A Travel Price Comparison for Nicaragua Managua vs. Granada for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Managua or Granada?

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

Where Should I go: Managua or Granada?

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.

Granada

Granada is Nicaragua's oldest colonial city, and arguably, the most beautiful city in the country. It sits on the northern edge of Lake Nicaragua (Lago Cocibolca) and has many beautifully colored buildings and nice churches. The city's beauty and colonial architecture, along with its relative safety and accessibility, make it one of Nicaragua's top tourist destinations. The city has long been a center for commerce, but today its economy depends heavily on tourism. The city is the sixth largest in Nicaragua and a real estate boom in the early 2000's brought a large number of expats to the town.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, and The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Granada 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 Granada is $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 Granada in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Managua $23
    Granada $17
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Managua $46
    Granada $34
Compare Hotels in Managua and Granada

Looking for a hotel in Managua or Granada? 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 Granada


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 Granada Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Managua $20
    Granada $8.59

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 Granada?

Prices for flights to both Granada 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
    Granada $14

Typical Food Prices in Granada

Some typical examples of dining costs in Granada are as follows:


  • Pizza
    $2.29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Managua $16
    Granada $10

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Granada

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Granada are as follows:


  • Lago de Nicaragua Boat Tour
    $8.19

Tours and Activities in Granada

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Granada are as follows:

  • Bird Watching Tour: $90
  • Boat Tour and Granada City Tour: $120
  • Charming Granada Outdoor "Private Tour" : $92
  • Experience Granadas Best Sights Carriage ride + Local Guide: $65
  • Fabulous Night Tour in Masaya Volcano from Granada: $160
  • From Full-Day Tour to 6 Attractions with Lunch incl: $125
  • Full Day Tour in Granada with Volcano Visit: $226
  • Full Day Tour to Pueblos Blancos + Laguna + Masaya from Granada: $120
  • Full-Day Tour: Masaya Volcano, Art Market and White Villages: $60
  • Granada City Tour: $40
  • Granada Colonial City Tour and Masaya Volcano: $130
  • Granada Kayak Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Managua $11
    Granada $7.52

Typical Alcohol Prices in Granada

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Granada:


  • Tequila
    $1.36


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

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


Which is Bigger, Managua or Granada?

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

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 Granada in the Summer?

Both Granada 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Granada year-round.

Granada gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Granada. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Granada receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the summer, Managua often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Granada. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 175 hours of full sun.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Managua 27°C (81°F) 
    Granada 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Managua or Granada in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Granada. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Granada attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Granada receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Managua usually receives around the same amount of rain as Granada. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Granada receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Managua usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Granada during autumn. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Managua is around the same temperature as Granada in the autumn. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Granada fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Managua 27°C (81°F) 
    Granada 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Managua or Granada in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Managua as well as Granada. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Granada throughout the year.

Managua usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Granada. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Granada receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In the winter, Managua often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Granada. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 244 hours of full sun.

In the winter, Managua is around the same temperature as Granada. Typically, the winter temperatures in Managua in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Granada averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Managua 26°C (79°F) 
    Granada 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Managua or Granada in the Spring?

Both Granada and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Granada because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In April, Managua usually receives around the same amount of rain as Granada. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Granada receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

It's quite sunny in Granada. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Granada during spring. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Managua is generally around the same temperature as Granada. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 29°C (84°F), and Granada fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Managua 29°C (84°F) 
    Granada 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Granada and Managua

Managua Granada
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)