Which place is cheaper, Managua or Budapest?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Budapest 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 Budapest and Managua can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Budapest or Managua?
Budapest
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It has been called the "Paris of the East" because of its impressive architecture and general beauty. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 because of its cultural importance, its location on the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrassy Avenue. In addition to its rich history, Budapest still has a young vibe with a lot of energy. There's an active night life, an impressive music scene, and a good reputation with European youth.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Budapest, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
-
Budapest Prices
Hungary PricesManagua Prices
Nicaragua Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBudapest $100Managua $67
The average daily cost (per person) in Budapest 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 Budapest and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBudapest $46Managua $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBudapest $92Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Budapest and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Budapest 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: Budapest Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Budapest $9.89Managua $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
-
Short Taxi Ride$6.53
-
Metro Pass$3.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- T72 Tank Driving with Hummer Transfer: $1,481
- Budapest - Hungary to Bucharest - Romania /Private Transfer: $1,276
- Bucharest - Romania to Budapest - Hungary /Private Transfer: $1,170
- Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,046
- Private transfer from Budapest to Zagreb: $919
- Transfer from Vienna to Budapest: $698
- Budapest-Vienna Private Transfer by Luxury Vehicle: $687
- Private transfer from Budapest to Vienna: $581
- Private transfer between Budapest and Vienna: $465
- Budapest-Vienna-Budapest Transfer: $370
- Budapest Private Airport Transfer and City Orientation: $317
- Budapest-Vienna One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $291
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Managua City Hotels to Corinto Cruise Port: $221
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $162
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $100
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $81
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $81
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $75
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- From One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Budapest or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Budapest 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 dayBudapest $38Managua $30
Typical Food Prices in Budapest
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
-
Lunch$3.19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner + Party + City Tour of Budapest : $6.00
- Central Market Hall Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $14
- Budapest Guided Food Tour with Drinks Included: $37
- Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $40
- Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $48
- Traditional Hungarian Dinner with Live Gypsy Music: $48
- Bistro Boat Cruise with Dinner & Optional Open Bar: $50
- Vegan Hungarian Food Tour / Local delights: $56
- Budapest Tipsy Food Tour with Drinks: $56
- Private Street Food Tour: $58
- Food Tour with Wine tasting By Foodapest 2024: $61
- Guided Food Tour with Wine, Beer, and Shots: $66
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Budapest $20Managua $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Entrance to the Baths for Two$6.41
Tours and Activities in Budapest
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
- Budapest Downtown 90-Minute River Segway Tour : $48
- Ruin Pub Entry with Drink Ticket in Doboz: $5.92
- 1 Hour/Downtown - City Segway Tours: $48
- 1.5 Hour Budapest Segway Tour - To The Castle Area : $53
- 101 things you have to see in Budapest - Full Day Tour with Lunch & Dessert: $172
- 2 Hour Budapest Market and Tasting Tour: $56
- 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $41
- 2 Hours Budapest Walking Tour with A Private Guide: $128
- 2 Hours Private Scenic Photo Tour Around Budapest: $215
- 2-Hour Jewish Quarter Walking Tour in Budapest with Historian: $43
- 2-Hour Private Budapest Castle Walking Tour: $125
- 2-Hour Private Market Tour in Budapest With Free Tastings: $64
Tours and Activities in Managua
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.
- 3 full day tour at Granada, Masaya and Leon area from Managua: $210
- Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $155
- Full day tour: Granada + Boat ride+Handicraft Market+Catarina: $100
- Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
- Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
- Managua City Tour: $84
- Managua City Tour: $98
- Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Tour: $187
- Managua Love Stories: A Walking Tour: $96
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $317
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $162
- Masaya Volcano Tour: $53
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBudapest $17Managua $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest
Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Private, Personalized Pub Crawl, 5 drinks included: $19
- 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $21
- The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $22
- Guided Bar Crawl through the Party District: $22
- Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
- Budapest Pub Crawl +6 free Shots +VIP Access +Drinking Games : $24
- Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $24
- Pub Crawl Budapest - with challanges and games: $25
- Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots: $27
- Private Pub Crawl Tour with Local Guide in Budapest: $28
- Hungarian pálinka distillery visit and tasting: $32
- PRIVATE Budapest by Nights: GUIDED tour whit WINE tasting: $33
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Budapest and Managua, we can see that Budapest is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Budapest 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 Budapest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Budapest 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 Budapest Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Budapest or Managua?
Budapest has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Budapest 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 Budapest or Managua?
Budapest 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 Budapest or Managua in the Summer?
Both Managua and Budapest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Budapest because of 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 July, Budapest is generally cooler than Managua. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 21°C (70°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Budapest. Budapest usually receives more sunshine than Managua during summer. Budapest gets 278 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. In July, Budapest usually receives less rain than Managua. Budapest gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBudapest 21°C (70°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Budapest or Managua in the Autumn?
Both Managua and Budapest during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Budapest this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
Budapest is much colder than Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Budapest averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Managua. Budapest gets 152 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. Budapest usually gets less rain in October than Managua. Budapest gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBudapest 12°C (53°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Budapest or Managua in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Budapest and Managua. Many travelers come to Budapest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Budapest. In the winter, Budapest is much colder than Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Budapest in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Managua averages at about 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. Budapest usually receives less sunshine than Managua during winter. Budapest gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Budapest usually receives more rain than Managua. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBudapest -1°C (31°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Budapest or Managua in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Budapest as well as Managua. Many visitors come to Budapest in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
In April, Budapest is generally much colder than Managua. Daily temperatures in Budapest average around 12°C (53°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. In the spring, Budapest often gets less sunshine than Managua. Budapest gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.
Budapest usually gets more rain in April than Managua. Budapest gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBudapest 12°C (53°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Budapest
| Budapest | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (31°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 2°C (35°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 16°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (67°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 17°C (63°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (53°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 48 mm (1.9 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.