Which place is cheaper, La Paz or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Managua or La Paz?
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 La Paz can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or La Paz?
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.
La Paz
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It has a population of about 215,000 people and is a significant commercial center for the region. The city has a good economy and a high standard of living when compared to much of Mexico. Much of the economy is focused on eco-tourism and there are many protected marine environments in the area.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $55La Paz $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in La Paz is $118. 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 La Paz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23La Paz $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46La Paz $104
Compare Hotels in Managua and La Paz
Looking for a hotel in Managua or La Paz? 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 La Paz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20La Paz $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
- 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
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Paz
Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Paz:
- La Paz Airport: Private Roundtrip Transfer to La Ventan: $259
- Private Transfer from La Paz to Cabo San Lucas: $240
- La Paz Int. Airport (LAP): Private Transfer to La Paz hotels: $174
- La Paz Airport to Costa Baja Private Roundtrip Transfer: $89
- Roundtrip Transfer to La Paz International Airport: $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or La Paz?
Prices for flights to both La Paz 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 $17La Paz $38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Paz
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in La Paz.
- 4 Hours of Guided La Paz Street Food Tour: $81
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16La Paz $13
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 La Paz
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Paz are as follows:
- 1 Day Espiritu Santo Island Wonders, Sea Lions and Paddleboard Adventure : $249
- 3 Hour La Paz Whale Shark Snorkeling Experience: $244
- Adventure to Espiritu Santo Island: Snorkel with Sea Lions and Beach: $131
- Balandra & San Rafaelito: Sightseeing & Snorkelling: $135
- Balandra Beach and City Tour: $128
- Balandra Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $135
- Can-Am X3 Turbo Adventure: Cabo Desert Trails & Beach Ride: $291
- City Tour & Beaches from La Paz: $91
- Cruise Date Delight! Swim with Sea Lions! Apr-02: $186
- Espíritu Santo Island snorkel and sightseeing tour on Small Group: $167
- Espiritu Santo Island Day Tour: $170
- Espiritu Santo Island Snorkel & Sea Lion Adventure: $145
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11La Paz $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and La Paz, we can see that La Paz 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 La Paz 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 La Paz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Paz 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 La Paz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or La Paz?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of La Paz. When comparing the sizes of Managua and La Paz, 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 La Paz?
La Paz 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 La Paz in the Summer?
Both La Paz 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, many visitors come to La Paz in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Managua is cooler than La Paz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Managua in July average around 27°C (81°F), and La Paz averages at about 30°C (86°F).
In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Managua often gets less sunshine than La Paz. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 287 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually gets more rain in July than La Paz. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManagua 27°C (81°F)La Paz 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Managua or La Paz in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and La Paz. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Also, most visitors come to La Paz for the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Managua is generally around the same temperature as La Paz. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and La Paz fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. Managua usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during autumn. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 272 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Managua usually receives more rain than La Paz. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManagua 27°C (81°F)La Paz 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Managua or La Paz in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Managua as well as La Paz. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to La Paz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Managua is a little warmer than La Paz in the winter. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and La Paz fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In the winter, Managua often gets more sunshine than La Paz. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Paz receives 200 hours of full sun.
Managua usually gets less rain in January than La Paz. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManagua 26°C (79°F)La Paz 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Managua or La Paz in the Spring?
Both La Paz 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, the beaches are the main draw to La Paz this time of year.
In the spring, Managua is a little warmer than La Paz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Managua in April average around 29°C (84°F), and La Paz averages at about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in La Paz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually receives less sunshine than La Paz during spring. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while La Paz receives 292 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Managua usually receives more rain than La Paz. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while La Paz receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManagua 29°C (84°F)La Paz 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for La Paz and Managua
| Managua | La Paz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 30°C (87°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
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.