Which place is cheaper, Houston or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Managua or Houston?
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 Houston can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Houston?
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.
Houston
The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $55Houston $262
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in Houston is $262. 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 Houston in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Houston $142
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Managua and Houston
Looking for a hotel in Managua or Houston? 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 Houston Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Houston $72
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 Houston
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:
- William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $544
- Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): Transfer to Houston: $349
- George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Transfer: $194
- RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $168
- Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $168
- William P. Hobby Airport to Galveston Port Arrival Transfer: $168
- Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
- Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
- Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $109
- Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $108
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Houston?
Prices for flights to both Houston 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 $17Houston $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Houston.
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
- Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
- Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
- Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
- Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
- East Downtown Food Tour: $90
- Montrose Food Tour: $97
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16Houston $14
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
Tours and Activities in Houston
Here are a few actual costs in Houston for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $49
- 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
- Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
- Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
- Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Admission and Shuttle: $80
- Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $370
- Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $80
- Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
- Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $32
- Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
- Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11Houston $13
Sample the Local Flavors in Houston
Also in Houston, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
- Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
- 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
- Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and Houston, we can see that Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Houston 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 Houston Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Houston?
Houston has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Houston, 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 Houston?
Houston 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 Houston in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Managua as well as Houston. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Managua is around the same temperature as Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Managua in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).
It's quite rainy in Houston. Managua receives a lot of rain in the summer. Managua usually gets more rain in July than Houston. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManagua 27°C (81°F)Houston 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Managua or Houston in the Autumn?
Both Houston 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, the autumn months attract visitors to Houston because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In October, Managua is generally a little warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. It's quite rainy in Managua. In October, Managua usually receives more rain than Houston. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManagua 27°C (81°F)Houston 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Managua or Houston in the Winter?
Both Houston 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Houston this time of year.
Managua is much warmer than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).
Managua usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManagua 26°C (79°F)Houston 52°F (11°C)
Should I visit Managua or Houston in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Houston. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Managua is a little warmer than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Managua in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).
In April, Managua usually receives less rain than Houston. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManagua 29°C (84°F)Houston 70°F (21°C)
Typical Weather for Houston and Managua
| Managua | Houston | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 52°F (11°C) | 3.6 inches (91 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.1 inches (79 mm) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 3.1 inches (78 mm) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 76°F (25°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 6.4 inches (163 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 4.4 inches (113 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 4.2 inches (107 mm) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 4.1 inches (104 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 3.4 inches (87 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.