Which place is cheaper, Managua or Freeport?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Freeport 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 Freeport 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: Freeport or Managua?
Freeport
When you picture the Bahamas you likely picture the beaches, resorts and playgrounds of Nassau. Just to the northwest of this tourist paradise is a tropical city founded on industry. Freeport began as mostly swampland and is now the second most populous city in the Bahamas.
This city is less of a tourist attraction - a place where you'll find the true Bahaman culture mixed in with some relaxing spots to help you unwind and get into your island vacation.
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 Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFreeport $244Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Freeport is $244, 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 Freeport and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFreeport $141Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFreeport $282Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Freeport and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Freeport 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: Freeport Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Freeport $59Managua $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Freeport
Also for Freeport, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Freeport Grand Bahama Airport (FPO): Transfer to Freeport: $259
- Private Transfer from FPO to Old Bahama Bay resort : $232
- Old Bahama Bay to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) - Private Transfer: $193
- Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Old Bahama Bay - Private Transfer: $193
- Private Transfer from FPO to Freeport hotels or resorts: $166
- Shared Round Trip Limousine Transfer to the Port Lucaya Market: $150
- Grand Bahama Airport(FPO) to Freeport -RoundTrip Private Transfer: $143
- Grand Bahama Airport: One-Way Transfer to Freeport Hotels: $139
- Private Round Trip Transfer from Freeport Airport to Hotel: $133
- Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) to Freeport - Arrival Private Transfer: $72
- Freeport to Grand Bahama Airport (FPO) Departure Private Transfer: $72
- Round-Trip Airport Transfer Viva Club Fortuna Freeport: $30
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
- Transfer from and To Poneloya or Las Peñitas Beach- Leon, Nicaragua: $68
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $65
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Freeport or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Freeport 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 dayFreeport $64Managua $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Freeport
For Freeport, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Around Town/Bahamian Cooking Experience: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Freeport $40Managua $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Freeport
For Freeport, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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10 Dive Package$300
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4 Hr. Kayak Tour$70
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1/2 Day Snorkel Trip$75
Tours and Activities in Freeport
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Freeport.
- 4 Hour Private Sandy Cay Experience with Snorkeling - Adults Only: $275
- Bahamas Sea Scooter Snorkeling Adventure: $120
- Clear Kayak Tour: $120
- CocoNutz Cruisers Electric Bicycle Tour: $123
- East End Private Day Trip Experience Tour : $200
- Freeport Shore Excursion: Garden of the Groves and City Tour: $81
- Grand Bahama Agricultural Family Farm Tour: $120
- Mamma Gal East End Native Experience : $85
- Mamma Gal Native Experience : $70
- Rumbo Tour : $90
- Snorkel/Swim with the Turtles Experience: $250
- Tour of Coral Vita and breach brak at Banana bay beach club: $51
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: $189
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $163
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $320
- Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $53
- Masaya Volcano and Managua City Half Day Private Historical Tour: $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFreeport $30Managua $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Freeport
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Freeport:
- Brewery & Taste with Beach & Shop at Largest Market on Freeport 4-hrs : $75
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Freeport and Managua, we can see that Freeport is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Freeport is in Caribbean Islands 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 Freeport would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Freeport 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 Freeport Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Freeport or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Freeport. When comparing the sizes of Freeport 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.
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.