Which place is cheaper, Matsue 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 Matsue?
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 Matsue can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Matsue?
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.
Matsue
Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesMatsue Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Matsue $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Matsue is $88. 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 Matsue in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Matsue $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Matsue $54
Compare Hotels in Manila and Matsue
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Matsue? 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 Matsue Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Matsue $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
- Manila Airport Chauffeur service Manila Airport private Transfer : $20
- Manila Airport Transfer: $38
- Manila Airports Quality Safe and Reliable Airport Transfer: $40
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Manila Int Airport (MNL) to Manila - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $30
- Manila Ninoy Aquino Airport (MNL) Private Transfer to Manila City: $30
- Manila Private Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Affordable: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:
- Private Transfer Yonago Airport: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Matsue?
Prices for flights to both Matsue 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 $31Matsue $49
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Matsue $9.13
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
- Fort Santiago Guided Tour: $25
- Explore the Urban Art of Mural and Street Art Tour: $25
- Viva Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $27
- The Dessert Museum Entry Ticket: $27
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $30
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $30
- Manila night cruise, night life, foodie tour and 3d theather: $32
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Intramuros Night Bamboo Bike Tour: $34
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
Tours and Activities in Matsue
Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11
- Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $38
- Matsue 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $103
- Sakaiminato Private Tour for Shore Excursion: $300
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.90Matsue $7.10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Matsue, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Matsue much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Matsue would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Matsue 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 Matsue.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Matsue Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Matsue?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Matsue, 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 Matsue?
Matsue 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 Matsue in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Matsue. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Also, many visitors come to Matsue in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Matsue. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
Matsue receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Matsue. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Matsue 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Manila or Matsue in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Manila as well as Matsue. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Matsue for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Manila is much warmer than Matsue in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite rainy in Matsue. Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets more rain in October than Matsue. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Matsue 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Manila or Matsue in the Winter?
Both Matsue and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Matsue because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Matsue can be very cold. In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Matsue averages at about 4°C (39°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Matsue. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Matsue 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Manila or Matsue in the Spring?
Both Matsue and Manila during the spring 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 natural beauty are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.
In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Manila usually gets less rain in April than Matsue. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Matsue 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Matsue and Manila
| Manila | Matsue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.