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

Should you visit Bangkok or Managua?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Managua can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Bangkok or Managua?

Bangkok

Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Managua or Bangkok?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bangkok is $100, 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 Bangkok and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bangkok $48
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bangkok $96
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Bangkok and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Bangkok 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 Bangkok


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: Bangkok Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bangkok $6.20
    Managua $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:


  • Tuk Tuk to bus station
    $2.40
  • Skytrain Ticket
    $4.80
  • Chao Phraya River Express Ticket
    $0.96
  • Ferry Ride
    $0.78
  • Taxi From Airport
    $7.50
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $2.70
  • Boat Taxi
    $1.50
  • Trains to airport
    $4.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:

  • Bangkok & Safari World, Hotel and Private Transfer: $387
  • Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK): Transfer to Pattaya hotels: $304
  • Private Transfer from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with 2h of Sightseeing: $272
  • Bangkok Hotel Transfer: to/from Koh Chang Hotel Transfer: $239
  • Private Transfer from Bangkok to Lampang with 2h of Sightseeing: $237
  • Private Transfer from Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Trat: $225
  • Private Transfer from Ayutthaya to Hua Hin: $222
  • Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Trat: $218
  • From Hotel Transfer to Koh Chang: $208
  • Bangkok transfer: From/ To Laem Sok Pier: $208
  • Private Transfer from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport to Aranyaprathet: $208
  • Bangkok to Moo Deng: Private Transfer To Khao Kheow Zoo: $205

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • From Leon: One way shared transfer to Managua: $39
  • From One way shared transfer to Granada: $39
  • From One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $59
  • Granada: One way shared transfer to Managua: $39
  • Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $121
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $60
  • Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $60
  • Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
  • One way shared transfer to Leon: $39
  • One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
  • Nicaragua Private Transfer Service Managua and San Juan del Sur: $100
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Bangkok or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Bangkok 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
    Bangkok $35
    Managua $30
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:


  • Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)
    $27
  • Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)
    $6.00
  • 2 Rotis (Bread)
    $1.35
  • Mango & Sticky Rice
    $0.90
  • Lunch at KFC (for Two)
    $6.00
  • Pad Thai
    $2.10
  • Airport Lunch for 2
    $16
  • Lunch for 2
    $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.

  • White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise: $21
  • Baiyoke Observation Deck with Lunch/Dinner Buffet: $24
  • CHAR Rooftop Bar Dinner and Drinks: $24
  • Michelin Guide Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $24
  • River Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya Princess: $26
  • Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise Ticket: $26
  • Meridian Sunset Dinner Cruise - Floating Paradise From ICONSIAM Bangkok: $26
  • Smile Riverside Cruise Luxury Buffet Dinner from Bangkok: $27
  • Unicorn Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise: $27
  • Smile Riverside Dinner Cruise: $27
  • Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $27
  • Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck With Buffet Dinner or Lunch: $28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bangkok $17
    Managua $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok

Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Movie Ticket
    $4.80
  • Grand Palace Entrance Ticket
    $10
  • Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket
    $1.50
  • Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)
    $6.00
  • Club Cover Charge
    $11
  • Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)
    $72
  • Fish Pedicure
    $4.50
  • Wat Pho entrance ticket
    $3.00
  • Siriraj Museum (2)
    $12

Tours and Activities in Bangkok

Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Ayutthaya Historic Park Group Tour from Bangkok: $65
  • Ayutthaya Historic Park Tour Group Tour from Bangkok: $55
  • Bangkok Sea Life + Madame Tussauds Entrance Tickets : $49
  • Full-Day Erawan Waterfall and River Kwai Private Guided Tour: $150
  • Maeklong Railway & Floating Market Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $159
  • Mystical Waterfall and River Kwai Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $198
  • Private Half-Day Bangkok City Tour explore The Grand Palace: $140
  • UNESCO Temple Group Tour to Ayutthaya From Bangkok: $60
  • (Join Tour) BANGKOK 'S 2 HOURS CANAL TOUR: $77
  • 1 Hour Axe Throwing Experience : $19
  • 1 Hr Private Bangkok Canal Boat Tour: Traditional Flat Boat: $32
  • 12-Hour Private Tour: Top Pattaya Attractions & Beach : $139

Tours and Activities in Managua

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

  • Private Capital City Tour Managua: $60
  • Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
  • PRIVATE Day trip Granada Isletas +Colonial City tour from Managua: $80
  • PRIVATE Boat ride + Colonial city tour at Granada+Catarina lookout: $80
  • Managua City Tour: $84
  • PRIVATE Boat tour + Granada City + Catarina lookout: $85
  • full tour Somoto Canyon Nicaragua: $86
  • From Managua/Granada: Managua Capital City Tour: $90
  • PRIVATE Granada+Apoyo Lagoon and Masaya volcano tour: $96
  • Managua City Tour: $98
  • Full day tour: Granada + Boat ride+Handicraft Market+Catarina: $100
  • Managua Love Stories: A Walking Tour: $101

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bangkok $5.39
    Managua $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.20

Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:

  • Bangkok Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $14
  • Mad Monkey Bangkok Pub Crawl: $18
  • Bangkok Pub Crawl: $19
  • Pub Crawl: $22
  • Bangkok Pub Crawl - Private Experience: $115


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


Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Managua?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok 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 Bangkok or Managua?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Bangkok or Managua in the Summer?

Both Managua and Bangkok during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Managua. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Bangkok often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managua. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun.

Bangkok is around the same temperature as Managua in the summer. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bangkok 29°C (84°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Bangkok or Managua in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Managua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Also, May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok. Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bangkok gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Managua. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during autumn. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Bangkok is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bangkok in October average around 28°C (83°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bangkok 28°C (83°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Bangkok or Managua in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Managua. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

Also, November to February in Bangkok is the dry season. Bangkok usually gets more rain in January than Managua. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the winter, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Managua. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.

In January, Bangkok is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 27°C (80°F), and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bangkok 27°C (80°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Bangkok or Managua in the Spring?

Both Managua and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Bangkok is May to October. In April, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Managua. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Managua. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Managua during spring. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bangkok is around the same temperature as Managua in the spring. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 31°C (87°F) in April, and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bangkok 31°C (87°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and Bangkok

Bangkok Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 29°C (85°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 31°C (87°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 30°C (86°F) 220 mm (8.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 29°C (85°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 344 mm (13.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 28°C (83°F) 242 mm (9.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)