Which place is cheaper, Managua or Chiang Mai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai 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: Chiang Mai or Managua?
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is both the cultural center of northern Thailand and a launching point for trips into the rural areas, small towns, and lush jungles of the country's northern regions. Known for great food, historic temples, arts and crafts, and a lively night market, Chiang Mai is a very popular destination for travelers. In some areas, tourists and ex-pats dominate, but it's quite easy to get away from the tourist scene and into the real culture of Thailand, as Chiang Mai (and the surrounding countryside) is quite large.
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 G Adventures Tours to Thailand, The Best 3-Day Tours from Phuket, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChiang Mai $45Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Chiang Mai is $45, 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 Chiang Mai and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChiang Mai $26Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChiang Mai $52Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Chiang Mai and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Chiang Mai 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: Chiang Mai Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chiang Mai $3.61Managua $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk Ride$1.09
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Moped Rental$4.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chiang Mai
Also for Chiang Mai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chiang Mai #1 Way Private Car transfer to/from Bangkok City: $273
- Skyline Jungle Luge Ticket + Lunch with Private Transfer: $250
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $218
- Private Transfer to/from Mae Sot: $205
- Chiang Mai #Private Car transfer to/from Mae Sot: $196
- Zipline Adventure at Chiang Mai with Return Transfer: $192
- Private Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport Arrival or Departure ride: $155
- Chiang Mai Airport CNX to Pai Resorts Round Trip Private Transfer: $154
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Chiang Rai: $150
- Chiang Mai's Top 2 Activities with Return Airport Transfers: $145
- Chiang Mai Private Transfer to Pai (one way): $145
- Private Airport Transfer to or from Chiang Rai: $128
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 Chiang Mai or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Chiang Mai 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
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Food Meals for one dayChiang Mai $10Managua $17
Typical Food Prices in Chiang Mai
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chiang Mai:
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Sit Down Dinner (for One)$5.30
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Roti Snack (Bread)$0.65
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Casual Breakfast$1.09
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$5.43
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Mangoes$0.82
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Coffee$1.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market: $11
- Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market : $11
- Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show from Chiang Mai: $19
- Khantoke Dinner with Traditional Performance: $22
- Afternoon Cooking Class in Organic Garden in Chiang Mai: $22
- Evening Cooking Class in Organic Garden Chiang Mai: $22
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class at Organic Farm in Chiang Mai: $22
- Cooking Class, Market and Thai Herbs Garden Tour: $25
- Authentic Easy Thai Recipes for Home-Style Cooking Half Day AM: $25
- Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking School: $25
- Half-Day Thai Cuisine Cooking Experience in Chiang Mai : $27
- Thai and Isaan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour: $27
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chiang Mai $13Managua $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Chiang Mai
For Chiang Mai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Thai Cooking Class$35
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Doi Suthep Entrance Ticket$1.63
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Kratong Lessons$2.72
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Pedicure$4.08
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Chiang Mai Museum (for Two)$4.89
Tours and Activities in Chiang Mai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chiang Mai.
- 9 Hours Nature Tour in Inthanon National Park From Chiang Mai: $71
- Chiang Mai Thapae Muay Thai Boxing Stadium Ticket: $28
- One Day Doi Inthanon National Park Small Group Guided Tour: $40
- Private Tour of Sacred Sakyant Tattoo in Lamphun Province.: $79
- 1 Day Doi Inthanon Private tour ( Hiking and Sightseeing ): $96
- 1 Day Private Tour Doi Inthanon And Phachor Canyon: $128
- 1 Day Private Tour White Temple and Renewed Doichang Coffee: $188
- 1 Hr Chiang Mai Buggy Tour (Off-Road): $150
- 1-Day Bike and River Kayak Adventure from Chiang Mai: $64
- 10KM Inflatable Kayaking Adventure: $82
- 10km Rafting with 8Adventures from Chiang Mai Include Pickup & Lunch : $103
- 2 Days 1 Night Non Tourist Trek: $123
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChiang Mai $6.73Managua $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Chiang Mai
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Chiang Mai are as follows:
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Wine$2.72
Sample the Local Flavors in Chiang Mai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Chiang Mai:
- Chiang Mai Pub Crawl: The Best Bars & Pubs in Chiang Mai!: $9.55
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chiang Mai and Managua, we can see that Managua is more expensive. And not only is Chiang Mai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chiang Mai is in Asia 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 Chiang Mai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chiang Mai Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chiang Mai or Managua?
Chiang Mai has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai or Managua?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Managua in the Summer?
Both Managua and Chiang Mai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chiang Mai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Chiang Mai is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. It's quite rainy in Chiang Mai. In July, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Managua. Chiang Mai gets 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Chiang Mai usually receives less sunshine than Managua during summer. Chiang Mai gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Managua in the summer. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChiang Mai 30°C (86°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Managua in the Autumn?
Both Managua and Chiang Mai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chiang Mai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
November to February is the dry season in Chiang Mai. Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai usually gets less rain in October than Managua. Chiang Mai gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Chiang Mai. In the autumn, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Managua. Chiang Mai gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chiang Mai in October average around 29°C (83°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChiang Mai 29°C (83°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Managua in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chiang Mai and Managua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chiang Mai year-round. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to February in Chiang Mai is the dry season. In January, Chiang Mai usually receives more rain than Managua. Chiang Mai gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In Chiang Mai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chiang Mai usually receives more sunshine than Managua during winter. Chiang Mai gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Chiang Mai is generally cooler than Managua. Daily temperatures in Chiang Mai average around 23°C (74°F), and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChiang Mai 23°C (74°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Chiang Mai or Managua in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Chiang Mai as well as Managua. Chiang Mai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
June to September in Chiang Mai is the rainy season. Chiang Mai usually gets more rain in April than Managua. Chiang Mai gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chiang Mai this time of the year. In the spring, Chiang Mai often gets more sunshine than Managua. Chiang Mai gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.
It's very hot in Chiang Mai this time of the year. Chiang Mai is around the same temperature as Managua in the spring. The daily temperature in Chiang Mai averages around 31°C (88°F) in April, and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChiang Mai 31°C (88°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Chiang Mai
| Chiang Mai | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (74°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (83°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 31°C (88°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 31°C (87°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 30°C (86°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (85°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (83°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 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.