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

Should you visit Canberra or Managua?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Canberra or Managua? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Canberra or Managua?

Canberra

There is something special about the capital city of Australia. Canberra's not just a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures. It's a city completely designed and built up around the coast of an artificial lake. When architects Walter Burley and Marion Mahony Griffin proposed their plans for Canberra it was met with a lot of criticism. Many people thought it would be a "waste of a good sheep pasture."

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


Which place is cheaper, Managua or Canberra?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Canberra is $135, 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 Canberra and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Canberra $83
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Canberra $166
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Canberra and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Canberra 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 Canberra


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: Canberra Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Canberra $25
    Managua $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Canberra

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

  • Guided Tour of Floriade Festival with Transfers: $118
  • Private Transfer from Canberra city hotels to Eden Cruise Port: $82
  • Private Transfer from Canberra Airport CBR to Eden Cruise Port : $82
  • Canberra Airport (CBR) to Canberra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
  • Canberra to Canberra Int Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Canberra Int'l Airport to Canberra - Arrival Private Transfer: $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
  • San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
  • Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
  • Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
  • Private Transfer from Managua City Hotels to Corinto Cruise Port: $71
  • Private Transfer from Managua Augusto Airport to Corinto Port: $71
  • Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
  • Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
  • Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
  • Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Canberra or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Canberra 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
    Canberra $35
    Managua $17
Typical Food Prices in Canberra

For Canberra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Canberra $17
    Managua $16

Tours and Activities in Canberra

For Canberra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour in Canberra: $30
  • Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour: $14
  • Best of Wildlife and Birds Tour: $98
  • Building + Architecture Tour | 10am Daily: $13
  • Canberra Floriade Tour: $118
  • Canberra Small Group Winery Tour: $149
  • Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tasting Tour: $112
  • Best of Wildlife Tour: $89
  • City Highlights Day Tour with Entrance Fees: $118
  • Capital Christmas: Private Festive Tour in Canberra: $646
  • Discover Canberra’s Heritage: A Full-Day Private Tour: $870
  • Discover Pearls of Canberra - Private Walking Tour: $133

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
    Canberra $16
    Managua $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Canberra

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Canberra from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Bar
    $9.25

Sample the Local Flavors in Canberra

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

  • Canberra Brewery and Beer Tour in 3 Hours: $99
  • Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour: $112
  • Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $122
  • CanBEERa Explorer: Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour: $123
  • From Winery, Distillery, & Tasting Tour with Lunch: $149
  • Canberra Wine Tour: $158
  • Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch: $162


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


Which is Bigger, Canberra or Managua?

Managua has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Canberra 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 Canberra or Managua?

Canberra 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 Canberra or Managua in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Managua. The hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Canberra this time of year. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Canberra is generally cooler than Managuain July. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 20°C (68°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Managua receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Canberra usually receives less rain than Managuain July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Canberra 20°C (68°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Canberra or Managua in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Managua. Many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

Canberra is much colder than Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Managua. Canberra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Canberra usually gets less rain in April than Managuain October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Canberra 17°C (63°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Canberra or Managua in the Winter?

Both Managua and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Canberra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Canberra is much colder than Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Canberra in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Managua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

In July, Canberra usually receives more rain than Managuain January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Canberra 11°C (52°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Canberra or Managua in the Spring?

Both Managua and Canberra during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Canberra for the activities around the city during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

In October, Canberra is generally much colder than Managuain April. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 15°C (60°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

Canberra usually gets more rain in October than Managuain April. Canberra gets 95 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
    Canberra 15°C (60°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and Canberra

Canberra Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 20°C (68°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 19°C (67°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 12°C (54°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 12°C (53°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 14°C (56°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)