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

Should you visit Managua or Cordoba?

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 Cordoba can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Managua or Cordoba?

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.

Cordoba

Cordoba is the capital of the Cordoba province and the second largest city in all of Argentina. The city is in a beautiful setting surrounded by valleys and hills. Within the city you will find many colonial buildings and beautiful architecture. Cordoba also has many universities and scientific institutes, giving it the nickname "La Docta." Because of the large number of students, Cordoba's population is young and active, which keeps the atmosphere light and fun.

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 Argentina, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Cordoba or Managua?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in Cordoba is $8.40. 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 Cordoba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Managua $23
    Cordoba $3.05
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Managua $46
    Cordoba $6.10
Compare Hotels in Managua and Cordoba

Looking for a hotel in Managua or Cordoba? 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 Managua


Hotels in Cordoba


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 Cordoba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Managua $20
    Cordoba $2.08

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $0.01

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

Also for Cordoba, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer in private minivan from Cordoba to Ingeniero Ambrosio Taravella Airport: $61

Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Cordoba?

Prices for flights to both Cordoba 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Managua $17
    Cordoba $3.83

Typical Food Prices in Cordoba

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


  • Empanadas
    $0.01
  • Sandwich
    $0.00
  • Ice Cream
    $0.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Managua $16
    Cordoba $1.88

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

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cordoba.

  • Alta Gracia: Unveiling Cordoba's Cultural Heritage Tour: $48
  • Córdoba CityTour FULLDAY x 2 pax: $60
  • Córdoba: Villa Carlos Paz Tour: $59
  • Caroya WineTour x 2 Pax: $60
  • Cordoba City Tour: $50
  • Cordoba City Tour with Optional Jesuitic Square: $60
  • Cordoba Cumbrecita Tour with Spanish Speaking Guide: $88
  • Cordoba Jesuit Legacy Tour: $87
  • Cumbrecita Tour: $88
  • El Inicio WineTour x 2 Pax (History and Wines): $85
  • Exploring Villa Carlos Paz: Guided Sightseeing Tour: $50
  • Full Day Jesuit Legacy Tour from Cordoba: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Managua $11
    Cordoba $1.48

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cordoba:

  • Full-Day Private Colonia Caroya Wine Tour from Córdoba: $120
  • Wine Tour Privado - Colonia Caroya: $130
  • Wine Tour Privado - Calamuchita: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and Cordoba, we can see that Managua is more expensive. And not only is Cordoba much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Managua is in Central America and Cordoba 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 Cordoba would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cordoba 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 Cordoba.

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


Which is Bigger, Managua or Cordoba?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Cordoba, 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 Cordoba?

Cordoba 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 Cordoba in the Summer?

Both Cordoba and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

Managua is much warmer than Cordoba in the summer. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Cordoba fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Cordoba. Managua usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during summer. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 277 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Managua. In July, Managua usually receives more rain than Cordobain January. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Managua 27°C (81°F) 
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Managua or Cordoba in the Autumn?

Both Cordoba and Managua during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Managua is much warmer than Cordoba. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Managua in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Cordoba averages at about 16°C (61°F)in April.

In the autumn, Managua often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cordobain April. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 196 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually gets more rain in October than Cordobain April. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Managua 27°C (81°F) 
    Cordoba 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Managua or Cordoba in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Cordoba. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

In January, Managua is generally around the same temperature as Cordobain July. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 26°C (79°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. Managua usually receives more sunshine than Cordoba during winter. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 189 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Managua usually receives less rain than Cordobain July. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Managua 26°C (79°F) 
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Managua or Cordoba in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Managua as well as Cordoba. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Managua is much warmer than Cordoba in the spring. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Cordoba fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In the spring, Managua often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cordobain October. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 243 hours of full sun.

Managua usually gets less rain in April than Cordobain October. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Managua 29°C (84°F) 
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Cordoba and Managua

Managua Cordoba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)