Which place is cheaper, Managua or Antigua Guatemala?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Antigua Guatemala or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Antigua Guatemala or Managua, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Antigua Guatemala or Managua?
Antigua Guatemala
Before a disastrous earthquake in 1773, Antigua was the colonial capital of Guatemala. For 200 years it had reigned as so and today shows remnants of its glorious past with Spanish colonial buildings and other architectural landmarks still standing. Due to this large amount of preserved architecture, Antigua was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is now the most touristed city of Guatemala.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Guatemala City, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Guatemala, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
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Antigua Guatemala Prices
Guatemala PricesManagua Prices
Nicaragua Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAntigua Guatemala $74Managua $67
The average daily cost (per person) in Antigua Guatemala is $74, while the average daily cost in Managua is $67. 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 Antigua Guatemala and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAntigua Guatemala $22Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAntigua Guatemala $44Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Antigua Guatemala and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Antigua Guatemala 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: Antigua Guatemala Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Antigua Guatemala $12Managua $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala
Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Lake Atitlan : $250
- Panajachel: One way private transfer to Antigua Guatemala: $189
- One way private transfer to Panajachel: $189
- Transfer Guatemala City to Aurora to Antigua Guatemala: $130
- Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Puerto Quetzal Port: $113
- One way shared transfer to Flores, Peten: $79
- From Antigua: Transfer to Guatemala City: $75
- Antigua: One way private transfer to Guatemala City: $64
- One way shared transfer to Rio Dulce: $59
- Shared Departure Transfer: Antigua Hotels to Guatemala City Airport: $56
- Antigua: One way shared transfer to Semuc Champey, Lanquin: $49
- transfer service Guatemala City, Lake Atitlan destination: $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Managua City Hotels to Corinto Cruise Port: $221
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $162
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $100
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $81
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $81
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $75
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- From One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Antigua Guatemala or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Antigua Guatemala 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 dayAntigua Guatemala $25Managua $30
Typical Food Prices in Antigua Guatemala
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:
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Lunch$3.25
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Lunch$7.79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antigua Guatemala
For Antigua Guatemala, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Taste of Guatemala,Walking Food Tour in Antigua Guatemala : $50
- Antigua: Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Experience with Locals: $50
- Private Street Food Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $65
- Antigua: Cooking Class with Local Family: $74
- Street Food Tour Around Antigua: $75
- Local Street Food Tour of Antigua: $75
- Market and Mayan Cooking Class: $80
- Antigua: Private Evening Street Food Tour with Dinner: $84
- Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour: $85
- Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua: $90
- Market food tour and tortilla workshop: $90
- Foodie & street food tour: $95
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Antigua Guatemala $15Managua $16
Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.
- 2-Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package from Antigua: $295
- 2-Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package from Antigua: $219
- 2-Day Shared Hiking Tour to Acatenango Volcano from Antigua: $125
- 2-day tour to Acatenango Volcano: $75
- 2in1 Tour: Avocado Farm + Private Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $145
- 3-Hour Chateau Defay Vineyard Tour in Central America: $65
- ANTIGUA Villages Tour: $72
- ATV Cultural & Adventure Tour: Shared Antigua Villages Experience: $90
- Acatenango Overnight Hike Multiday Tour: $116
- Acatenango Volcano Experience for 2 Days and 1 Night: $72
- Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hiking from Antigua - 2 Days Private Tour: $215
- Acatenango Volcano Tour with Overnight from Antigua: $99
Tours and Activities in Managua
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.
- 3 full day tour at Granada, Masaya and Leon area from Managua: $210
- Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $155
- Full day tour: Granada + Boat ride+Handicraft Market+Catarina: $100
- Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
- Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
- Managua City Tour: $84
- Managua City Tour: $98
- Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Tour: $187
- Managua Love Stories: A Walking Tour: $96
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $317
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $162
- Masaya Volcano Tour: $53
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAntigua Guatemala $11Managua $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Antigua Guatemala
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Antigua Guatemala:
- Artisanal Honey Cheese and Wine Tasting and Tour: $108
When comparing the travel costs between Antigua Guatemala and Managua, we can see that Antigua Guatemala is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Central America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antigua Guatemala Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Antigua Guatemala or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Antigua Guatemala. When comparing the sizes of Antigua Guatemala 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.
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.