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

Should you visit Florianopolis or Managua?

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

Should I visit Florianopolis 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: Florianopolis or Managua?

Florianopolis

With a population of almost 500,000, Florianopolis is the capital city of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. The city is split between mainland Brazil and Santa Catarina Island.

Florianopolis has grown in popularity with tourists recently because of its wonderful scenery, beautiful beaches, and fascinating culture. Many Brazilians have also moved here, leaving behind the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Florianopolis has a warm humid subtropical climate. There are summer, winter, spring and fall seasons. Frosts are rare but do occur occasionally. Highs during the warmest months are usually in the high 70s Fahrenheit. Rain is evenly distributed throughout the year and there is no distinct dry season.

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 Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Managua or Florianopolis?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Florianopolis is $62, 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 Florianopolis and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Florianopolis $26
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Florianopolis $52
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Florianopolis and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis


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: Florianopolis Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Florianopolis $13
    Managua $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florianopolis

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

  • Roundtrip transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $168
  • Private Transfer from Florianópolis Airport to Bombinhas: $97
  • Private Transfer Florianopolis Airport to Bal. Camboriu: $96
  • Private Transfer from FLN Airport to the City Balneario Camboriú : $84
  • Transfer Florianópolis Airport / Costão do Santinho: $78
  • One Way Transfer : Florianopolis Airport to or from Florianopolis: $64
  • Florianópolis Airport Transfer anywhere on the island by Floripa Nativa: $40
  • Shared transfer from Florianópolis airport to Balneário Camboriú: $35
  • Private Transfer Florianópolis Airport to City Center: $32
  • Hercilio Luz Airport - North Island Transfer: $14

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
  • 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
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66

Is it cheaper to fly into Florianopolis or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Florianopolis 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
    Florianopolis $22
    Managua $17
Typical Food Prices in Florianopolis

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


  • A Quick Snack
    $0.44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Florianopolis $26
    Managua $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florianopolis

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Florianopolis's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Internet
    $0.59

Tours and Activities in Florianopolis

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

  • Balneário Camboriú City Tour from Florianópolis: $35
  • Bike Tour in Florianopolis - Sunset, Photography and History: $70
  • Blumenau City Tour - departing from Florianópolis: $37
  • Blumenau City Tour from Florianópolis: $38
  • Bombinhas Beach and 4 Islands Tour: $22
  • Florianópolis Full Day City Tour: $25
  • Floripa City Tour by Bus - Whole Island - The Most Complete City Tour: $32
  • Historic Center Walking Tour in Florianopolis with Local Bar Hop: $14
  • Lagoinha do Leste Hiking and Photography Adventure : $42
  • Mountain biking experiences in Florianópolis: $58
  • Private Day Tour: Florianópolis Island with Professional Pictures: $154
  • Private South Island Beaches and Lagoons Tour: $44

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
  • Leon City and Rum Tasting Tour from Managua: $215
  • Managua City Tour: $88
  • Managua City Tour: $84
  • Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Tour: $189
  • Managua Love Stories: A Walking Tour: $97
  • Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $164
  • Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $321

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Florianopolis $8.68
    Managua $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florianopolis

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


  • Beer
    $0.59


When comparing the travel costs between Florianopolis and Managua, we can see that Florianopolis is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Florianopolis is in South America and Managua is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Florianopolis Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Florianopolis or Managua?

Managua has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Florianopolis. When comparing the sizes of Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Managua?

Florianopolis 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 Florianopolis or Managua in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Florianopolis and Managua. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Florianopolis is generally around the same temperature as Managuain July. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 25°C (76°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Florianopolis usually receives more sunshine than Managua during summer. Florianopolis gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.

Managua receives a lot of rain in the summer. Florianopolis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Managuain July. Florianopolis gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Florianopolis 25°C (76°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Managua in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Florianopolis as well as Managua. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

Florianopolis is cooler than Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Florianopolis averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

In the autumn, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Managuain October. Florianopolis gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Managua. Florianopolis usually gets less rain in April than Managuain October. Florianopolis gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Florianopolis 22°C (71°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Managua in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Florianopolis is much colder than Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Florianopolis in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Managua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Managua. Florianopolis usually receives less sunshine than Managua during winter. Florianopolis gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Florianopolis usually receives more rain than Managuain January. Florianopolis gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Florianopolis 17°C (62°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Florianopolis or Managua in the Spring?

Both Managua and Florianopolis during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

In October, Florianopolis is generally cooler than Managuain April. Daily temperatures in Florianopolis average around 20°C (68°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Florianopolis often gets less sunshine than Managuain April. Florianopolis gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Florianopolis. Florianopolis usually gets more rain in October than Managuain April. Florianopolis gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Florianopolis 20°C (68°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and Florianopolis

Florianopolis Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (76°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 25°C (77°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 24°C (75°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 22°C (71°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 95 mm (3.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 22°C (71°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 24°C (74°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)