Which place is cheaper, Managua or Christchurch?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Christchurch or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Christchurch 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: Christchurch or Managua?
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, right beside the Canterbury Plains. Most people begin their South Island travels here. The city itself can be fascinating to explore so it is worth allowing yourself several days in town as an introduction to the region.
The River Avon flows through the city center, twisting through the old buildings. Christchurch is referred to in New Zealand as the Garden City and it is easy to see why. It's quite a nice city with trees spread throughout. The economy is centered around international tourism as well as foreign education. There is a high Asian student population here, giving the city a diverse feel.
Christchurch's climate is temperate and the city receives moderate rainfall. In January average high temperatures are around 73 degrees Fahrenheit with averages around 52 degrees Fahrenheit in July. There is a sea breeze during the summer months that keep temperatures pleasant. Temperatures can drop below freezing at night during the winter months. Snow may also fall several times a year.
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 New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChristchurch $96Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Christchurch is $96, 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 Christchurch and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChristchurch $50Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChristchurch $100Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Christchurch and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Christchurch 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: Christchurch Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Christchurch $15Managua $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $130
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
- Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
- Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
- Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
- Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
- Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29
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 Christchurch or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Christchurch 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 dayChristchurch $31Managua $17
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Christchurch $18Managua $16
Tours and Activities in Christchurch
Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
- 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $961
- Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
- Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $151
- Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $250
- Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $237
- Arthurs Pass Day Tour With TranzAlpine and Jet Boat Ride : $229
- Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
- Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
- Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour: $190
- Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
- Christchurch Zipline Tour: $120
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChristchurch $11Managua $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch
Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- From Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $102
- All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $106
- From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $120
- Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $538
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Christchurch and Managua, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Christchurch 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 Christchurch would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Christchurch 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 Christchurch Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Christchurch or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Managua?
Christchurch 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 Christchurch or Managua in the Summer?
Both Managua and Christchurch during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
In January, Christchurch is generally much colder than Managuain July. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 18°C (64°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Christchurch. In the summer, Christchurch often gets more sunshine than Managuain July. Christchurch gets 224 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. Christchurch usually gets less rain in January than Managuain July. Christchurch gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyChristchurch 18°C (64°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Managua in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Christchurch and Managua. Many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Christchurch is much colder than Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Christchurch averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Managua during autumn. Christchurch gets 161 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 April, Christchurch usually receives less rain than Managuain October. Christchurch gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Managua in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Christchurch as well as Managua. Many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
In the winter, Christchurch is much colder than Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Christchurch in July average around 6°C (43°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, Christchurch often gets less sunshine than Managuain January. Christchurch gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.
Christchurch usually gets more rain in July than Managuain January. Christchurch gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryChristchurch 6°C (43°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Christchurch or Managua in the Spring?
Both Managua and Christchurch are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Christchurch is generally much colder than Managuain April. Daily temperatures in Christchurch average around 12°C (54°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 Christchurch. Christchurch usually receives less sunshine than Managua during spring. Christchurch gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.
In October, Christchurch usually receives more rain than Managuain April. Christchurch gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilChristchurch 12°C (54°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Christchurch
| Christchurch | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (63°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (60°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 9°C (49°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 6°C (44°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 6°C (43°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 7°C (45°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 10°C (49°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 12°C (54°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 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.