Cost To Visit Manila: Complete 2026 Budget Guide
Manila travel costs — hotels, food, attractions & transport for every budget. Plan smarter with this detailed price guide.
Planning a trip to Manila? This complete guide breaks down the real cost of visiting the capital of the Philippines — including hotels, food, transportation, and attractions.
Whether you're traveling on a shoestring or planning a high-end getaway, you’ll get a clear idea of what to expect during each season and how to make the most of your trip.
💡 Is Manila Expensive to Visit?
No — Manila is one of the more affordable cities in Southeast Asia. Prices for food, transportation, and accommodations are low by U.S. standards and even compared to other cities in the region.
Dining out, taking a Grab ride (Southeast Asia’s Uber), or even staying at a nice hotel won’t break the bank. Just note: prices spike during peak travel periods and holidays.
🗓️ Seasonal Cost Breakdown
Manila doesn’t have four seasons — instead, it has a wet season (June–November) and dry season (December–May). When you visit has a big impact on hotel rates and flight prices.
🔥 Peak Season (December – April)
- Dry, sunny weather — ideal for exploring or heading out on day trips.
- Hotel prices go up 30–50%.
- Flights are most expensive between mid-December and mid-January.
- Expect busy malls and long lines at popular spots.
🌤 Shoulder Season (May & November)
- May is hot and humid but still mostly dry.
- November kicks off the end of rainy season.
- Great time to save — hotel rates start to dip.
- Fewer crowds, fewer tourists.
🌧 Off-Season (June – October)
- Rainy season in full swing. Expect sudden downpours and occasional flooding.
- Hotel prices are cheapest — especially in July–September.
- Some island-hopping tours or excursions may be limited.
💰 Most Expensive Times to Visit Manila
- Christmas & New Year: December 20 – January 5
- Holy Week (Easter): Falls in March or April (dates vary)
- Chinese New Year: Late January or early February
- School vacation (April–May): Domestic tourism spikes
💸 Cheapest Months to Visit Manila
- July–September: Rainy and humid, but perfect for low-cost trips.
- Early November & May: Transitional months with fewer tourists and decent deals.
- Mid-January to mid-February (except Chinese New Year): Post-holiday price drops.
📍 Where You Stay Matters
Like most big cities, your choice of neighborhood can drastically affect cost — even with hotels of similar quality.
🏙 Most Expensive Areas to Stay
- Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
Ultra-modern district with skyscrapers, upscale dining, and 5-star hotels.
Pros: Clean, walkable, trendy nightlife
Cons: High hotel rates
Nearby Attractions: Mind Museum, High Street, Venice Grand Canal Mall - Makati (Central Business District)
Known for shopping, nightlife, and international hotels.
Pros: Best for nightlife & business travelers
Cons: Heavy traffic
Nearby Attractions: Ayala Triangle Gardens, Greenbelt Mall
💼 Affordable Areas to Stay
- Malate
Popular with backpackers and budget travelers.
Pros: Hostels and mid-range hotels
Cons: Noisy at night
Nearby Attractions: Manila Baywalk, Rizal Park, National Museum - Ermita
Slightly quieter than Malate, still central.
Pros: Cheap food, walkable
Cons: Not the cleanest area
Nearby Attractions: Intramuros, Manila Ocean Park
💰 Cheapest Areas to Stay
- Quezon City
Farther from central Manila but has great budget options.
Pros: Super affordable
Cons: Farther commute
Nearby Attractions: Art in Island, La Mesa Eco Park
Manila Vacation Costs
🏨 Avg. Accommodation Cost
| Season | Budget (₱ / $) | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season | ₱1,200–2,000 / $21–35 | ₱3,000–6,000 / $52–105 | ₱8,000+ / $140+ |
| Shoulder | ₱1,000–1,800 / $18–32 | ₱2,500–5,000 / $44–88 | ₱7,000+ / $123+ |
| Off-Season | ₱800–1,500 / $14–26 | ₱2,000–4,000 / $35–70 | ₱6,000+ / $105+ |
🍛 Food Cost (Per Day)
| Meal | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | ₱100 / $1.80 | ₱250 / $4.40 | ₱500+ / $9 |
| Lunch | ₱150 / $2.60 | ₱400 / $7 | ₱1,000+ / $18 |
| Dinner | ₱200 / $3.50 | ₱600 / $10.50 | ₱1,500+ / $26 |
Tip: Street food like BBQ skewers, lumpia, or pancit can save you tons — and it’s delicious.
🚕 Transportation Cost
- Jeepney or bus: ₱12–20 ($0.20–$0.35) per ride
- Grab (ride-hailing): ₱150–₱300 ($2.60–$5.30) around town
- Taxis: ₱250+ ($4.40+) to airport
- Private driver/day: ₱3,000+ ($53+)
- Metro (LRT/MRT): ₱15–₱30 ($0.25–$0.50)
🎟️ Top Attractions & Entry Fees
- Rizal Park — Free
- Intramuros (Fort Santiago) — ₱75 ($1.30)
- National Museum Complex — Free
- Manila Ocean Park — ₱600 ($10.50)
- San Agustin Church — ₱200 ($3.50)
- Art in Island (3D Museum) — ₱799 ($14)
- SM Mall of Asia Seaside — Free (entertainment varies)
🚐 Popular Day Trips from Manila
| Destination | Distance | Getting There | RT Transport Cost | Notable Attractions & Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tagaytay | 1.5 hrs | Van, bus, Grab | ₱500–₱800 ($9–$14) | Taal Volcano View, Sky Ranch (₱100–₱300) |
| Pagsanjan Falls | 2 hrs | Van + boat | ₱1,500–₱2,500 ($26–$44) | Canoe ride to falls (₱1,250–₱1,500) |
| Corregidor Island | 2 hrs | Ferry | ₱2,200+ ($39+) | WWII ruins tour included |
| Pampanga | 2 hrs | Bus or van | ₱500–₱800 ($9–$14) | Hot air balloon events, food trips |
💵 Daily Budget
| Traveler Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodging | $18–$26 | $44–$88 | $105+ |
| Food | $7–$10 | $15–$25 | $40+ |
| Transportation | $3–$6 | $10–$20 | $35+ |
| Attractions | $2–$5 | $8–$15 | $20+ |
| Total/Day | $30–$47 | $77–$148 | $200+ |
📅 Weekly Budget (7 Days)
| Traveler Type | Lodging | Food | Transport | Attractions | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $126–$182 | $70 | $25 | $20 | $240–$297 |
| Mid-Range | $308–$616 | $175 | $90 | $60 | $633–$941 |
| Luxury | $735+ | $280+ | $210+ | $140+ | $1,365+ |
✈️ Flight Cost to Manila (Round Trip from U.S.)
| Season | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Peak (Dec–Jan, Easter) | $1,100–$1,400+ |
| Shoulder | $850–$1,100 |
| Off-Season | $650–$850 |
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