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

Should you visit Dubai or Managua?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Managua can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dubai or Managua?

Dubai

Ever wonder what it would be like to see the lifestyles of the rich and famous up close. There's no more upscale destination than Dubai. It's by far and away the spot for shopping, partying, sunbathing, fine dining and the most luxurious of luxury. As the most modern and progressive of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, this area has experienced an unbelievable economic boom and tourism spike. It's a desert city with an amazing infrastructure.

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 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Managua or Dubai?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubai is $248, 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 Dubai and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubai $170
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubai $340
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Dubai and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Dubai 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 Dubai


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: Dubai Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubai $13
    Managua $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubai

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Dubai:


  • Taxi Ride
    $12
  • Airport Taxi
    $12
  • Sea Taxi
    $0.54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubai

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

  • Burj Khalifa: Skip-the-Line Entry, Gourmet Meal, & Transfer: $799
  • From Private Van Transfer in Maybach: $735
  • Dubai Parasailing Tour With Private Transfers: $300
  • Guided Abu Dhabi City Tour Private Transfer: $300
  • Hot Air Balloon Flight with 4X4 Transfers: $299
  • Hot Air Balloon with 60 Minutes Balloon Ride with Transfers: $299
  • The Dubai Mall Tour with Private Transfers : $299
  • Jet Car Ride for 2 Pax with Optional Transfer: $299
  • Sky Dining Experience at Dubai Marina with Optional Transfers: $290
  • 4 Seater Jet Car Adventure in Dubai with Optional Transfer: $280
  • Jet Ski Self Ride in Dubai With Private Transfers: $280
  • Afternoon High Tea in Burj Al Arab with Transfer: $275

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 Dubai or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Dubai 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
    Dubai $56
    Managua $17
Typical Food Prices in Dubai

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Dubai:


  • French bread
    $0.95
  • Sumo salad in Dubai Mall + Juice
    $10
  • Lemon Mint Tea
    $4.36
  • Coffee & Cake
    $6.53
  • Smoothie
    $5.45
  • Shawarma
    $1.91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubai

For Dubai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Premium Dinner Cruise Al-Seef: $12
  • Dhow Cruise Dinner Dubai Creek with Buffet Dinner: $14
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet in Dubai: $14
  • Dubai:Desert Safari BBQ dinner, Dune bashing,Camel&Sandboarding: $14
  • Scenic Dhow Cruise with Buffet Dinner and Live Shows: $14
  • Romantic Sightseeing Dhow Cruise Dinner: $15
  • 2-Hour Evening Dhow Cruise and Dinner: $15
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner in Dubai Creek: $17
  • Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise Dinner: $18
  • Desert Safari with Dinner and Live Show: $18
  • Dhow Dinner Cruise with International Buffet: $18
  • Romantic Dhow Cruise Dinner: $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubai $19
    Managua $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubai

For Dubai, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Visit to the Dubai Museum
    $0.82

Tours and Activities in Dubai

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

  • 60 Minutes Dubai Yellow Boat Marina Tour: $78
  • Abu Dhabi City Tour Including Ferrari World Ticket : $170
  • Bur Dubai Abra Tour and Boat Ride with Museum of Illusions : $135
  • Burj Khalifa Observation deck Dubai Admission Ticket : $71
  • Classical Dubai Highlights City Tour : $44
  • DXB Tour and Aquaventure water park & lost Chambers PRIVATE tour: $215
  • Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with BF : $95
  • Dubai (Marina Luxury Yacht) Tour with Breakfast: $105
  • Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Explorer Tickets: $95
  • Dubai City Tour : Half Day: $45
  • Dubai City Tour(Full Day) with Burj Khalifa Ticket 'At the Top' : $225
  • Dubai Frame Entry Ticket: $22

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
    Dubai $23
    Managua $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Dubai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Dubai:


  • A Couple Drinks
    $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubai

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

  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tours: $66
  • Pub Crawl Nightlife Tour: $67


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


Which is Bigger, Dubai or Managua?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai 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 Dubai or Managua in the Summer?

Both Managua and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The dry season in Dubai is June to August. It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Managua. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Managua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubai 35°C (95°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Managua in the Autumn?

Both Managua and Dubai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Managua. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubai 29°C (84°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Managua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Managua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai. In January, Dubai usually receives more rain than Managua. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Dubai is cooler than Managua in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubai 19°C (66°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Dubai or Managua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Managua. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season. Dubai usually gets more rain in April than Managua. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Dubai is cooler than Managua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Managua averages at about 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubai 26°C (79°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and Dubai

Dubai Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 20°C (68°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 35°C (95°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 36°C (97°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 33°C (91°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)