Which place is cheaper, Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao?
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 Koh Tao can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Koh Tao?
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.
Koh Tao
With a name that literally means, "Turtle Island," Koh Tao, Thailand is the type of vacation spot divers dream of. There is the faintest current and a buffet of dive sites and shops.
This tiny island hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors a year, but take not that there are no garbage disposal facilities. Everything that can't be burnt needs to be taken from the island. Avoid plastic bags, and don't dump your trash in the open landscape (then again, why would you?) because there are no departments for road clean up. Water and electricity on the island are scarce, so use them wisely.
Keep in mind that monsoon season from November to January so you may be faced with constant rain for days at a time in those months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesKoh Tao Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Koh Tao $50
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Koh Tao is $50. 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 Koh Tao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Koh Tao $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Koh Tao $32
Compare Hotels in Manila and Koh Tao
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Koh Tao? 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 Koh Tao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Koh Tao $9.98
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Tao
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Tao:
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Motorbike Rental$5.97
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Chumpon to Koh Tao Ferry$20
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Koh Tao?
Prices for flights to both Koh Tao 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 $31Koh Tao $18
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 Koh Tao
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Tao:
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Sit Down Lunch (for One)$6.28
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Breakfast$4.71
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Casual Breakfast (for Two)$3.77
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Fancy Dinner (for Two)$15
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Pancake$2.20
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American Breakfast (for Two)$8.79
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Dinner at Bam Bam (for Two)$8.48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class with Sea View from Koh Tao : $51
- Memorable Thai Cooking Class with Stunning View from Koh Tao : $55
- Private Thai Cooking Class at Rooftop Kitchen on Koh Tao: $208
- Koh Tao Private Rooftop Thai Cooking Class with Scenic View: $222
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Koh Tao $30
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Tao
For Koh Tao, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental (One Hour)$7.85
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Snorkel Rental$3.14
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Kayak and Snorkel (2)$3.14
Tours and Activities in Koh Tao
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Tao.
- Full day snorkeling adventure around Koh Tao: $24
- Amazing 5 Point Snorkeling Tour in Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan: $24
- Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao 5 Point Snorkeling Tour: $27
- Snorkelling Trip 5 Island Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nang yuan: $27
- Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan and the hidden bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $27
- No Rush Morning & Afternoon 5 Stop Snorkeling tour for Koh Tao: $27
- 5 Islands Full-Day Tour Around Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan: $27
- Koh Tao Top Crystal Clear Snorkeling Day Tour by Big Boat : $27
- Koh Tao Snorkeling Tour to Hidden Bays and Koh Nang Yuan : $29
- Koh Tao's First Light Snorkel Adventure with Oxygen Tours: $32
- Premium Snorkel Tour to the Bays of Koh Tao onboard the Oxygen: $37
- CocoTipAdventures and Snorkel with Meals-BBQs-Cocktail-Sunset: $54
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.90Koh Tao $8.22
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Tao
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Tao from other travelers:
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Beer$2.04
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Bottle of Wine$12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Koh Tao, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Koh Tao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Tao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Tao 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 Koh Tao.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Koh Tao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Koh Tao?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 7560 times larger than the population of Koh Tao. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Koh Tao, 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 Koh Tao?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Manila or Koh Tao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Manila as well as Koh Tao. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tao throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Koh Tao. Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Koh Tao. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Manila or Koh Tao in the Autumn?
Both Koh Tao and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Koh Tao is October and November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Tao. It's quite rainy in Manila. In October, Manila usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Manila is around the same temperature as Koh Tao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Koh Tao fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Koh Tao 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Manila or Koh Tao in the Winter?
Both Koh Tao 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tao year-round.
February to June is the dry season in Koh Tao. Manila usually gets less rain in January than Koh Tao. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Manila is around the same temperature as Koh Tao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Koh Tao averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Koh Tao 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Manila or Koh Tao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Koh Tao. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Koh Tao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
February to June in Koh Tao is the dry season. In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Koh Tao. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Koh Tao receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Manila is generally a little warmer than Koh Tao. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Tao fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Koh Tao 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Tao and Manila
| Manila | Koh Tao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 380 mm (15 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.