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 $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Antigua Guatemala is $74, while the average daily cost in Managua is $68. 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 $13Managua $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antigua Guatemala
Also for Antigua Guatemala, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Antigua: One way private transfer to Panajachel: $194
- Private Transfer from Antigua to Semuc Champey Lanquin: $145
- Private transfer from Antigua to La Aurora Airport: $90
- Private Transfer from the Airport to Antigua: $90
- Private Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Santa Catarina Palopó: $88
- From Antigua: Transfer to Guatemala City: $85
- Private Transfer Antigua Guatemala to Monterrico Beach: $85
- One way shared transfer to Flores, Peten: $79
- Private Transfer One Way Antigua Guatemala to El Paredon Beach: $75
- Private Transfer:Antigua GuatemalaLake Atitlán(Any Town)OneWay: $74
- Private Transfer From Antigua to Panajachel Atitlan: $70
- Private Transfer from Antigua to the Airport: $70
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One way private Transfer Managua Airport- San Juan del Sur: $135
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $62
- From One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $59
- One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
- San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Managua: $57
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- Private transfers from and to Managua international airport: $47
- Granada: One way shared transfer to Managua: $39
- One way shared transfer to Leon: $39
- From One way shared transfer to Granada: $39
- From Leon: One way shared transfer to Managua: $39
- Private Transfer: Managua Airport (MGA) to Hotels: $35
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$3.28
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Lunch$7.87
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:
- Antigua Guatemalan Authentic Cooking Class Chef David Farfan: $38
- Cooking and pastry class in Casa San Miguel: $38
- Antigua: Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Classes — Casa San Miguel.: $38
- Antigua: Traditional cooking lesson with a Guatemalan family: $48
- Antigua: Guatemalan Cooking Class with a Local Family: $60
- Antigua Street Food Tour: $65
- Private Street Food Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $65
- Cooking Class With Local Family: $70
- Private Cooking Class of Typical Guatemalan Dishes: $70
- Antigua: Cooking Class With Wine, Transfer & Vegan Option: $72
- Antigua: Cooking Class with Local Family: $75
- Cooking Classes and Jade Workshops: $75
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.
- ¡Pacaya Volcano Tour from Antigua!: $100
- 2 - Days : Tour to Acatenango Volcano from Antigua: $150
- 2-Day Kayak and Hike Adventure Package from Antigua: $219
- 2-Day, 1-Night Tour of Volcano Acatenango from Antigua: $92
- 2in1 Tour: Avocado Farm + Private Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $220
- 3-Hour Chateau Defay Vineyard Tour in Central America: $170
- 4 Hour Colonial Experience in Antigua Guatemala: $35
- 4-Hour Colonial Experience in Antigua Guatemala: $25
- 4WD Acatenango Volcano Tour & Fuego / All Inclusive !: $400
- 4WD experience to Acatenango Volcano/Fuego Volcano from Antigua: $333
- 4x4 Acatenango Volcano and Fuego Vistas 2 Day Shared Tour: $260
- 4x4 tour from Antigua with a night camp in front of the Fuego volcano: $1,300
Tours and Activities in Managua
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.
- 2 full days tour Granada + Lava+Leon area: $210
- 3 full days tour at Granada +Masaya Lava tour+Managua and Leon: $210
- Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour": $88
- Apoyo Lagoon + Lava tour: $60
- Apoyo Lagoon, Masaya Crafts Market & Masaya Volcano Lava Tour: $101
- Best of Granada, Mirador de Catarina and Masaya Volcano Tour: $121
- Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $125
- Cerro Negro Sand Boarding and León City Tour from Managua: $160
- Cerro Negro volcano, VIP experiences "Individual and Group"!!!: $165
- Complete Tour of Granada and Masaya: History, Beauty & Tradition: $115
- Discover History, Culture & Hidden Gems Tour: $60
- Discover the Best of Managua on a Private City Tour: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAntigua Guatemala $12Managua $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
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.