Which place is cheaper, Managua or Acapulco de Juarez?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Managua? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Acapulco de Juarez or Managua?
Acapulco de Juarez
Located on the southwestern Pacific Coast of Mexico is the beautiful beach city of Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco is one of the original travel and resort destinations in Mexico, and it's still considered a popular spring break destination for Americans. Known as simply "Acapulco" to many travelers, this region is a popular spot for cruise lines to stop and timeshares to grow. Thanks to those cruise lines and timeshares, tourist activities like water parks and jet skis have experienced considerable growth.
Managua
Managua is the capital, and largest city in Nicaragua. The economy is generally centered around the trade of coffee, cotton, and other types of agriculture. It also is a textile capital for the area. Managua is also a very reasonably priced destination in Central America. Restaurants and hotels are quite affordable and you'll find all kinds of international cuisine around the city. Transportation is also incredibly affordable and you'll find yourself pleasantly surprised at the cost of intercity bus rides.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAcapulco de Juarez $81Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Acapulco de Juarez is $81, while the average daily cost in Managua is $55. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Acapulco de Juarez and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAcapulco de Juarez $39Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAcapulco de Juarez $78Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Acapulco de Juarez and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Acapulco de Juarez or Managua? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Acapulco de Juarez Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $16Managua $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Acapulco de Juarez
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Acapulco de Juarez:
- Private Airport Transfer &on 2nd Day 4Hr TourAll AttractionsCombo: $90
- Private Best Round Trip Airport - Hotel - Airport Transfer : $70
- Airport Transfer in Suburban: $65
- Transfer in private minivan from Bahía de Acapulco -Acapulco Airport (ACA): $32
- Acapulco hotels to Acapulco Airport (ACA) – Departure Private Transfer : $20
- Acapulco Airport Transfer: $10
- Shared transfer from Acapulco Airport (ACA) - Acapulco: $6.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Acapulco de Juarez or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Acapulco de Juarez change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $29Managua $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Acapulco de Juarez
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Acapulco de Juarez.
- High Divers DeLuxe Three Course Dinner +Three Drinks plus SUNSET: $49
- Cliff Diver De Luxe 3 Course Dinner at "La Quebrada" in Acapulco: $56
- Off the Beaten Path Mexican Cooking Class Lagoon Boatride &Lunch: $89
- Hands On Mexican Cooking Class with Food Tasting & Market Visit: $100
- Bella Vista PRIVATE Al Fresco 3 Course Dinner Cliff Diver3Drinks: $191
- Super DeLuxe Bella Vista Dinner &1 Drink +2 Drinks at CliffDivers: $193
- Divers Show and Luxury Dinner in Acapulco: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Acapulco de Juarez $18Managua $16
Tours and Activities in Acapulco de Juarez
Here are a few actual costs in Acapulco de Juarez for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 6Hr Walking Tour San Diego Fort Museum Cliff Divers Zocalo: $68
- Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers: $36
- 4 Hrs Exclusive to Cruise Ship Passengers Sightseeing Experience : $62
- 4-6Hrs Acapulco City Tour With a Fun Guide. Diver Show, Mex Lunch: $47
- 4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers: $85
- 4hr City Tour For Cruises or Hotels Diver Peace Chapel & Mural: $40
- 6Hr City Tour Cruise or Hotel Turtle Nesting High Diver & Market: $51
- 6Hr Cruise or Hotels City Tour, Divers, Baby Turtles Peace Chapel: $51
- 6Hr Cruisers or Hotels High Diver Peace Chapel BabyTurtleRelease: $50
- Acapulco City Tour : $35
- Acapulco Historical Tour with Cliff Divers Show: $65
- Acapulco Malibu, Avenida Kids Tour : $50
Tours and Activities in Managua
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.
- Private lava tour-Masaya Volcano from Managua: $49
- Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $53
- Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
- Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
- PRIVATE Laguna de apoyo day pass + masaya volcano lava tour: $70
- PRIVATE Boat ride + Colonial city tour at Granada+Catarina lookout: $80
- PRIVATE Day trip Granada Isletas +Colonial City tour from Managua: $80
- Managua City Tour: $84
- PRIVATE Boat tour + Granada City +Masaya Volcano Night Tour : $85
- full tour Somoto Canyon Nicaragua: $86
- PRIVATE Boat tour+Granada City and Catarina lookout from Managua: $88
- Managua City Tour: $88
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAcapulco de Juarez $11Managua $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Managua, we can see that Acapulco de Juarez is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Acapulco de Juarez is in North America and Managua is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Managua would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Managua and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Acapulco de Juarez would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Acapulco de Juarez than you might in Managua.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Acapulco de Juarez Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Acapulco de Juarez. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez and Managua, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Acapulco de Juarez or Managua?
Acapulco de Juarez has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Managua experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Managua in the Summer?
Both Managua and Acapulco de Juarez during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Acapulco de Juarez. In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Managua. Acapulco de Juarez gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun.
Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in July than Managua. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAcapulco de Juarez 29°C (83°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Managua in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Managua. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the shopping scene. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Acapulco de Juarez is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 28°C (83°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Acapulco de Juarez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Managua during autumn. Acapulco de Juarez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Managua. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAcapulco de Juarez 28°C (83°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Managua in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Managua. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Managua in the winter. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Acapulco de Juarez this time of the year. In the winter, Acapulco de Juarez often gets more sunshine than Managua. Acapulco de Juarez gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.
Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in January than Managua. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAcapulco de Juarez 26°C (79°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Managua in the Spring?
Both Managua and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Managua averages at about 29°C (84°F).
It's quite sunny in Managua. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Acapulco de Juarez. Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more sunshine than Managua during spring. Acapulco de Juarez gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Managua. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAcapulco de Juarez 27°C (81°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Acapulco de Juarez
| Acapulco de Juarez | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 271 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 209 mm (8.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 341 mm (13.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.