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

Should you visit Brussels 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 Brussels 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: Brussels or Managua?

Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.

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


Which place is cheaper, Managua or Brussels?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Brussels 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 Brussels and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Brussels 73
    Managua 21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Brussels 146
    Managua 42
Compare Hotels in Brussels and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Brussels 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 Brussels


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: Brussels Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Brussels 17
    Managua 18
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels

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


  • Subway Pass
    4.50
  • Atomium train ticket (2)
    8.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:

  • Private Transfer from Brussels to Amsterdam: $505
  • Brussels Airport (BRU) To Amsterdam: VIP Transfer: $495
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels to Amsterdam by Luxury car: $295
  • Private Transfer From Brussels To Amsterdam, Stop in Utrecht: $282
  • Brussels Shuttle Transfer <-> Disneyland Paris (1 to 8 SEATS): $280
  • Private Direct Transfer from Brussels to Amsterdam: $257
  • VIP Transfer between Brussels Airport (BRU) and Antwerp: $248
  • Private VIP Transfer to/from Bruges: $246
  • Private Transfer from Brussels to Luxembourg with Luxury car: $234
  • Private Transfer From Brussels To Circuit SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS Belgium Luxury car : $191
  • Transfer Shuttle Leuven <-> Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $175
  • Private Transfert from Bruges to Brussels Airport By Business car: $164

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 Brussels or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Brussels 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
    Brussels 38
    Managua 16
Typical Food Prices in Brussels

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


  • Ice Cream & Macaroons
    4.60
  • Dessert (Turkish Delights)
    4.75
  • Cheese
    5.60
  • Olives and Snacks
    6.98
  • Waffle
    3.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
  • Chocolate and Beer Food Tour of Brussels: $43
  • City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $61
  • Food Tour in Brussels - Do Eat Better Experience: $106
  • Brussels Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $130
  • Secret Food Tours Brussels: $138
  • Market Tour and Cooking Lesson with a Belgian Gourmet Meal in a Brussels Home: $160
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $164

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Brussels 23
    Managua 15

Tours and Activities in Brussels

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

  • Beer Tasting Tour in Brussels: $24
  • Brussels Walking Tour with Waffle Tasting: History and Delights: $23
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.27
  • Christmas Gems of Brussels - Walking Tour: $261
  • 2-Hour Brussels Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in the templar village of Lissewege: $75
  • 4 Hour Private Tour in Brussels : $273
  • 600 Years of History and Heritage: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Leuven: $5.99
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Brussels' Secret Places and Untold Stories: $5.99
  • A Self-Guided Tour of From Medieval to Modern Times: $7.99
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Medieval to Modern Times: $7.99
  • A day in the life of Brussels - Private tour with a local: $148

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Brussels 13
    Managua 10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    10
  • Beer
    6.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:

  • Brussels Pub Crawl - Nightlife & Party Experience: $17
  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $18


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


Which is Bigger, Brussels or Managua?

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

Brussels 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 Brussels or Managua in the Summer?

Both Managua and Brussels during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brussels for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

Brussels is cooler than Managua in the summer. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the summer, Brussels often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managua. Brussels gets 186 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. Brussels usually gets less rain in July than Managua. Brussels gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Brussels 18°C (65°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Managua in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Brussels and Managua. Many visitors come to Brussels 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.

In the autumn, Brussels is much colder than Managua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Brussels in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Managua during autumn. Brussels gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Brussels usually receives less rain than Managua. Brussels gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Brussels 12°C (54°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Managua in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Brussels as well as Managua. Most visitors come to Brussels for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

Brussels can be very cold during winter. In January, Brussels is generally much colder than Managua. Daily temperatures in Brussels average around 3°C (38°F), and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. In the winter, Brussels often gets less sunshine than Managua. Brussels gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.

Brussels usually gets more rain in January than Managua. Brussels gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Brussels 3°C (38°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Brussels or Managua in the Spring?

Both Managua and Brussels are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Brussels 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.

Brussels is much colder than Managua in the spring. The daily temperature in Brussels averages around 10°C (49°F) in April, and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Managua. Brussels usually receives less sunshine than Managua during spring. Brussels gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Brussels usually receives more rain than Managua. Brussels gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Brussels 10°C (49°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and Brussels

Brussels Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)