Cost of Living in Manila
How much does it cost to visit Manila? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
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Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
PHP 2000
per day
Weekly: PHP 14000
Monthly: PHP 60000
Examples
- 🏨Z Hostel shared dorm bedPHP 900
- 🍽️Street food at Mercato Centrale (various stalls)PHP 500
- 🚌Unlimited trips on LRT/MRT lines with Beep Card top-upPHP 300
- 🎟️Explore Intramuros on foot and visit San Agustin ChurchPHP 300
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
PHP 5000
per day
Weekly: PHP 35000
Monthly: PHP 150000
Examples
- 🏨The Henry Hotel Manila private roomPHP 2500
- 🍽️Lunch at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant with cultural showPHP 1200
- 🚌Grab car for multiple short tripsPHP 800
- 🎟️Visit the National Museum Complex (Fine Arts, Anthropology, Natural History)PHP 500
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
PHP 15000
per day
Weekly: PHP 105000
Monthly: PHP 450000
Examples
- 🏨The Peninsula Manila Deluxe RoomPHP 9000
- 🍽️Dinner at Spiral buffet restaurant at Sofitel Philippine Plaza ManilaPHP 4000
- 🚌Private car service for the dayPHP 1000
- 🎟️Sunset cruise with drinks on Manila BayPHP 1000
Cost by Category
accommodation
₱800-₱3,000 (hostel/budget hotel) to ₱5,000+ (mid-range hotel)
food
₱500-₱1,500 (street food to casual dining)
Transport
₱200-₱800 (mix of rideshare and public transport)
activities
₱500-₱2,000+ (museums, tours, entrance fees)
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makati | Luxury | higher | first-timers, luxury |
| Bonifacio Global City (BGC) | Luxury | higher | first-timers, families |
| Malate | Budget | lower | budget, nightlife |
| Ermita | Budget | lower | culture, first-timers |
Money-Saving Tips for Manila
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Manila Costs
How much does it cost to visit Manila?
Budget travellers can visit Manila for around PHP 2000/day (PHP 14000/week). Mid-range travellers should budget PHP 5000/day, while luxury travel costs around PHP 15000/day.
Is Manila expensive?
Manila is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least PHP 2000/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Manila?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Manila, budget PHP 5000/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Manila?
Budget travellers in Manila can get by on PHP 2000/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.