°C (69°F)in October.
Gold Coast receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Gold Coastin October. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Gold Coast receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberManila 29°C (84°F)Gold Coast 21°C (69°F)
Typical Weather for Gold Coast and Manila
| Manila | Gold Coast | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.