A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Plata vs. Managua for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit La Plata 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 La Plata and Managua can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: La Plata or Managua?

La Plata

Just over an hour from Buenos Aires, the bustling university city of La Plata is notable for being South America's first planned city. Indeed, also known as the City of Diagonal, La Plata's intricate grid system includes diagonal streets that run through it, contributing to easy navigation but confusing intersections.La Plata is the Capital of the Province of Buenos Aires, the main Argentine state, so you will find lots of elaborate government buildings alongside leafy green plazas in this laid back as well as active city. La Plata is a happening university town with a population of over 700,000. You can walk the width of it in under an hour, stopping at trendy craft beer bars, local music joints, and great restaurants along the way. Also, football is a religion in Argentina and if you're looking for some local atmosphere, La Plata is the place to go! Two of Argentina's biggest football teams, Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata and Estudiantes de La Plata challenge each other each year. If you are around during that special day for the city, you will witness thousands of fans wearing the relevant colours heading off to watch the match and parade by calle 7.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Managua or La Plata?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in La Plata is $8.62, 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 La Plata and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    La Plata $3.47
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    La Plata $6.94
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in La Plata and Managua

Looking for a hotel in La Plata 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.

Hotels in La Plata


Hotels in Managua


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: La Plata Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    La Plata $2.47
    Managua $20

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 La Plata or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and La Plata 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 day
    La Plata $3.37
    Managua $17
Typical Food Prices in La Plata

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to La Plata:


  • Ice Cream
    $0.01

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    La Plata $2.16
    Managua $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in La Plata

For La Plata, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Sciencias Naturales Museum Entrance Fee
    $0.01

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    La Plata $1.20
    Managua $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Plata and Managua, we can see that Managua is more expensive. And not only is La Plata much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since La Plata 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 La Plata would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Plata 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 Managua would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Managua than you might in La Plata.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Plata Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, La Plata or Managua?

Managua has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of La Plata. When comparing the sizes of La Plata 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 La Plata or Managua?

La Plata 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 La Plata or Managua in the Summer?

Both Managua and La Plata 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, La Plata is generally around the same temperature as Managuain July. Daily temperatures in La Plata average around 25°C (77°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

La Plata usually receives more sunshine than Managua during summer. La Plata gets 191 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. In January, La Plata usually receives less rain than Managuain July. La Plata gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    La Plata 25°C (77°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Managua in the Autumn?

Both Managua and La Plata during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

La Plata is cooler than Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in La Plata averages around 18°C (65°F) in April, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.

In the autumn, La Plata often gets less sunshine than Managuain October. La Plata gets 156 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. La Plata usually gets less rain in April than Managuain October. La Plata gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    La Plata 18°C (65°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Managua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both La Plata and Managua. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, La Plata is much colder than Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in La Plata in July average around 12°C (53°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. La Plata usually receives less sunshine than Managua during winter. La Plata gets 102 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, La Plata usually receives more rain than Managuain January. La Plata gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    La Plata 12°C (53°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit La Plata or Managua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to La Plata as well as Managua. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

In October, La Plata is generally much colder than Managuain April. Daily temperatures in La Plata average around 18°C (64°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. In the spring, La Plata often gets less sunshine than Managuain April. La Plata gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.

La Plata receives a lot of rain in the spring. La Plata usually gets more rain in October than Managuain April. La Plata gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    La Plata 18°C (64°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and La Plata

La Plata Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 25°C (77°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 24°C (75°F) 101 mm (4 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 22°C (71°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 12°C (53°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 12°C (53°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 23°C (74°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)