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

Should you visit Cologne or Managua?

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

Should I visit Cologne 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: Cologne or Managua?

Cologne

Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.

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 Luxury Tours to Germany, The Best Budget Tours to Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Managua or Cologne?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cologne is €161, while the average daily cost in Managua is €51. 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 Cologne and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cologne 91
    Managua 21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cologne 182
    Managua 42
Compare Hotels in Cologne and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Cologne 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 Cologne


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: Cologne Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cologne 19
    Managua 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cologne

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:

  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Cologne hotels - Round-trip Private Transfer : $98
  • Transfer from Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Luxury Car: $83
  • Superior Private Transfer from Cologne City to Dortmund City: $64
  • Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
  • Cologne hotels to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $49

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 Cologne or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Cologne 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
    Cologne 50
    Managua 16
Typical Food Prices in Cologne

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cologne:


  • Dinner
    14
  • Donner Kebab
    4.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cologne.

  • Hard Rock Café with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • Hard Rock Cafe Cologne With Set Lunch or Dinner: $29
  • Köln Südstadt kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • 3-Hour Südstadt Food Tour: $484

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cologne 20
    Managua 15

Tours and Activities in Cologne

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

  • 120min - Cologne City Tour: $158
  • 3-Hour Cologne Street Art Bike Tour in Small Group with Guide: $44
  • 3-Hour Murder Mystery Interactive City Walking Tour in Köln: $75
  • 5 Hours Cologne to Aachen Train Tour in Germany: $63
  • Aachen City Hall tour (public): $20
  • Aachen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $231
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Self Guided Walking Tour on your Phone: $7.63
  • Aachen old town tour - GERMAN (public): $13
  • Amusing Stories of Cologne Walking Tour: $13
  • Ancient Echoes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Roman Cologne: $11
  • Awesome Sites of Cologne – Private Family Walking Tour: $397

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cologne 23
    Managua 10

Sample the Local Flavors in Cologne

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cologne:

  • Public brewery tour in German in Cologne: $18
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Brewery and Kölsch Beer: $18
  • Guided tour of the old town with a visit to the brewery in Cologne: $19
  • Old Town Walking Tour inkl Brewery Visit: $24
  • Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package including local beer: $27
  • South Cologne Walking Tour with brewery visit: $27
  • Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots: $27
  • Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings: $30
  • Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting and Halven Hahn: $31
  • The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $32
  • The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $33
  • Cologne-Nippes: Gourmet wine tasting with cheese platter: $64


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


Which is Bigger, Cologne or Managua?

Managua has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Cologne. When comparing the sizes of Cologne 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 Cologne or Managua?

Cologne 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 Cologne or Managua in the Summer?

Both Managua and Cologne during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cologne this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

In the summer, Cologne is cooler than Managua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cologne in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In the summer, Cologne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managua. Cologne gets 184 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. Cologne usually gets less rain in July than Managua. Cologne gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cologne 19°C (66°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Managua in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cologne and Managua. Many travelers come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Cologne is generally much colder than Managua. Daily temperatures in Cologne average around 12°C (54°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Managua during autumn. Cologne gets 104 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 October, Cologne usually receives less rain than Managua. Cologne gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cologne 12°C (54°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Managua in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cologne as well as Managua. Many visitors come to Cologne in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

Cologne can get quite cold in the winter. Cologne is much colder than Managua in the winter. The daily temperature in Cologne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. In the winter, Cologne often gets less sunshine than Managua. Cologne gets 43 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.

Cologne usually gets more rain in January than Managua. Cologne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cologne 3°C (37°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Cologne or Managua in the Spring?

Both Managua and Cologne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cologne for the activities around the city 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 the spring, Cologne is much colder than Managua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cologne in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Managua averages at about 29°C (84°F).

It's quite sunny in Managua. Cologne usually receives less sunshine than Managua during spring. Cologne gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cologne usually receives more rain than Managua. Cologne gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cologne 10°C (50°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and Cologne

Cologne Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 76 mm (3 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)