Which place is cheaper, Cartagena or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Managua or Cartagena?
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 Cartagena can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Cartagena?
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.
Cartagena
The capital of the Bolivar Department of Colombia, Cartagena is one of the most visited cities in the country. It sits on Colombia's northern coast by the Caribbean Sea. It's a port city with a population of almost 900,000, making it the fifth largest city in Colombia. The city has a rich history and was the first Spanish colony on the American continent. It was also one of the first sanctuaries for freed African slaves in the Americas.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to Colombia, and The Best Eco Tours in Colombia.
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Managua Prices
Nicaragua PricesCartagena Prices
Colombia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $67Cartagena $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $67, while the average daily cost in Cartagena 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 Managua and Cartagena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Cartagena $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Cartagena $54
Compare Hotels in Managua and Cartagena
Looking for a hotel in Managua or Cartagena? 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 Cartagena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Cartagena $7.46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport transfer or hotels in managua Nicaragua: $35
- From Leon: One way shared transfer to Managua: $39
- From One way shared transfer to Granada: $39
- From One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $59
- Granada: One way shared transfer to Managua: $39
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $127
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $63
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- One way shared transfer to Leon: $39
- One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
- Nicaragua Private Transfer Service Managua and San Juan del Sur: $100
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cartagena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cartagena:
- Cartagena Tour Privado x5 horas con Transfers: $276
- Cartagena to Santa Marta Private Transfer Service: $268
- Private transfer from Cartagena to Santa Marta or viceversa: $250
- Private Transfer from Cartagena Airport (CTG) to Santa Marta Port: $220
- Private Transfer from Cartagena hotels to Santa Marta Cruise Port: $220
- Private Transfer from Santa Marta Cruise Port to Cartagena hotels: $211
- Private Transfer from Cartagena Hotels to Santa Marta Cruise Port: $210
- Private Transfer from Cartagena Airport (CTG) to Santa Marta Port: $210
- Cartagena to or from Palomino Private Transfer: $198
- Cartagena Tour Privado x3 horas con Transfers: $197
- Cartagena to or from Tayrona Park Private Transfer: $188
- Cartagena to or from Minca Private Transfer: $178
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Cartagena?
Prices for flights to both Cartagena 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 $30Cartagena $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cartagena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cartagena.
- Cartagena Fritters Cooking Class – by Lunático Experience: $23
- Street food tour Cartagena: $40
- Local Flavors Food Tour with Native Chef: $42
- Street Food Tour in Cartagena: $44
- Traditional cooking class in a restaurant in the historic center: $45
- Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $47
- Flavors of Colombia: Cooking Class with Chef Andrés: $52
- Private Dinner at a Local Chef's House in Cartagena: $52
- Cruise by the Bay with Dinner and Wine: $55
- Food Tour of the Old City Flavors and Culture: $59
- Dinner Cruise Along Cartagena's Bay: $60
- Cartagena Island Dinner (Island of Tierra Bomba): $60
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16Cartagena $21
Tours and Activities in Managua
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.
- Masaya volcano tour: $38
- Apoyo Lagoon + Lava tour: $48
- Discover the Best of Managua on a Private City Tour: $60
- Granada lake +Colonial City + Lava tour Masaya volcano: $60
- Private Capital City Tour Managua: $60
- Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
- PRIVATE Boat ride + Colonial city tour at Granada+Catarina lookout: $68
- Masaya Volcano Night Tour The Impressive Power of Nature: $80
- Managua City Tour: $84
- PRIVATE Boat tour + Granada City + Catarina lookout: $85
- full tour Somoto Canyon Nicaragua: $86
- Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $88
Tours and Activities in Cartagena
Here are a few actual costs in Cartagena for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cartagena City Tour & Convento de la Popa (AM): $40
- Palenque Native Guide, free entrance tickets, dance show & lunch: $110
- Palmarito Tour with Private Beach, Pools and Full Food: $66
- Playa Morena Beach Club Whith Lunch And Walking tour of fort San Fernando: $43
- Private city tour: $197
- Shore excursion Accessible sightseeing tour : $170
- Walking Tour of Cartagena Including a Colombian Cup of Coffee: $160
- 16. Punta Arena Tour (Tierra Bomba Island): $25
- 2 hrs Tour in Cartagena Bay with Sunset View: $30
- 2-Hour Cartagena Bay Tour: $30
- 2-Hour Color and Art Tour in Getsemani: $65
- 2-Hour Private Tour of Bazurto Market: $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11Cartagena $9.17
Sample the Local Flavors in Cartagena
Also in Cartagena, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Open Bar Sunset Cruise with Bar Crawl After Party: $16
- Group Night Experience: Cartagena's Best Pub Crawl all included!: $21
- Pub Crawl with Dancing Lessons and Free Shots: $21
- Getsemaní Pub Crawl with Shots and Dance Class: $22
- Thursday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $24
- Cartagena Pub Crawl: Let's Party & Matching in Getsemaní: $24
- Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Friday Night Bar Crawl in Cartagena, Colombia: $25
- Centro Histórico Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $29
- Pub Crawl Only Locals Have Fun In The Walled City: $35
- Pub Crawl-Last Call For Alcohol-Cartagena Night Tour (Bar/Club) : $50
- Pub Crawl Nightlife in Cartagena : $60
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and Cartagena, we can see that Managua is more expensive. And not only is Cartagena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Managua is in Central America and Cartagena is in South 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 Cartagena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cartagena 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 Cartagena.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Managua Expensive? and Is Cartagena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Cartagena?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Cartagena. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Cartagena, 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 Cartagena?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Managua or Cartagena in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Managua as well as Cartagena. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cartagena throughout the year.
Managua receives a lot of rain in the summer. Managua usually gets more rain in July than Cartagena. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. In the summer, Managua often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 207 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Managua is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Managua in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Cartagena averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManagua 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Managua or Cartagena in the Autumn?
Both Cartagena and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cartagena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cartagena. It's quite rainy in Managua. In October, Managua usually receives more rain than Cartagena. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Managua usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during autumn. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 175 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Managua is generally around the same temperature as Cartagena. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManagua 27°C (81°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Managua or Cartagena in the Winter?
Both Cartagena 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cartagena year-round.
Managua usually gets less rain in January than Cartagena. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Cartagena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Managua. In the winter, Managua often gets less sunshine than Cartagena. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cartagena receives 278 hours of full sun.
Managua is around the same temperature as Cartagena in the winter. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Cartagena fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManagua 26°C (79°F)Cartagena 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Managua or Cartagena in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Cartagena. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Cartagena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Managua usually receives less rain than Cartagena. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cartagena receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cartagena this time of the year. In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. Managua usually receives more sunshine than Cartagena during spring. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Cartagena receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Managua is around the same temperature as Cartagena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Managua in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Cartagena averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManagua 29°C (84°F)Cartagena 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Cartagena and Managua
| Managua | Cartagena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.