vs
Bangkokis 11% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (35/10) vs Manila "Fair" (51/10). Dorms avg $16/night vs $12/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇹🇭 Bangkok
🇵🇭 Manila
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 9.7 rating
★★★★★
15 hostels, avg 8.4 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $67/night
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $34/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★
Coffee $2.91, dorms avg $16
★★★★★
Coffee $2.70, dorms avg $12
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★
Beer $3.22, 15 hostels
★★★★★
Beer $1.96, 15 hostels
First-time Europer
★★★★★
26 attractions
★★★★★
25 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇹🇭 Bangkok | 🇵🇭 Manila | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $18 cheaper | $20 | $2/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $39 | $32 cheaper | $7/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $75 | $54 cheaper | $22/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇹🇭 Bangkok | 🇵🇭 Manila |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $3.22 37% less | $5.15 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $16.08 | $12.10 25% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $3.22 | $1.96 39% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.91 | $2.70 7% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $1.29 | $0.60 53% less |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇹🇭▼
Bangkok
Thailand
35
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $16/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelRoom 22 Hostel (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$16/night
Total hostels15
🇵🇭▼
Manila
Philippines
51
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $12/night).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelThe Grid Co Living Managed By Hii (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$12/night
Total hostels15
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇹🇭 Bangkok
🇵🇭 Manila
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (30d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (60d)
Visa Free (30d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Bangkok & Manila
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇹🇭 Bangkok
35°C
High
/
27°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 38mm/month
Best months: Jan, Nov, Dec
🇵🇭 Manila
32°C
High
/
25°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 13mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇹🇭 Bangkok
1. King Rama V (Chulalongkorn) StatueFree
2. King Taksin MonumentFree
3. Museum of Natural HistoryFree
4. Two Kings MonumentFree
5. Colombet MomumentFree
🇵🇭 Manila
1. Ayala MuseumFree
2. San Juan BridgeFree
3. The Life and Heroism of Gat Andres Bonifac…Free
4. Boom Na BoomFree
5. Douglas MacArthurFree
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Bangkok or Manila cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Bangkok vs Manila?+
Do I need a visa for Bangkok or Manila?+
When is the best time to visit Bangkok or Manila?+
What's the cheapest month to visit Bangkok and Manila?+
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