Which place is cheaper, Key West 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 Key West?
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 Key West can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Key West?
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.
Key West
Key West is both a city and an island as well as the southern most Florida Key. It is also the southern most city in the continental United States. The island is only about four miles long and one mile wide. The total land mass covers just 4.2 square miles. The most famous street in town is Duval Street, which runs just 1.1 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. There are 14 blocks. The size of the island doubled during the 1950s when many of the salt ponds along the eastern side of the island were filled in.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.
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Managua Prices
Nicaragua PricesKey West Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $67Key West $832
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $67, while the average daily cost in Key West is $832. 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 Key West in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Key West $132
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Key West $264
Compare Hotels in Managua and Key West
Looking for a hotel in Managua or Key West? 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 Key West Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Key West $51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer, Transportation, Shuttle and Tours : $30
- Airport transfer or hotels in managua Nicaragua: $35
- Granada: One way shared transfer to Managua: $39
- One way shared transfer to Leon: $39
- From One way shared transfer to Granada: $39
- From Leon: One way shared transfer to Managua: $39
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
- San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Managua: $57
- From One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $59
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $63
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Key West
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Key West:
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Rental Car for One Day$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key West
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Key West:
- Key West Int Airport (EYW) to Key West - Arrival Private Transfer: $163
- Key West to Key West Airport (EYW) - Departure Private Transfer: $163
- Key West Int Airport EYW to Key West Hotels Arrival Transfer: $155
- Key West hotels to Key West Int Airport (EYW) Departure Transfer: $155
- One Way Airport Transfer Service: $54
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Key West?
Prices for flights to both Key West 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 $30Key West $667
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Key West
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Key West.
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with Open Bar & Live Music: $74
- Cooking Show Chef Demonstration with Meal: $81
- Key West Sunset Cruise: Dinner, Live Music & Drinks Included: $84
- Southernmost Food & Cultural Walking Tour by Key West Food Tours: $90
- Key West Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise with Open Bar and Live Music: $100
- Secret Walking Food Tour: $115
- Sunset Sail Full Bar, Live Music & Dinner & Early Morning Snorkeling: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16Key West $33
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 Key West
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Key West are as follows:
- 2 Hour Key West Mini Catamaran Eco Tour: $285
- 2-Hour Live Music Guided Tour in Key West: $35
- Day Sailing Adventure in the Florida Marine Sanctuary: $99
- Day in Key West - Private SUV Tour From Miami: $1,300
- Florida Key West Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
- Florida Keys: Aquarium Encounters Day Tour with Lunch: $182
- Florida Keys: Dolphin Research Center Day Tour with Lunch: $182
- Florida Keys: Up The Keys Nature Tour: $128
- Fort East Martello Ghost Tour & VIP Robert the Doll Experience: $99
- From Dolphin Watching Tour with Lunch & Drinks: $150
- From Sandbar Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar (18+): $151
- Full-Day Tour of Florida Keys Including Aquarium Encounters from Key West: $169
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11Key West $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Key West
Also in Key West, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Key West Bar Crawl: $15
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl and Ghost Tour with Free T-Shirt: $32
- Bone Island Haunted Pub Crawl: $32
- Key West Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- Haunted Pub Crawl Walking Tour: $35
- 2.5-Hour Duval Street Pub Crawl: $43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and Key West, we can see that Key West 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 Key West 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West 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 Key West Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Key West?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Key West, 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 Key West?
Key West 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 Key West in the Summer?
Both Key West 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. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Managua is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the summer temperatures in Managua in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Key West averages at about 84°F (29°C).
In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Managua often gets less sunshine than Key West. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 328 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually gets more rain in July than Key West. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManagua 27°C (81°F)Key West 84°F (29°C)
Should I visit Managua or Key West in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Key West. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Key West this time of year.
In October, Managua is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and Key West fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. Managua usually receives less sunshine than Key West during autumn. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 258 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Key West receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Managua usually receives more rain than Key West. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManagua 27°C (81°F)Key West 80°F (27°C)
Should I visit Managua or Key West in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Managua as well as Key West. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Managua is a little warmer than Key West in the winter. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Key West fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. 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 Key West. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 252 hours of full sun.
Managua usually gets less rain in January than Key West. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManagua 26°C (79°F)Key West 70°F (21°C)
Should I visit Managua or Key West in the Spring?
Both Key West and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Key West in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Managua is a little warmer than Key West. Typically, the spring temperatures in Managua in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Key West averages at about 77°F (25°C).
It's quite sunny in Key West. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually receives less sunshine than Key West during spring. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 326 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Managua usually receives less rain than Key West. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManagua 29°C (84°F)Key West 77°F (25°C)
Typical Weather for Key West and Managua
| Managua | Key West | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 70°F (21°C) | 1.7 inches (43 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 71°F (21°C) | 1.4 inches (36 mm) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 1.7 inches (42 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 77°F (25°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 81°F (27°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 84°F (29°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 83°F (29°C) | 5.7 inches (144 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.1 inches (129 mm) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 76°F (24°C) | 2 inches (50 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 72°F (22°C) | 1.4 inches (35 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.