Puerto Princesais 10% cheaper — BDI "Pricey" (38/10) vs Manila "Fair" (51/10). Dorms avg $12/night vs $14/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇵🇭 Manila
🇵🇭 Puerto Princesa
Solo budget traveler
★★★★★15 hostels, avg 8.4 rating
★★★★★15 hostels, avg 8.9 rating
Couple on a budget
★★★★★Private rooms avg $34/night
★★★★★Private rooms avg $29/night
Digital nomad
★★★★★Coffee $2.70, dorms avg $12
★★★★★Coffee $2.45, dorms avg $14
Nightlife seeker
★★★★★Beer $1.96, 15 hostels
★★★★★Beer $1.14, 15 hostels
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇵🇭 Manila | 🇵🇭 Puerto Princesa | You Save / day |
|---|
Shoestring Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $20 | $18 cheaper | $2/day |
Comfortable Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $32 | $31 cheaper | $2/day |
Flashpacker Private rooms · dining out · some tours | $54 | $53 cheaper | $1/day |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇵🇭 Manila | 🇵🇭 Puerto Princesa |
|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $5.15 | $4.02 22% less |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $12.10 6% less | $12.85 |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $1.96 | $1.14 42% less |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $2.70 | $2.45 9% less |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.60 30% less | $0.86 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇵🇭51
BDI: Fair
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $12/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelThe Grid Co Living Managed By Hii (9.7)
Annual dorm avg$12/night
Total hostels15
🇵🇭Puerto Princesa
Philippines
38
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Moderate dorm prices (avg $14/night).
Hostel Quality
Top-rated hostelLas Residencias Bed And Breakfast (10.0)
Annual dorm avg$14/night
Total hostels15
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇵🇭 Manila
🇵🇭 Puerto Princesa
City to City
Getting Between Manila & Puerto Princesa
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇵🇭 Manila
🌧 Rainfall: 13mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov
🇵🇭 Puerto Princesa
🌧 Rainfall: 100mm/month
Best months: Mar
Things To Do
Top Attractions
🇵🇭 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
🇵🇭 Puerto Princesa
No attraction data
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Manila or Puerto Princesa cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Manila vs Puerto Princesa?+
Do I need a visa for Manila or Puerto Princesa?+
When is the best time to visit Manila or Puerto Princesa?+
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