Which place is cheaper, Manila or Surat Thani?
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 Surat Thani or Manila?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Surat Thani and Manila can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Surat Thani or Manila?
Surat Thani
The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."
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 Yoga Tours and Retreats in Thailand, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.
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Surat Thani Prices
Thailand PricesManila Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $71Manila $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $71, 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 Surat Thani and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $27Manila $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $54Manila $108
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani 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: Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $27Manila $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From URT Airport: Shared Transfer to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan: $3.10
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $16
- Private Transfer Koh Samui Airport to The Ritz Carlton Koh Samui: $22
- Samui Airport Transfer: $33
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $39
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $39
- Koh Samui: Zipline Adventure with Hotel Transfer: $62
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $78
- Surat Thani Airport to/From Ratchaprapa Dam Private Transfer: $81
- Surat Thani Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khao Sok: $90
- Donsak pier to Krabi,Phuket,Koh Lanta any hotel Private transfer: $127
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
- Amazing Taal Volcano Island Boat Tour with Transfers: $120
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $98
- Airport Transfer from Manila Airport: $96
- METRO MANILA AIRPORT TRANSFERS | VAN: $64
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Surat Thani or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Surat Thani 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 daySurat Thani $28Manila $31
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
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Dinner$4.71
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani
For Surat Thani, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Koh Samui: Evening Thai Cooking Class with Organic Garden: $121
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.Surat Thani $5.72Manila $19
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- Private Taxi Services and Tourism in Koh Samui: $13
- Samui Go-Karting Experience – Sodikart RT10 Outdoor Race: $22
- Koh Tao 5 Best Snorkeling Sunset Tour by Big Boat: $32
- Pig Island Koh Taen Snorkeling Tour by Speedboat from Koh Samui: $47
- Pig Island & Koh Tan Tour by Speed Boat (Snorkeling & Kayaking): $49
- Koh Samui Island Hopping Adventure in Coral and Pig Island: $53
- Khao Sok ATV Jungle Trail Adventure Experience: $57
- Koh Samui: Feed & Shower with Elephants Experience: $65
- Pink Dolphin and Pig Island Snorkeling Tour from Koh Samui: $65
- Dolphin Watching Tan and Pig Island Tour from Koh Samui : $66
- Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Koh Tao & Koh Nangyuan with Lunch: $69
- Koh Phangan: Quad ATV Jungle Adventure with Scenic Views: $73
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySurat Thani $5.71Manila $9.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Manila, we can see that Manila is more expensive. And not only is Surat Thani much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Surat Thani would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Surat Thani Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Manila?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 10444530 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani or Manila?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Surat Thani or Manila in the Summer?
Both Manila and Surat Thani during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Surat Thani. Surat Thani usually gets less rain in July than Manila. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 28°C (82°F), and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Manila in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Surat Thani gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Surat Thani usually receives around the same amount of rain as Manila. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Manila in the autumn. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Manila in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Manila. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
Surat Thani usually gets more rain in January than Manila. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the winter temperatures in Surat Thani in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Manila averages at about 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Manila in the Spring?
Both Manila and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Manila. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Surat Thani is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 29°C (83°F), and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.