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

Should you visit Managua or David?

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

Where Should I go: Managua or David?

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.

David

In the Pacific West of Panama, David is the capital city of Chiriqui province. The city's population of almost 150,000 is among the wealthiest in the country. There is a well established middle class and unemployment remains low in the area. The area has grown rapidly in recent years with growing commercial and banking sectors. The city is well connected to the rest of the country by the Pan American Highway.

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 Panama, and The Best Budget Tours to Panama.


Which place is cheaper, David 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 David is $32. 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 David in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Managua $23
    David $12
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Managua $46
    David $24
Compare Hotels in Managua and David

Looking for a hotel in Managua or David? 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 David


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 David Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Managua $20
    David $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
  • San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
  • Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
  • Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
  • Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or David?

Prices for flights to both David 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
    David $10

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Managua $16
    David $4.39

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
  • Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $75
  • PRIVATE Day trip Granada Isletas +Colonial City tour from Managua: $80
  • Masaya Volcano Night Tour The Impressive Power of Nature: $80
  • Managua City Tour: $84
  • PRIVATE Boat tour + Granada City +Masaya Volcano Night Tour : $85
  • full tour Somoto Canyon Nicaragua: $86
  • Managua City Tour: $88

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Managua $11
    David -


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

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


Which is Bigger, Managua or David?

Managua has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of David. When comparing the sizes of Managua and David, 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.