Which place is cheaper, Wellington 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 Wellington?
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 Wellington can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Wellington?
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.
Wellington
Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.
-
Manila Prices
Philippines PricesWellington Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $106Wellington $124
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Wellington is $124. 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 Wellington in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $54Wellington $60
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $108Wellington $120
Compare Hotels in Manila and Wellington
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Wellington? 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 Wellington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Wellington $12
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 Wellington
Also for Wellington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington Port: $26
- Private Transfer from Wellington Port to Wellington Airport (WLG): $26
- Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket + Transfer: $57
- Private Large SUV Airport Transfers Wellington - Executive Travel: $58
- Wētā Workshop Guided Transfers & Tour: $59
- Private Airport Transfer Service Vice Versa in Wellington by SUV: $75
- WLG Airport to City Private RoundTrip Transfer: $93
- Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $106
- Wellington Airport(WLG) to Wellington-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $156
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Wellington?
Prices for flights to both Wellington 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 $31Wellington $51
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 Wellington
For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dinner$8.87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington
For Wellington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 3 Hour Walking Food Tour: $125
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $19Wellington $16
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 Wellington
For Wellington, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Return Cable Car Ticket: $6.95
- Wellington Zoo General Entry Tickets: $15
- Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Atlantis: $27
- Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Temple: $27
- Private Group Puzzle-Solving Adventure Game: Spaceship: $27
- Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa Entry Ticket: $28
- Wētā Workshop Guided Tour Ticket: $32
- Wētā Workshop Creative Classes Experience Ticket: $32
- Wētā Workshop Experiences Tour - Wellington: $33
- Axe Throwing Lesson and Tournament: $33
- Zealandia by Day Tour: $37
- Auckland: Wētā Workshop Unleashed Creative Classes Ticket: $38
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.90Wellington $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington
Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $99
- From Martinborough Wine Tasting Tour: $168
- Exclusive Martinborough Wine Tour: $210
- Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $391
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Wellington, we can see that Wellington is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manila is in Asia and Wellington is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Wellington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wellington 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 Wellington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Wellington?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Wellington, 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 Wellington?
Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?
Both Wellington 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. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Wellington because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Manila is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin January. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Wellingtonin January. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManila 27°C (80°F)Wellington 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Manila or Wellington in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Wellington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.
Manila is much warmer than Wellington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.
Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Manila usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin April. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilManila 26°C (79°F)Wellington 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Manila or Wellington in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Manila as well as Wellington. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Wellington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Wellington averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Wellington. Manila usually gets less rain in January than Wellingtonin July. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyManila 24°C (76°F)Wellington 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Manila or Wellington in the Spring?
Both Wellington and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Wellington in the spring for the beaches.
In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin October. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin October. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberManila 29°C (84°F)Wellington 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Wellington and Manila
| Manila | Wellington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.