A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manila vs. Zhangjiajie for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Manila or Zhangjiajie?

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 Zhangjiajie can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Manila or Zhangjiajie?

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.

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Zhangjiajie or Manila?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $106, while the average daily cost in Zhangjiajie is $79. 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 Zhangjiajie in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manila $54
    Zhangjiajie $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manila $108
    Zhangjiajie $60
Compare Hotels in Manila and Zhangjiajie

Looking for a hotel in Manila or Zhangjiajie? 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.

Hotels in Manila


Hotels in Zhangjiajie


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 $14
    Zhangjiajie $15

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 Zhangjiajie

Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
  • Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
  • Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
  • Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
  • Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
  • 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
  • Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
  • Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $322
  • 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710

Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Zhangjiajie?

Prices for flights to both Zhangjiajie 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 day
    Manila $31
    Zhangjiajie $36

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie

For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manila $19
    Zhangjiajie $23

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 Zhangjiajie

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.

  • Zhangjiajie Pandora Tour to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain: $7.00
  • Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Ticket Booking: $16
  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Entrance Ticket Transportation: $42
  • Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and Grand Canyon Tickets Booking: $48
  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Private or Shared Day Tour: $50
  • Fox Fairy Show VIP ticket with round trip private transport: $52
  • Charming Xiangxi Show VIP ticket with round trip transport: $52
  • Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Ticket Booking: $55
  • One Day Mini Group Tour to Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain: $63
  • Mini Group Tour: Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountains: $66
  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tickets Booking: $69
  • Mini Group Day Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountains: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manila $9.90
    Zhangjiajie $16


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Zhangjiajie, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Zhangjiajie much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zhangjiajie would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Zhangjiajie Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Manila or Zhangjiajie?

Manila has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Zhangjiajie, 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 Zhangjiajie?

Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Manila as well as Zhangjiajie. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Zhangjiajie. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 27°C (80°F), and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. Manila usually gets more rain in July than Zhangjiajie. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manila 27°C (80°F) 
    Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Manila or Zhangjiajie in the Autumn?

Both Zhangjiajie and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.

Manila is a little warmer than Zhangjiajie in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite rainy in Manila. In October, Manila usually receives more rain than Zhangjiajie. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manila 26°C (79°F) 
    Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Manila or Zhangjiajie in the Winter?

Both Zhangjiajie 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.

In the winter, Manila is much warmer than Zhangjiajie. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manila in January average around 24°C (76°F), and Zhangjiajie averages at about 5°C (42°F).

Manila usually gets less rain in January than Zhangjiajie. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manila 24°C (76°F) 
    Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Manila or Zhangjiajie in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Zhangjiajie. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.

In April, Manila is generally much warmer than Zhangjiajie. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 29°C (84°F), and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Manila usually receives less rain than Zhangjiajie. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manila 29°C (84°F) 
    Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Zhangjiajie and Manila

Manila Zhangjiajie
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 5°C (42°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 27°C (80°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
May 29°C (83°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 303 mm (11.9 in) 26°C (78°F) 199 mm (7.8 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 408 mm (16.1 in) 29°C (85°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Aug 27°C (80°F) 452 mm (17.8 in) 29°C (83°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 27°C (80°F) 357 mm (14.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 90 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)