Which place is cheaper, Managua or Bilbao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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: Bilbao or Managua?
Bilbao
The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.
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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBilbao €137Managua €51
The average daily cost (per person) in Bilbao is €137, 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 Bilbao and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBilbao €72Managua €21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBilbao €144Managua €42
Compare Hotels in Bilbao and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Bilbao 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: Bilbao Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bilbao €26Managua €18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $420
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $318
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $318
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to San Sebastian Airport: $291
- Private Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian: $268
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to San Sebastian Airport: $268
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $253
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Logroño city: $245
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $245
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Logroño Airport : $245
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Pamplona city: $230
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Vitoria-Gasteiz: $210
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from and To Poneloya or Las Peñitas Beach- Leon, Nicaragua: $68
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- Private Transfer from Managua Augusto Airport to Corinto Port: $71
- Private Transfer from Managua City Hotels to Corinto Cruise Port: $71
Is it cheaper to fly into Bilbao or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Bilbao 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 dayBilbao €45Managua €16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $113
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $115
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
- The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $135
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $135
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $156
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $198
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bilbao €29Managua €15
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- PRIVATE San Sebastian and Basque Coast Tour from Bilbao: $290
- Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $81
- Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $386
- BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $36
- Basque Coast Tour: Vizcaya Bridge, Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika: $66
- Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,152
- Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside): $60
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $286
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $281
- Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $377
- Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $253
- Bilbao : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $48
Tours and Activities in Managua
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.
- Private lava tour-Masaya Volcano from Managua: $49
- Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $53
- Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
- Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
- PRIVATE Laguna de apoyo day pass + masaya volcano lava tour: $70
- PRIVATE Boat ride + Colonial city tour at Granada+Catarina lookout: $80
- PRIVATE Day trip Granada Isletas +Colonial City tour from Managua: $80
- Managua City Tour: $84
- PRIVATE Boat tour + Granada City +Masaya Volcano Night Tour : $85
- full tour Somoto Canyon Nicaragua: $86
- PRIVATE Boat tour+Granada City and Catarina lookout from Managua: $88
- Managua City Tour: $88
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBilbao €21Managua €10
Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
- Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
- Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $80
- Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $81
- Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $178
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $188
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Bilbao: $201
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $217
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $241
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $242
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Managua, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bilbao 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao 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 Bilbao Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao 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 Bilbao or Managua?
Bilbao 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 Bilbao or Managua in the Summer?
Both Managua and Bilbao during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
In July, Bilbao is generally cooler than Managua. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 20°C (68°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In the summer, Bilbao often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managua. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun.
Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bilbao usually gets less rain in July than Managua. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBilbao 20°C (68°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bilbao or Managua in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Managua. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Bilbao is much colder than Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 16°C (62°F) in October, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Managua during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bilbao usually receives less rain than Managua. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBilbao 16°C (62°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bilbao or Managua in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Managua. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
In the winter, Bilbao is much colder than Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bilbao in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Managua averages at about 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Managua. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Managua. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBilbao 9°C (48°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Bilbao or Managua in the Spring?
Both Managua and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Bilbao is generally much colder than Managua. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 12°C (54°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
It's quite sunny in Managua. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Managua during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In April, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Managua. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBilbao 12°C (54°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Bilbao
| Bilbao | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 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.