A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antigua Guatemala vs. Managua for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Central America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

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.

Which place is cheaper, Managua or Antigua Guatemala?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Antigua Guatemala is $63, 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 Antigua Guatemala and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Antigua Guatemala $21
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Antigua Guatemala $42
    Managua $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.

Hotels in Antigua Guatemala


Hotels in Managua


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Antigua Guatemala $12
    Managua $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala

Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from La Antigua Guatemala to Monterrico (One Way): $260
  • Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Lake Atitlan : $250
  • Transfer from Antigua to the Airport: $80
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Antigua Hotels to Guatemala City Airport: $56
  • Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Puerto Quetzal Port: $27
  • Private Ground Transfer From Antigua To Guatemala City Airport: $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
  • Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
  • Private Transfer from Managua City Hotels to Corinto Cruise Port: $71
  • Private Transfer from Managua Augusto Airport to Corinto Port: $71
  • Transfer from and To Poneloya or Las Peñitas Beach- Leon, Nicaragua: $68
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
  • Granada Transfer: $44
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport to Managua - Round-Trip Transfer : $42
  • Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $21
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $21
  • Transfer From Managua International Airport: $20

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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Antigua Guatemala $14
    Managua $17
Typical Food prices in Antigua Guatemala

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Antigua Guatemala:


  • Lunch
    $3.21
  • Lunch
    $7.70

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, Guatemala: Antigua Street Food Tour: $55
  • Private Street Food Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $65
  • Antigua: Cooking Class with Local Family: $65
  • Make your own Mayan Pepian - Cooking class: $69
  • Street Food Tour Around Antigua: $70
  • Guatemalan Cooking Class : $75
  • Market food tour and tortilla workshop: $79
  • Market and Mayan Cooking Class: $80
  • Foodie & street food tour: $85
  • Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua: $90
  • Private Cooking Class of Typical Guatemalan Dishes: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Antigua Guatemala $15
    Managua $16

Tours and Activities in Antigua Guatemala

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Antigua Guatemala.

  • ¡Pacaya Volcano Tour from Antigua!: $100
  • 2 Day Tour: Chichicastenango Market and Lake Atitlan from Antigua: $150
  • 2 days / 1 night Tour Magical Lake Atitlan Tour: $421
  • 2- Day Tour: Yaxha Sunset & Tikal from Antigua Guatemala: $566
  • 2-Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package from Antigua: $245
  • 2-Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package from Antigua: $219
  • 2-Day Shared Hiking Tour to Acatenango Volcano from Antigua: $85
  • 3 Days and 2 Nights Tour in Guatemala Highlands: $500
  • 3-Day Tour of Cobán and Semuc Champey from Antigua: $446
  • 3-Day Tour of Lake Atitlan & Chichicastenango Market: $225
  • 6-Day Private Tour Acatenango and Fuego Volcanoes: $1,500
  • ANTIGUA Villages Tour: $72

Tours and Activities in Managua

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.

  • 3 full days PRIVATE tour at Granada, Masaya and Leon area from Managua: $270
  • Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $75
  • Classic Private Tour in Granada Masaya and Catarina: $190
  • Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
  • Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
  • Leon City and Rum Tasting Tour from Managua: $215
  • Managua City Tour: $84
  • Managua City Tour: $88
  • Managua’s Rich History: A Walking Tour Through Time: $244
  • 4-Hour Guided Historical Walking Tour: $489
  • Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $53
  • Masaya Volcano and Managua City Half Day Private Historical Tour: $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Antigua Guatemala $11
    Managua $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:

  • Antigua Bar Crawl: $26

How are these travel costs calculated?

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.

Which is Bigger, Antigua Guatemala or Managua?

Managua is bigger, and its population is about 24.7 times larger than the population of Antigua Guatemala. When comparing the population of Antigua Guatemala vs. 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 and the activities 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.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
More City Comparisons
Ocho Rios vs. Antigua Guatemala
Ocho Rios vs. Managua
Negril vs. Antigua Guatemala
Negril vs. Managua
Montego Bay vs. Antigua Guatemala
Montego Bay vs. Managua
Mandeville vs. Antigua Guatemala
Mandeville vs. Managua
Kingston vs. Antigua Guatemala
Kingston vs. Managua
Oranjestad (Sint Eustatius) vs. Antigua Guatemala
Oranjestad (Sint Eustatius) vs. Managua
Havana vs. Antigua Guatemala
Havana vs. Managua
Fort-de-France vs. Antigua Guatemala
Fort-de-France vs. Managua
Nassau vs. Antigua Guatemala
Nassau vs. Managua
Freeport vs. Antigua Guatemala
Freeport vs. Managua
Warwick Parish vs. Antigua Guatemala
Warwick Parish vs. Managua
San Fernando vs. Antigua Guatemala
San Fernando vs. Managua
Port-of-Spain vs. Antigua Guatemala
Port-of-Spain vs. Managua
Saint John's vs. Antigua Guatemala
Saint John's vs. Managua
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Antigua Guatemala vs. Managua Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.