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

Should you visit Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina 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: Buenos Aires, Argentina or Managua?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

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 Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Managua or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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

  • Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
    Argentina Prices
    Managua Prices
    Nicaragua Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $56
    Managua $67

The average daily cost (per person) in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $56, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $40
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $80
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina


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: Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.10
    Managua $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • Private City Tour & Transfer to the International Airport: $250
  • Private Transfer Aeroparque J. Newbery Airport In Buenos Aires: $245
  • Private Transfer Cruise Port In Buenos Aires: $233
  • Rojo Tango Show with Optional Private Transfers in Buenos Aires: $215
  • Executive Van Transfer: Ezeiza Airport (EZE) – Buenos Aires: $210
  • Querandi Tango show Vip with private transfer: $210
  • LOCAL AIRPORT TRANSFER (AEP) ROUND TRIP with english speaking driver: $200
  • Buenos Aires Private Tour + Transfer to Airport: $199
  • Buenos Aires Exp. Winery Gamboa Tasting and Lunch and Transfer: $180
  • Buenos Aires Shore Excursion: Asado Experience with Port Transfer: $180
  • Soccer Match in Buenos Aires with Transfers and Local Guide: $171
  • One Way Private Transfer Ezeiza to/from Palermo Hotels: $170

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • Airport transfer or hotels in managua Nicaragua: $35
  • 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: $127
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $63
  • 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Buenos Aires, Argentina 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
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.60
    Managua $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show with Optional Transfer and Dinner: $25
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Lesson: $31
  • Madero Tango Dance Show with Dinner on Demand: $32
  • Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $35
  • Chacarita Walking Tour - Spooky Cemetery, History & Pizza: $38
  • Tango Show and Dinner at: Tango Porteño: $40
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
  • Tango Show at Tango Porteño with Optional Dinner: $44
  • Dinner at Arte de Mafia, Mafioso Theme Restaurant in Palermo: $44
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
  • El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
  • Exclusive Italian Lunch or Dinner at Puny Pasta and Grill: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $30
    Managua $16

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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

  • Buenos Aires Private City Tour Designed for Seniors: $250
  • E-Scooter Tour: Recoleta, Palermo & Downtown + Local Flavors: $69
  • Football Matchday In Argentina (Ticket+Transport+Guide): $130
  • Private City Tour with Local Gastronomy: $120
  • Private Full Day City Tour by Iconic Buenos Aires: $300
  • Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
  • "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food) : $300
  • 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $262
  • 2 Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisina : $43
  • 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
  • 2 Hours Private Tour in Buenos Aires: $127
  • 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $13

Tours and Activities in Managua

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

  • Masaya volcano tour: $38
  • Apoyo Lagoon + Lava tour: $48
  • Discover the Best of Managua on a Private City Tour: $60
  • Granada lake +Colonial City + Lava tour Masaya volcano: $60
  • Private Capital City Tour Managua: $60
  • Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
  • PRIVATE Boat ride + Colonial city tour at Granada+Catarina lookout: $68
  • Masaya Volcano Night Tour The Impressive Power of Nature: $80
  • Managua City Tour: $84
  • PRIVATE Boat tour + Granada City + Catarina lookout: $85
  • full tour Somoto Canyon Nicaragua: $86
  • Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $88

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.27
    Managua $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Buenos Aires Full City Tour with Wine Tasting and Stops: $37
  • Boutique Wine Tasting: A Unique Experience in Buenos Aires: $45
  • BA: Wine Tasting and Blending Experience in Palermo : $51
  • BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
  • Wine tasting in OASIS Palermo: $55
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
  • Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
  • Malbec Wine Tasting at Boutique Hotel in Palermo: $59
  • Private argentinian wine tasting in downtown : $61
  • Wine Tasting at Encuentro Nativo a Historic Tenement in Caminito: $63
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Buenos Aires, Argentina and Managua, we can see that Managua is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South America 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Managua would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Managua than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Managua?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Managua?

Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina or Managua in the Summer?

Both Managua and Buenos Aires, Argentina during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

In January, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally around the same temperature as Managuain July. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 25°C (77°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the summer, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets more sunshine than Managuain July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 279 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets less rain in January than Managuain July. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Managua in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Buenos Aires, Argentina and Managua. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Buenos Aires, Argentina is cooler than Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Buenos Aires, Argentina averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more sunshine than Managua during autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives less rain than Managuain October. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Managua in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as Managua. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina is much colder than Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina in July average around 12°C (53°F), and Managua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. In the winter, Buenos Aires, Argentina often gets less sunshine than Managuain January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina usually gets more rain in July than Managuain January. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Buenos Aires, Argentina or Managua in the Spring?

Both Managua and Buenos Aires, Argentina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina is generally much colder than Managuain April. Daily temperatures in Buenos Aires, Argentina average around 18°C (64°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Managua. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during spring. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In October, Buenos Aires, Argentina usually receives more rain than Managuain April. Buenos Aires, Argentina gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, Argentina Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)