Which place is cheaper, Managua or Havana?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Havana 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 Havana and Managua can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Havana or Managua?
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
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 dayHavana $65Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Havana is $65, 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 Havana and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHavana $40Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHavana $80Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Havana and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Havana 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: Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Havana $19Managua $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $65
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Havana or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Havana 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 dayHavana $10Managua $17
Typical Food Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
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Pizza$0.03
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Havana $11Managua $16
Tours and Activities in Managua
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.
- Private lava tour-Masaya Volcano from Managua: $49
- Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $53
- Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
- Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
- PRIVATE Laguna de apoyo day pass + masaya volcano lava tour: $70
- Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $75
- PRIVATE Boat ride + Colonial city tour at Granada+Catarina lookout: $80
- PRIVATE Day trip Granada Isletas +Colonial City tour from Managua: $80
- Managua City Tour: $84
- PRIVATE Boat tour + Granada City +Masaya Volcano Night Tour : $85
- full tour Somoto Canyon Nicaragua: $86
- PRIVATE Boat tour+Granada City and Catarina lookout from Managua: $88
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHavana $5.76Managua $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
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Mojito$0.15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Havana and Managua, we can see that Havana is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Havana 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 Havana would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Havana 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 Havana Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Havana or Managua?
Havana has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Havana 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 Havana or Managua?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Havana or Managua in the Summer?
Both Managua and Havana during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Havana 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. Havana usually gets less rain in July than Managua. Havana gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Havana is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Havana in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHavana 27°C (81°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Havana or Managua in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Havana and Managua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Havana usually receives less rain than Managua. Havana gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Havana is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in Havana average around 25°C (77°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHavana 25°C (77°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Havana or Managua in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Havana as well as Managua. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
Havana usually gets more rain in January than Managua. Havana gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Havana is cooler than Managua in the winter. The daily temperature in Havana averages around 21°C (70°F) in January, and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHavana 21°C (70°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Havana or Managua in the Spring?
Both Managua and Havana are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Havana usually receives more rain than Managua. Havana gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Havana is cooler than Managua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Havana in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Managua averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHavana 24°C (75°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Havana
| Havana | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.