Manila costs 1200-8000 PHP per day for travelers in 2026. Hotels average 1500 PHP/night, meals cost 400-800 PHP, making Manila upscale compared to other Southeast Asia destinations. Budget travelers (1200 PHP/day): Stay in hostels (500 PHP/night), eat at local restaurants (400 PHP/meal), use public transport. Mid-range travelers (3000 PHP/day): Comfortable hotels (1500 PHP/night), varied dining (800 PHP/meal), occasional taxis. Luxury travelers (8000 PHP/day): Premium hotels (5000 PHP/night), fine dining (2500 PHP/meal), private tours. Top money-saving tip: Stay in budget hotels or hostels. Free activities include intramuros walking tour – explore the historic walled city on foot, including visits to fort santiago and san agustin church. Manila ranks as upscale within Southeast Asia, offering excellent value compared to regional averages.
Plan the practical part
Manila Trip Cost: How Much Does It Cost to Visit in 2026?
Daily budget guide for Manila (prices in PHP)Updated
- Budget₱1,877–₱3,442 / day
- Mid-range₱3,442–₱6,258 / day
- Luxury₱6,258–₱9,387 / day
What a day in Manila costs
Budget
₱1,877–₱3,442 / day
≈ $30 USD
Hostels or guesthouses, street food and markets, public transport.
Mid-range
₱3,442–₱6,258 / day
≈ $55 USD
Comfortable hotels, sit-down restaurants, a few paid activities.
Luxury
₱6,258–₱9,387 / day
≈ $100 USD
Boutique or five-star stays, fine dining, private tours and transfers.
Estimates are per person, per day, in PHP. USD equivalents use open.er-api.com exchange rates from 3 Sep 2026.
Make it your trip
What could your trip cost?
Choose your pace and travel style. Start with the published daily estimate, then make room for the things you care about.
Estimated trip budget · PHP
7 days · 1 traveler · Mid-range
- Daily budget per person
- ₱3,442–₱6,258
- Season adjustment
- ×1
An editorial estimate, not a booking quote. Daily budget × days × travelers × season adjustment. Add flights, insurance, and any costs outside the guide separately. Shared rooms and child rates may change your total.
Where the money goes
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay | ₱18 | ₱35 | ₱65 |
| Eat | ₱9 | ₱17 | ₱28 |
| Do | ₱8 | ₱12 | ₱20 |
| Categories combined | ₱35 | ₱64 | ₱113 |
Category figures are typical daily spends; the tier totals above them include everyday extras, so the two need not match to the unit.
Everyday prices
- Prices
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- Currency
- PHP
- Exchange rate
- ₱1
Typical prices at the time of research, in PHP; expect variation by neighbourhood and season.
Prices through the year
- Low×0.9
- High×1.2
- Shoulder×1
Stretch your budget
Ways to save
- Stay in hostels or budget guesthouses like those in Malate or Ermita for u20b1500-u20b11000 per night, saving u20b11000+ compared to mid-range hotels.
- Eat at local 'carinderias' (small eateries) for meals costing u20b150-u20b1150, saving u20b1200-u20b1500 per meal compared to typical restaurants.
- Use the MRT/LRT train system for transportation, with fares typically u20b113-u20b130 per ride, significantly cheaper than taxis (u20b1150-u20b1500 per ride for similar distances).
- Take advantage of free attractions like Rizal Park, Intramuros (explore on foot or rent a bike for u20b150-u20b1100/hour), and various public markets.
- Visit during the off-peak season (June to October) to find lower accommodation rates and flight deals, potentially saving 20-30% on overall travel costs.
- Drink filtered water from large bottles (u20b150-u20b180 for 5-6 liters) instead of small bottled water (u20b120-u20b130 per 500ml), saving significantly daily.
Budget tips
- {"tip": "Stay in budget hotels or hostels", "category": "Accommodation", "explanation": "Manila offers numerous affordable accommodation options like V-CAT Apartelle or 8 HOSTEL, which can significantly reduce your daily expenses."}
- {"tip": "Eat at local carinderias", "category": "Food", "explanation": "These small, family-run eateries offer delicious Filipino meals at very affordable prices, allowing you to experience local cuisine without breaking the bank."}
- {"tip": "Use public transportation like jeepneys and buses", "category": "Transportation", "explanation": "These are not only cheap but also provide an authentic local experience. The MRT/LRT trains are also efficient for longer distances within the city."}
Worth the splurge
- Sunset cruise on Manila Bay with dinner
- Fine-dining experience in Bonifacio Global City
- Stay in a luxury hotel with rooftop pool in Makati
- Private day tour to Tagaytay or nearby islands
Free things to do
- Free walking tour
- Public parks
- Local markets
Frequently asked questions
How expensive is Manila?
Daily costs €25-45 on a shoestring budget; €50-80 mid-range
Best money-saving tips?
Use local transport (jeepneys, LRT/MRT), eat at street stalls, stay in budget hostels/guesthouses, book in advance, join free walking tours
Average meal cost?
Budget €2–4, mid-range €6–12, fine dining €20–30
Safety?
Generally safe in tourist areas with common-sense precautions: watch your belongings, avoid poorly lit streets at night, use app-based taxis or hotel cabs, stay aware of scams
Planning the trip? Read the full Manila guide.
Budget