Which place is cheaper, Managua or Malaga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Malaga 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 Malaga 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: Malaga or Managua?
Malaga
Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.
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 Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMalaga €140Managua €51
The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Managua is €51. 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 Malaga and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMalaga €75Managua €21
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMalaga €150Managua €42
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Malaga 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: Malaga Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Malaga €31Managua €18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (Agp) to Granada City: $289
- Private Transfer from Albuñol to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $270
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Albuñol: $270
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Ferreirola: $268
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Almerimar: $261
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Los Barrios: $242
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to La Mamola: $242
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Algeciras: $233
- Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Gaucín: $223
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Algodonales: $223
- Private Transfer from Malaga Airport (AGP) to Frontera La Línea - Gibraltar: $223
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 Malaga or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Malaga 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 dayMalaga €35Managua €16
Typical Food Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:
-
Dinner for 2€30
-
Dinner for 2€44
-
Breakfast for 2€8.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Malaga.
- Horse and Flamenco Show in Malaga with Dinner: $76
- Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
- Andalucia by Sunset - half day tour including dinner and Ronda pickup: $93
- Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Malaga €31Managua €15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:
-
Entrance to Castillos€7.10
-
Concert€31
Tours and Activities in Malaga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:
- Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
- Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
- Ronda group walking Tour: $27
- Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
- Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
- 1 Hour Malaga Panoramic Segway Tour : $38
- 1 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $98
- 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
- 2 Hour Buggy Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
- 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
- 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $126
- 2-Hour French Guided Walking Tour in Malaga: $20
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMalaga €22Managua €10
Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga
Also in Malaga, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
- Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
- Malaga City Wine Tour: $94
- Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: Best of Málaga in one Evening: $104
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Managua, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Malaga 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Malaga or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga or Managua?
Malaga 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 Malaga or Managua in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Managua. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
In July, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Managua. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Managua. Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Managua. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyMalaga 25°C (77°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Managua in the Autumn?
Both Managua and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Malaga in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music 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.
Malaga is cooler than Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Managua during autumn. Malaga gets 213 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, Malaga usually receives less rain than Managua. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMalaga 19°C (67°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Managua in the Winter?
Both Managua and Malaga during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
In the winter, Malaga is much colder than Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Managua averages at about 26°C (79°F).
In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Malaga often gets less sunshine than Managua. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.
Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Managua. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMalaga 12°C (54°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Malaga or Managua in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Managua. The spring months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Malaga is generally much colder than Managua. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives less sunshine than Managua during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Malaga usually receives more rain than Managua. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilMalaga 16°C (60°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Malaga
| Malaga | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (57°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (74°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (60°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 13°C (55°F) | 102 mm (4 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.