Which place is cheaper, Manila or Phuket?
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 Phuket or Manila?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket or Manila, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Phuket or Manila?
Phuket
Phuket Island is the holiday gem of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.
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Phuket Prices
Thailand PricesManila Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhuket $139Manila $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $139, while the average daily cost in Manila is $106. 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 Phuket and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $64Manila $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $128Manila $108
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Phuket or Manila? 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: Phuket Hotel Prices and Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $12Manila $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$9.42
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$7.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- (Privet)Phuket Transfer: $11
- Phuket Airport (HKT) Arrival Transfer to Phuket Hotels (Shared or Private): $11
- Phuket Airport (HKT) Departure Transfer from Phuket Hotels (Shared or Private): $11
- Private Phuket Airport Transfer to Hotel and Vice Versa: $13
- PHUKET Arrival Transfer-Phuket Airport to Phuket Hotels (Shared): $15
- Phuket Departure Transfer from Hotel to Phuket Airport (Shared): $15
- Phuket Airport Transfer (SHA Plus) : $15
- Phuket Private Transfer from/to Phuket Airport HKT (one way): $16
- Phuket Airport Departure Transfer – Domestic & International : $19
- Phuket Hotel to Airport Shared Departure Transfer: $19
- Phuket Airport Arrival Transfer – Domestic & International : $19
- Departure Transfer : Phuket Hotel to Phuket Airport (Private): $19
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Phuket or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Phuket 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 dayPhuket $43Manila $31
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$9.08
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.34
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$13
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Thai Noodles$2.83
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Bananas$0.79
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Pizza (for Two)$9.42
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Phuket Coral Island and Sunset Dinner by Luxury Catamaran: $43
- Phuket Express Thai Cooking Course with Authentic Recipes : $44
- Phuket 10+ Tastings Food Tour & Charming Old Town: $52
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $52
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $53
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $57
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Suuko Wellness Spa: $57
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour and Hotel Pickup: $58
- Carnival Entertainment and Dinner Experience in Phuket: $59
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
- Flavours of the South Food Tour: $59
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $59
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.Phuket $49Manila $19
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$28
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$79
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Thai Oil Massage$20
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Surfboard Rental$9.42
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self Guided Scavenger Hunts and Gamified Tours: $4.75
- Oto Indoor Play Park Entrance Ticket in Phuket: $8.05
- Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Aquarium Phuket Admission Ticket: $14
- Phuket Rock Beach Swing Tickets: $17
- Aquaria Phuket Tickets and 4D Trickeye Museum Combo Deal: $17
- Aquaria Phuket and 4D Trickeye Museum Experience Ticket: $17
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser: $19
- Phuket Highlights: Half Day City Tour with Landmark & Viewpoint: $21
- Phang Nga Bay Skywalk at Samet Nangshe Admission Ticket: $21
- Half Day Phuket City tour + Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off: $21
- Patong Beach Parasailing and Jet Skiing Experience Shared: $22
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhuket $7.32Manila $9.90
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$6.28
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Beer$2.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience: $41
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery Experience and Lunch: $55
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $89
- Phuket Sightseeing Tour with Rum Distillery : $113
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $138
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Manila, we can see that Phuket 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket 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 Phuket Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket and Manila, 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 Phuket or Manila?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Phuket or Manila in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Manila receives a lot of rain in the summer. Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Phuket usually receives less rain than Manila. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Phuket is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the summer temperatures in Phuket in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Manila averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Manila in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Manila. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season. June to October in Phuket is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Manila. Phuket receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Phuket usually gets more rain in October than Manila. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 27°C (81°F), and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Manila in the Winter?
Both Manila and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Phuket is December to March. In January, Phuket usually receives more rain than Manila. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Phuket is a little warmer than Manila in the winter. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Manila in the Spring?
Both Manila and Phuket during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
June to October is the rainy season in Phuket. It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in April than Manila. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Phuket is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the spring temperatures in Phuket in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Manila averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Phuket
| Phuket | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 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.