Which place is cheaper, Tokyo 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 Tokyo?
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 Tokyo can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Manila Prices
Philippines PricesTokyo Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Tokyo $190
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $190. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Tokyo $79
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Tokyo $158
Compare Hotels in Manila and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Tokyo $18
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 Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Haneda Airport to Tokyo One Way Transfer : $14
- Private Airport Transfer Haneda Airport to or from Tokyo City: $20
- Disneyland or Disneysea Transfer to or from Tokyo English Driver: $20
- Haneda Airport Private Transfer to Tokyo/Yokohama/MountFuji/Osaka: $42
- Hotel Transfer to/from Disneyland or DisneySea: $42
- Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $54
- DECKS Tokyo Beach & Odaiba 1 Way Door to Door Shared Transfer: $56
- Private transfer from Central Tokyo to Disney Resort: $62
- Tokyo City: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Yokohama City: $63
- Airport Shuttle Arrival Transfer : from Haneda Airport to Tokyo City: $65
- Shared Departure Transfer : Central Tokyo Hotel to Haneda Airport: $66
- Shared Arrival Transfer : Haneda Airport to Central Tokyo City: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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 $31Tokyo $67
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
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.41
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.41
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Meal at Airport$7.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tsukiji Food Tour Explore Markets and Temples in Tokyo: $18
- Hide's Table A Unique Dinner Gathering Every Wednesday Night: $21
- Tokyo Ramen Dojo: Authentic Ramen Cooking Class & Tasting: $34
- Guided Tsukiji’s Local Food Tour : $34
- Tokyo : Vintage, Music & Food Tour in Shimokitazawa with a Local: $34
- For First Time Visitor：Tsukiji Food Tour with Tokyo Travel Advice: $34
- Authentic Homestyle Japanese Cooking Class near Tokyo with Risa: $39
- Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks: $44
- Weekend Japanese Cooking Demonstration with a Tokyo Mom, Toshiko: $49
- Japanese Sushi Cooking Class: $51
- Tokyo private hidden food tour: $55
- Mastering the Grill A Ninja Yakiniku A5 Wagyu Dinner in Nippori : $56
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Tokyo $71
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 Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Imperial Palace or Edo Castle Time Trip Learning Walking Tour: $3.42
- Tokyo 4‑Day Self‑Guided PDF Tour of Senso‑ji, Shibuya and more: $3.42
- Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Guided Tour: $3.46
- Self-Guided Tour of Tokyo's Hidden Alleys: $3.57
- Cross Roppongi Karaoke Nightclub Ticket (For Foreign): $6.76
- Tokyo Asakusa & Senso-ji Tour with Audioguide: $8.34
- Tokyo Metro Subway Ticket: $8.85
- Horse Racing Tour with Local Fans in Tokyo: $10
- Shibuya drinking tour: $10
- Gyoda Oshi Castle Ninja Experience : $11
- Tokyo Subway Ticket : $11
- Water Bus Ticket Odaiba ↔ Asakusa: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.90Tokyo $34
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$4.06
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Low-cost local pub & bar crawling: $34
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $35
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: Unique Japanese Drinks in Shimokitazawa: $38
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $46
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $114
- Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and jump into historic town: $116
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $132
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $142
- Cultural Sake Brewery Private Tour & Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $172
- From Tokyo：Mt.fuji /Museum/Sake brewery/ 1DAY BUS TOUR: $201
- Private tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and riverside walk.: $242
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Tokyo?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Tokyo. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?
Tokyo 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 Tokyo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Manila as well as Tokyo. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Manila is around the same temperature as Tokyo in the summer. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Tokyo. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Tokyo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Manila or Tokyo in the Autumn?
Both Tokyo 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.
In the autumn, Manila is a little warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manila in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Tokyo averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. It's quite rainy in Manila. In October, Manila usually receives more rain than Tokyo. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Tokyo 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Manila or Tokyo in the Winter?
Both Tokyo 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. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Manila is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 24°C (76°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
Manila usually gets less rain in January than Tokyo. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Tokyo 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Manila or Tokyo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Tokyo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Also, many visitors come to Tokyo in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Manila is much warmer than Tokyo in the spring. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Tokyo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Tokyo and Manila
| Manila | Tokyo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 180 mm (7.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.