Which place is cheaper, Managua or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Managua. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Athens or Managua?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €127Managua €51
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Managua is €51. 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 Athens and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Managua €21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Managua €42
Compare Hotels in Athens and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Athens 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: Athens Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Managua €18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Paros: Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands or Athens: $2,712
- From Meteora Private Day Trip with Transfer: $1,055
- From Ancient Corinth Day Trip with Private Transfer: $464
- Private Transfer to/from Volos: $452
- From Private Cape Sounion Sunset Tour with Transfer: $301
- Transfer from Athens airport to Epidavros up to 4 customers: $298
- Transfer Airport Athens to NAFPLIO , up to 4 customers: $298
- Athens Airport to Kyllini Transfer or from Kyllini to Athens: $291
- Luxury Private Transfer from Athens to Kymi Port: $284
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
- Private Transfer through Athens Attractions at Night: $273
- Private Transfer from Athens to Mantoudi: $273
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
- Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- Private Transfer from Managua Augusto Airport to Corinto Port: $71
- Private Transfer from Managua City Hotels to Corinto Cruise Port: $71
- Transfer from and To Poneloya or Las Peñitas Beach- Leon, Nicaragua: $68
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Athens 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 dayAthens €37Managua €16
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $26
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $52
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Koukaki Food Tour with a Local Friend: $60
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Greek Spirits & Meze, Food Tour in Athens: $62
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $64
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Managua €15
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $87
- Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 4Hours: $142
- Athens Private Day Tour Best place to visit: $273
- Best Food Tasting Tour of Athens, taste 18+ iconic Greek foods! : $86
- DELPHI and THERMOPYLAE: Full Day Private Tour Visit Arachova 8 H: $204
- DISCOVER ATHENS IN 6HRS Private Tour BEST INTRODUCTION-FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS : $218
- EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $174
- Food Experience in Athens including Unlimited Lunch : $63
- Layover Private Tour in Athens: $246
- Mycenae Lions Gate Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Private Tour 8H : $192
- Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
- "Acropolis Half-day Tour and City Visit": $170
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: $210
- Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $88
- Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $155
- Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
- Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
- Managua City Tour: $84
- Managua City Tour: $88
- Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Tour: $191
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $323
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $164
- Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $53
- Masaya volcano Night Tour: $110
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Managua €10
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
- Greek Wine Tasting: $23
- Premium Wine Tastings: $36
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- 1 Hour Private Four Greek Wine Tasting and Food Pairing in Athens: $44
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $54
- Greek food and wine tasting: $54
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $54
- Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
- Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store : $61
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Managua, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens or Managua?
Athens 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 Athens or Managua in the Summer?
Both Managua and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Athens is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Managua during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Managua. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Athens or Managua in the Autumn?
Both Managua and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
In October, Athens is generally cooler than Managua. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managua. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun.
Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in October than Managua. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Athens or Managua in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Managua. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Athens is much colder than Managua in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. Athens usually receives less sunshine than Managua during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Athens usually receives more rain than Managua. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Athens or Managua in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Managua. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
In the spring, Athens is much colder than Managua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Managua averages at about 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managua. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets more rain in April than Managua. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Athens
| Athens | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 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.