Which place is cheaper, Austin or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Managua or Austin?
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 Austin can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Austin?
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.
Austin
Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the capital city of the state. It is a relatively small city with a compact downtown area and many sprawling suburbs stretching out along the interstate. Austin prides itself on its eclectic culture and alternative vibe which is epitomized by the city's unofficial slogan "Keep Austin Weird." The University of Texas at Austin is also located downtown. The school's large student population helps give the city a youthful feel with a lively nightlife and no shortage of activities on weekends. The city is also the self proclaimed live music capital of the country. As such, it has many music venues and bars, most of which are clustered around the 6th Street area downtown. There are also many free outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $55Austin $142
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in Austin is $142. 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 Austin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Austin $56
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Austin $112
Compare Hotels in Managua and Austin
Looking for a hotel in Managua or Austin? 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 Austin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Austin $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from and To Poneloya or Las Peñitas Beach- Leon, Nicaragua: $68
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
- 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 from Managua Augusto Airport to Corinto Port: $71
- Private Transfer from Managua City Hotels to Corinto Cruise Port: $71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Austin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Austin:
- Austin Airport Group Pickup / Transfer up to 1 hour away.: $150
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) to Austin City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $96
- Private Transfer Between Airport and Hotels: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Austin?
Prices for flights to both Austin 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 $17Austin $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Austin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Austin.
- Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
- Famous Texas BBQ & Food Tour in Austin: $89
- Austin South Congress Walking Food Tour for Small Groups: $95
- Secret Food Tour: $98
- Austin Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
- Secret Food Tour of South Congress: $108
- The Brunch Bus: Food Tour with a Live Band on Board the Bus!: $125
- Private Guided Food Tour of Austin Neighborhoods: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16Austin $28
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 Austin
Here are a few typical costs in Austin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Austin Duck Tour$31
Tours and Activities in Austin
Here are a few actual costs in Austin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Austin Glass Bottom Kayak Tour with Olympian: $50
- Afternoon in Austin Segway Tour: $99
- Austin Art & Architecture Bicycle Tour: $56
- Austin Biker Gang E-Bike Tour: $90
- Austin Boat Tour with Full Sun Shading Available: $84
- Austin Breakfast Taco Tour: $85
- Austin E-Bike Brunch Tour : $118
- Austin E-Bike Foodie Tour : $128
- Austin Electric Bike Tour: Let it Ride: $70
- Austin Family Explorer Private Magical Urban Adventure Tour: $232
- Austin Family Explorer: A Magical Urban Adventure: $455
- Austin Good Vibes E-Bike Tours with Rooster: $68
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11Austin $28
Sample the Local Flavors in Austin
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Austin:
- Austin Bar Hunt: Sixth Street Spree: Austin Bar Crawl: $12
- Austin Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $30
- Downtown Austin Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- Downtown Live Music Pub Crawl: $35
- Austin Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $44
- From Texas Hill Country Brewery & Distillery Shuttle: $65
- Private Austin Brewery Tour by Pedicab with All-Inclusive Beer Flight Option: $70
- 4-Hour Austin Signature Brewery Tour: $100
- The Brew Bus: Austin Brewery Tour with Live Band: $125
- Half-Day Private Texas Hill Country Wine Tour from Austin: $143
- Brewery 5K Fun Run, BBQ, and Texas History Museum in Austin : $175
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and Austin, we can see that Austin 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 Austin 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 Austin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Austin 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 Austin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Austin?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 43% larger than the population of Austin. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Austin, 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 Austin?
Austin 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 Austin in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Managua as well as Austin. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Managua is cooler than Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. In the summer, Managua often gets less sunshine than Austin. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun.
Managua receives a lot of rain in the summer. Managua usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManagua 27°C (81°F)Austin 87°F (30°C)
Should I visit Managua or Austin in the Autumn?
Both Austin and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Managua is a little warmer than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Managua in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).
It's quite sunny in Austin. Managua usually receives less sunshine than Austin during autumn. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Managua. In October, Managua usually receives more rain than Austin. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManagua 27°C (81°F)Austin 73°F (23°C)
Should I visit Managua or Austin in the Winter?
Both Austin and Managua during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Managua is generally much warmer than Austin. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 26°C (79°F), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
It's quite sunny in Managua. In the winter, Managua often gets more sunshine than Austin. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.
Managua usually gets less rain in January than Austin. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManagua 26°C (79°F)Austin 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Managua or Austin in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Austin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Managua is a little warmer than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. Managua usually receives more sunshine than Austin during spring. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Managua usually receives less rain than Austin. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManagua 29°C (84°F)Austin 71°F (22°C)
Typical Weather for Austin and Managua
| Managua | Austin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 4 inches (101 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 3.1 inches (80 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 87°F (30°C) | 1.9 inches (48 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 87°F (31°C) | 2.2 inches (56 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 2 inches (52 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.2 inches (56 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.