Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen?
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 Shenzhen can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Shenzhen?
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.
Shenzhen
Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions. It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
-
Manila Prices
Philippines PricesShenzhen Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Shenzhen $140
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $140. 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 Shenzhen in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Shenzhen $91
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Shenzhen $182
Compare Hotels in Manila and Shenzhen
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Shenzhen? 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 $14Shenzhen $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila HTL-APT (MNL): $30
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
- Tagaytay-Pagsanjan Falls combo tour with transfers** updated 2024: $180
- Safe and secure Airport Transfer Best in Manila: $216
- Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49
- Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $29
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $29
- Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $24
- Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $98
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfers to/from Bao'an Airport(SZX): $20
- shenzhen airport private transfer: $31
- [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
- A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
- Private Transfer in Shenzhen with English Service: $35
- A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Disneyland: $36
- Shenzhen Private Transfer and Ongoing Travel Assistance: $39
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
- Private Departure Transfer from Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport: $45
- Private Transfer - Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Port: $47
- Private Transfer - Kai Tak Cruise Port to Hong Kong Airport (HKG): $47
- Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Shenzhen?
Prices for flights to both Shenzhen 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 $31Shenzhen $35
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $53
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
- Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
- Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
- Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
- Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
- Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
- Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184
- Hong Kong Style Noodles Cooking Class (Includes 4-Course Meal): $184
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Shenzhen $17
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 Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Introduction to Hong Kong: Central Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
- Day in the life of a Hong Konger: Kowloon Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
- Between Two Systems: Hong Kong's Living History Tip Based Tour: $2.64
- Hong kong City Tour w/ Entry Fees & Lunch (2024) | 150+ booked: $2.64
- Hong Kong Observation Wheel Ticket: $5.45
- Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $10
- Hong Kong Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Tickets (Optional): $13
- Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong Entry Ticket: $13
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
- Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $15
- The Victoria Peak Tram Ticket | Hong Kong: $15
- Hong Kong Palace Museum Ticket: $17
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.90Shenzhen $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:
- Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Shenzhen, we can see that Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Shenzhen?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Shenzhen, 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 Shenzhen?
Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen in the Summer?
Both Shenzhen and Manila during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Manila is cooler than Shenzhen in the summer. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Shenzhen. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Manila or Shenzhen in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Shenzhen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
In the autumn, Manila is around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manila in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 26°C (78°F).
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Manila usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Manila or Shenzhen in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Manila as well as Shenzhen. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Manila is generally much warmer than Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 24°C (76°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Manila usually gets less rain in January than Shenzhen. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Manila or Shenzhen in the Spring?
Both Shenzhen and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
Manila is a little warmer than Shenzhen in the spring. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Manila
| Manila | Shenzhen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.