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

Should you visit Auckland or Managua?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Auckland and Managua can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Auckland or Managua?

Auckland

Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.

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 Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Managua or Auckland?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Auckland is $141, 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 Auckland and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Auckland $89
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Auckland $178
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Auckland and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Auckland 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 Auckland


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: Auckland Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Auckland $16
    Managua $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:


  • Bus from Airport
    $9.62
  • Airport Shuttle
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland

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

  • Auckland Airport (AKL): Private Transfer to Downtown hotels: $353
  • Auckland Airport (AKL): Transfer to North Shore hotels: $327
  • From One-Way Transfer to Rotorua w/ Hobbiton Tour: $180
  • Auckland's Point to Point Transfers : $153
  • Auckland Cruise/Wharf & Airport Transfers : $147
  • Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Tauranga Port: $146
  • Private Luxury Transfers from Auckland Airport TO Auckland Hotels: $145
  • Auckland Airport (AKL) to Downtown hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $145
  • Luxury Airport transfers in Auckland : $141
  • Auckland Airport / CBD luxury passenger transfers : $135
  • Luxury Airport Transfers Auckland : $133
  • Auckland Airport Transfers: Auckland to Auckland Airport AKL in Luxury Car: $130

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
  • San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
  • Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
  • Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
  • Private Transfer from Managua City Hotels to Corinto Cruise Port: $71
  • Private Transfer from Managua Augusto Airport to Corinto Port: $71
  • Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
  • Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
  • Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
  • Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Auckland or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Auckland 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
    Auckland $27
    Managua $17
Typical Food Prices in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Breakfast
    $4.81

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland

For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Auckland Harbour 3-Course Dinner Cruise with Welcome Drink: $90
  • Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $90
  • Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Auckland $28
    Managua $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)
    $33
  • Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)
    $121

Tours and Activities in Auckland

For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 4 Hour Auckland Premium All inclusive Tour For 4 People: $215
  • “City to Surf” - private tour with German tour guide: $266
  • "City of Sails" highlights - private tour with German tour guide: $180
  • 2-Hour Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Tour to Lucas Creek Waterfall: $66
  • 3.5 hour Auckland Volcano Tour in our Electric Van: $221
  • 4 Hours Private Tour in Auckland : $245
  • 6 Hours Sightseeing Tour in Auckland: $127
  • Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland: $113
  • All Auckland City Hotels to Cruise Ship / Port: $48
  • All Blacks Experience: Interactive Guided Tour : $39
  • America’s Cup 2-Hour Sailing Experience Waitemata Harbour: $114
  • Auckland Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $66

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Auckland $14
    Managua $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland

Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Waiheke Island: Scenic Wine Tour Tasting Wines on Waiheke: $93
  • Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland: $107
  • Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $132
  • Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $150
  • Waiheke Island: Tour with Wine Tastings and Restaurant Lunch: $150
  • From Waiheke Island Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $153
  • Kumeu Wine Tour: $169
  • From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $171
  • Small-Group Kumeu Wine Country Tour Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch: $172
  • Piha Waitakere Rainforest Wine Tour from Auckland: $178
  • Auckland Coastal Experience - Small Group City & Beach Tour Incl. Wine Tasting: $199
  • Auckland City Tour & Kumeu Wine Country Includes Wine Tastings & Lunch : $224


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Auckland and Managua, we can see that Auckland is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Auckland is in Pacific 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland 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 Auckland Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Auckland or Managua?

Managua has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Auckland 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 Auckland or Managua?

Auckland 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 Auckland or Managua in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Auckland and Managua. The summer months attract visitors to Auckland because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Auckland is generally cooler than Managuain July. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 20°C (68°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Auckland, it's very sunny this time of the year. Auckland usually receives more sunshine than Managua during summer. Auckland gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.

Managua receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Auckland usually receives less rain than Managuain July. Auckland gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Auckland 20°C (68°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Auckland or Managua in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Auckland as well as Managua. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Auckland this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

Auckland is much colder than Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auckland averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

In the autumn, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Managuain October. Auckland gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Managua. Auckland usually gets less rain in April than Managuain October. Auckland gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Auckland 16°C (61°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Auckland or Managua in the Winter?

Both Managua and Auckland are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Auckland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Auckland is much colder than Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auckland in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Managua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Managua. Auckland usually receives less sunshine than Managua during winter. Auckland gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Auckland. In July, Auckland usually receives more rain than Managuain January. Auckland gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Auckland 11°C (52°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Auckland or Managua in the Spring?

Both Managua and Auckland during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Auckland in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

In October, Auckland is generally much colder than Managuain April. Daily temperatures in Auckland average around 14°C (58°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Auckland often gets less sunshine than Managuain April. Auckland gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.

Auckland usually gets more rain in October than Managuain April. Auckland gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Auckland 14°C (58°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and Auckland

Auckland Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 11°C (53°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 14°C (58°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 18°C (65°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)