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

Should you visit Brisbane 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 Brisbane and Managua can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Brisbane or Managua?

Brisbane

Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.

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 Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Managua or Brisbane?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Brisbane is $133, 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 Brisbane and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Brisbane $82
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Brisbane $164
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Brisbane and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Brisbane 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 Brisbane


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: Brisbane Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Brisbane $18
    Managua $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:


  • Airtrain to the City
    $9.91
  • Go Card
    $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane

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

  • Private Theme Park Return Transfer: $529
  • Private Transfer between Brisbane/BNE Airport -Gold Coast / OOL Airport(1-11Pax): $297
  • NOOSA: Private Transfer to/fro Brisbane Airport (BNE): $254
  • Private Transfer to Gold Coast /OOL Airport from Brisbane /BNE Airport (1-7 Pax): $228
  • Brisbane Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $208
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane Port: $208
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $186
  • Airport Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE to Brisbane in Luxury Car: $145
  • Sirromet Winery 3 Course Lunch, Tour, Tastings and Transfers: $132
  • Tangalooma Snorkel the Wrecks Day Cruise Transfers: $129
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $123
  • Tangalooma Marine Discovery Day Cruise Transfers: $122

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 Brisbane or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Brisbane 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
    Brisbane $31
    Managua $17
Typical Food Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:


  • Hamburger Lunch
    $5.28
  • Cup of Coffee
    $1.98
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    $8.26
  • Ice cream
    $3.63
  • Japanese Meal
    $14
  • Smoothie
    $4.29
  • Japanese Soup
    $7.60
  • Coffee & Muffin
    $4.62
  • Morning Mint Tea
    $2.31
  • Veggie Burger & Chips
    $9.25
  • Bread
    $1.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane

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

  • Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge!: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Brisbane $24
    Managua $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Concert Tickets
    $13

Tours and Activities in Brisbane

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

  • 1hr Animal Tour: $43
  • 2hr Animal Tour: $73
  • 3-Hour Walking Tour in Brisbane: $56
  • 45-Minute Behind-the-Tanks Tour on North Stradbroke Island: $32
  • 90min Brisbane River Cruise/Tour: $35
  • Adventure Moreton Island Day Pass: $85
  • All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise Brisbane: $131
  • Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Brisbane: $178
  • Bellthorpe Rainforest Private Tour: $132
  • Brisbane : Must See Attractions Private Walking Tour: $87
  • Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Audio Tour FREE Ticket: $15
  • Brisbane City Highlights Sightseeing Tour: $116

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
    Brisbane $51
    Managua $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:


  • Evening at the Bar
    $9.91
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $9.25
  • Guiness Beer
    $5.61
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $8.58

Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:

  • XXXX Brewery Tour: $24
  • XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $24
  • City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $50
  • Artisinal Wine Tasting and Local 2-Course Meal: $50
  • River Cruise Brewery Tour with Drinks: $65
  • Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $104
  • Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour: $107
  • Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $126
  • Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $131
  • Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $132
  • From Mount Tamborine Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch: $132
  • Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $134


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


Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Managua?

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

Brisbane 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 Brisbane or Managua in the Summer?

Both Managua and Brisbane are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, 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, Brisbane is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Brisbane in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually receives more sunshine than Managua during summer. Brisbane gets 256 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. It's quite rainy in Brisbane. In January, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Managuain July. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Brisbane 25°C (77°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Brisbane or Managua in the Autumn?

Both Managua and Brisbane during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

In April, Brisbane is generally cooler than Managuain October. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 22°C (71°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. In the autumn, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Managuain October. Brisbane gets 214 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually gets less rain in April than Managuain October. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Brisbane 22°C (71°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Brisbane or Managua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Brisbane and Managua. Many travelers come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Brisbane is much colder than Managua in the winter. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Brisbane usually receives less sunshine than Managua during winter. Brisbane gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Managuain January. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Brisbane 15°C (59°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Brisbane or Managua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Brisbane as well as Managua. Many visitors come to Brisbane in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

In the spring, Brisbane is cooler than Managua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Brisbane in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Managua averages at about 29°C (84°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In the spring, Brisbane often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managuain April. Brisbane gets 259 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.

Brisbane usually gets more rain in October than Managuain April. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Brisbane 21°C (69°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and Brisbane

Brisbane Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 23°C (73°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 24°C (76°F) 127 mm (5 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)