Which place is cheaper, Managua or Grand Cayman?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Grand Cayman or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Grand Cayman and Managua. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Grand Cayman or Managua?
Grand Cayman
When people think of the Cayman Islands, they typically think of offshore bank accounts and sunny, cruise ship ports. Grand Cayman has more to offer travelers than a playground for the wealthy or a short stopover for cruise passengers. This tropical island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, it is a shopper's heaven, a center for global finance and an ideal vacation spot.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGrand Cayman $214Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $214, 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 Grand Cayman and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGrand Cayman $149Managua $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGrand Cayman $298Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman 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: Grand Cayman Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Grand Cayman $31Managua $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman
Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
- Private Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport to Morritts Resort: $185
- George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
- Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88
- Airport Transfer to West Bay Accommodations (GCM - Grand Cayman): $80
- George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $55
- Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $55
- Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $55
- Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $55
- George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer, Transportation, Shuttle and Tours : $30
- Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
- Transfer Airport/Hotel/Airport Managua: $16
- San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Managua: $57
- San Jorge: One way shared transfer to Managua: $59
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
- Private Transfer from Managua City Hotels to Corinto Cruise Port: $72
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Grand Cayman 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 dayGrand Cayman $39Managua $17
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Grand Cayman $41Managua $16
Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman
For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Hour Jet ski Adventure Swim with Rays and More: $225
- Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $79
- Cayman Classic Food Tasting Walking Tour Shore Excursion : $159
- Cayman Combo Tour: Starfish Point, Stingray City & Coral Gardens: $86
- Cayman Combo Tour: Stingrays, Starfish Point and Crystal Caves : $83
- Cayman Crystal Caves Tour in Grand Cayman Island: $126
- Cayman Ultimate Tour: Stingrays, Starfish Point and Crystal Caves: $95
- Cayman's Classic Food Tasting & Cultural Experience: $179
- East End Activities and Tour in Grand Cayman: $158
- East Island Tour : $298
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $269
- Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $283
Tours and Activities in Managua
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.
- 3 full day tour at Granada, Masaya and Leon area from Managua: $210
- Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $155
- Full day tour: Granada + Boat ride+Handicraft Market+Catarina: $100
- Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
- Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
- Managua City Tour: $84
- Managua City Tour: $98
- Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Tour: $194
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $328
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $167
- Masaya Volcano Tour: $53
- Masaya volcano Night Tour: $110
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayGrand Cayman $13Managua $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:
-
Beer$4.96
Sample the Local Flavors in Grand Cayman
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Grand Cayman:
- Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only: $24
- Distillery & Rum Tasting Tour in Grand Cayman: $67
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Grand Cayman and Managua, we can see that Grand Cayman is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman or Managua in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Managua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Managua receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Managua. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In the summer, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyGrand Cayman 28°C (83°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Managua in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Managua. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Managua. Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Managua. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In October, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGrand Cayman 27°C (81°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Managua in the Winter?
Both Managua and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Managua. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Managua in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGrand Cayman 24°C (76°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Grand Cayman or Managua in the Spring?
Both Managua and Grand Cayman during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in April than Managua. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the spring, Grand Cayman is cooler than Managua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Managua averages at about 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilGrand Cayman 26°C (79°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Grand Cayman
| Grand Cayman | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 131 mm (5.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 212 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 141 mm (5.6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (78°F) | 57 mm (2.3 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.