Which place is cheaper, Managua or Fortaleza?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Fortaleza or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fortaleza and Managua can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Fortaleza or Managua?
Fortaleza
A major city on Brazil's northeastern coast and the capital city of Ceara state, Fortaleza is best characterized by its city landscape lined with beaches and palm trees. It also features some great seafood as well as long-standing folk traditions in culture and dance.
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 Brazil, The Best Budget Tours to Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFortaleza $69Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Fortaleza is $69, 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 Fortaleza and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFortaleza $30Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFortaleza $60Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Fortaleza and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Fortaleza 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: Fortaleza Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fortaleza $21Managua $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fortaleza
Also for Fortaleza, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Fortaleza to Jericoacoara: $300
- Jericoacoara Private Transfer From Fortaleza: $273
- Private Transfer From FOR to Any Point in Fortaleza City: $270
- 4x4 Transfer Private Service Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $259
- Departure Private Transfer: Jericoacoara to Fortaleza Airport FOR by Sedan Car: $253
- Transfer 4 X 4 Fortaleza to Jericoacoara or Jericoacoara to Fortaleza: $240
- 4x4 Private Transfer Service : $180
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza to Canoa Quebrada: $173
- Fortaleza Airport to Canoa Quebrada One–Way Transfer: $160
- Transfer Fortaleza - Jericoacoara: $153
- Private Transfer from Fortaleza (FOR) Airport to Icaraí-Amontada : $131
- Arrival Private Transfer from Fortaleza Airport FOR to Fortaleza by Minivan: $117
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
- 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
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Fortaleza or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Fortaleza 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 dayFortaleza $24Managua $17
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fortaleza $15Managua $16
Tours and Activities in Fortaleza
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fortaleza.
- Águas Belas Tour: $15
- 3 Beaches in 1 Day Tour Leaving Fortaleza: $13
- Beach Park Full-Day Trip Including Brief Tour of Fortaleza: $35
- Canoa Quebrada Beach Tour with Nettour: $20
- Canoe Quebrada Full Day Tour - Departure from Fortaleza by Vitorino Turismo: $19
- City Tour Fortaleza - Full Day Cumbuco Beach Tour by Nettour: $26
- City-Tour and Fortaleza (central market, cathedral, Fort, Theaters, encetur, P.ferreira: $56
- Cumbuco Beach Tour: $12
- Cumbuco Beach with City Tour from Fortaleza: $16
- Fortaleza City Tour : $26
- Fortaleza Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $31
- 4-Hour City Car Tour: $266
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFortaleza $9.97Managua $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fortaleza and Managua, we can see that Fortaleza is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fortaleza is in South America 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 Fortaleza would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fortaleza or Managua?
Fortaleza has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Managua?
Fortaleza 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 Fortaleza or Managua in the Summer?
Both Managua and Fortaleza are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Managuain July. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually receives more sunshine than Managua during summer. Fortaleza gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. It's quite rainy in Fortaleza. In January, Fortaleza usually receives less rain than Managuain July. Fortaleza gets 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Managua in the Autumn?
Both Managua and Fortaleza during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fortaleza averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
In the autumn, Fortaleza often gets less sunshine than Managuain October. Fortaleza gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun.
Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fortaleza. Fortaleza usually gets more rain in April than Managuain October. Fortaleza gets 356 mm (14 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberFortaleza 27°C (80°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Managua in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fortaleza and Managua. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Fortaleza is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fortaleza in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Managua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In Fortaleza, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fortaleza usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during winter. Fortaleza gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In July, Fortaleza usually receives more rain than Managuain January. Fortaleza gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryFortaleza 26°C (79°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Fortaleza or Managua in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Fortaleza as well as Managua. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
In October, Fortaleza is generally around the same temperature as Managuain April. Daily temperatures in Fortaleza average around 28°C (82°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fortaleza this time of the year. In the spring, Fortaleza often gets more sunshine than Managuain April. Fortaleza gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.
Fortaleza usually gets more rain in October than Managuain April. Fortaleza gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilFortaleza 28°C (82°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Fortaleza
| Fortaleza | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 356 mm (14 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 256 mm (10.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (80°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 26°C (79°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.