Which place is cheaper, Anchorage or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Managua or Anchorage?
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 Managua and Anchorage can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Anchorage?
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.
Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $55Anchorage $191
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in Anchorage is $191. 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 Managua and Anchorage in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Anchorage $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Managua and Anchorage
Looking for a hotel in Managua or Anchorage? 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 and Anchorage Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Anchorage $27
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:
- SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
- SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
- Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
- Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
- Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Anchorage?
Prices for flights to both Anchorage and Managua 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 dayManagua $17Anchorage $50
Typical Food Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:
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Bread$4.25
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Breakfast for Two$17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.
- City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16Anchorage $30
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Anchorage
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:
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1 Day Bike Rental$33
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1/2 Day Rafting Trip$105
Tours and Activities in Anchorage
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:
- 26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK: $226
- 3 Hour Ladies Only Kayak Tour in Knik River: $130
- Advanced Snowshoeing Adventure: $238
- Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $6,999
- Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $115
- Alaska Wildlife Tour: $110
- Alaska's Most Scenic E-Bike Adventure: $224
- Anchorage Brews Tour: $169
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
- Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $73
- Anchorage City Tour, w/Chocolate Factory Samplings & Much More!: $59
- Anchorage Ice Fishing Adventure: $199
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11Anchorage $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:
- Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
- Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
- Guided Tour on Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey & Wine Tasting: $285
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Managua is in Central America and Anchorage is in North 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage 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 Managua Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Anchorage?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Anchorage, 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 Managua or Anchorage?
Anchorage 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 Managua or Anchorage in the Summer?
Both Anchorage and Managua during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Anchorage in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Managua is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).
In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Managua often gets less sunshine than Anchorage. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManagua 27°C (81°F)Anchorage 59°F (15°C)
Should I visit Managua or Anchorage in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Anchorage. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Anchorage can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Managua is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Managua in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).
Managua usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Managua usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManagua 27°C (81°F)Anchorage 35°F (2°C)
Should I visit Managua or Anchorage in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Managua as well as Anchorage. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Anchorage can be very cold. In January, Managua is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 26°C (79°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In the winter, Managua often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.
Managua usually gets less rain in January than Anchorage. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManagua 26°C (79°F)Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)
Should I visit Managua or Anchorage in the Spring?
Both Anchorage and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.
It's quite cold in Anchorage in the spring. Managua is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).
It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage during spring. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Managua usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManagua 29°C (84°F)Anchorage 36°F (2°C)
Typical Weather for Anchorage and Managua
| Managua | Anchorage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 15°F (-9°C) | 0.7 inches (19 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°F (-7°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 26°F (-3°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 36°F (2°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.7 inches (44 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.6 inches (67 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.6 inches (66 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.1 inches (53 mm) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 22°F (-6°C) | 1.1 inches (27 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 17°F (-8°C) | 1.1 inches (28 mm) |
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.