Which place is cheaper, Managua or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Managua, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Istanbul or Managua?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
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 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $126Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, 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 Istanbul and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul 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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Managua $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Ferry$0.09
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Local Bus$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Private Bosphorus Tour on Luxury Yacht w/transfer: $753
- From 2-Day Cappadocia Trip w/ Flight and Transfers: $469
- From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers: $323
- Private Full Day Walking Tour in Istanbul with Transfer: $294
- Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & Mosque Tour with Transfer: $286
- Private Guided Istanbul Luxury Tour (Tickets and Transfers): $283
- Troy and Gallipoli Day Guided Tour with Transfer: $280
- 3-Day Tours & Transfer Package: $226
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $225
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $224
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Sabiha Airport SAW to Istanbul in Luxury Car: $224
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to Sabiha Airport SAW in Luxury Car: $224
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
- Transfer from and To Poneloya or Las Peñitas Beach- Leon, Nicaragua: $68
- Private Transfer from Managua Augusto Airport to Corinto Port: $71
- Private Transfer from Managua City Hotels to Corinto Cruise Port: $71
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Istanbul 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 dayIstanbul $31Managua $17
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Juice$0.06
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Turkish Delight$0.02
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Dessert$0.26
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Pastries$0.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show from Istanbul: $16
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Turkish Night Show All inclusive: $16
- Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $21
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $22
- Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
- Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise with All inclusive Dinner and Belly-Dancer Show : $27
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
- Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
- 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $79Managua $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
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Bosphurus Boat (for 2)$0.62
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Yerebatan Cistern for Two$0.62
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Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two$0.31
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Hagia Sofia entrance$0.93
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- 2 Hours Ultimate Kebab Experience in Galata, Istanbul: $160
- 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $273
- All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $164
- Bosphorus Cruise And Asia Minor Tour: $220
- Dolmabace Palace, Bosphorus Boat Tour , Eyüp Sultan Mosque Tour: $150
- Highlights of Cappadocia with Mehmet ( Private Tour ): $95
- Istanbul Half Day City Tour (Ottoman Relics): $55
- City Highlights Tour w/Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque: $35
- Must - See Istanbul Stops 1: Half Day Morning Tour: $139
- 1 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $75
- 1,2 or 3 DAY: Private Guided Istanbul Tour from CRUISE SHIP or HOTEL: $75
- 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $250
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
- 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
- Managua City Tour: $88
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $15Managua $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
- Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $50
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $84
- 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $246
- Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
- Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $849
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Managua, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Managua?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Managua?
Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Managua in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Managua. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
Istanbul is cooler than Managua in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Managua. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Managua. Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Managua. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Managua in the Autumn?
Both Managua and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Istanbul is much colder than Managua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).
Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Managua during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. In October, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Managua. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Managua in the Winter?
Both Managua and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Managua. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Managua. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Managua. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Managua in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Managua. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Istanbul is much colder than Managua in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Managua during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Managua. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 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.