Which place is cheaper, Leon or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Managua or Leon?
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 Leon can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Leon?
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.
Leon
Leon is one of the oldest city's in Nicaragua and you can see hints of its colonial past in the architecture around town. Tourism is not a major part of the economy in Leon, but the city is gaining popularity with budget travelers and backpackers and more recently tour groups are including Leon in their itinerary.
With a population of just over 200,000, Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua, after Managua. During the university season the population grows dramatically as there is a heavy presence of students in Leon. It is a popular university town, and this young population gives the city plenty of energy and entertainment.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $55Leon $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in Leon is $59. 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 Leon in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Leon $16
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Leon $32
Compare Hotels in Managua and Leon
Looking for a hotel in Managua or Leon? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Leon $1.51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $65
- 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 in Nicaragua: $110
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Leon?
Prices for flights to both Leon 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 $17Leon $12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leon
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leon.
- Tlakualli Food Tour: $19
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16Leon $5.81
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 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
Tours and Activities in Leon
Here are a few actual costs in Leon for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 6 Hours Sunset Private Guided Tour of Telica Volcano in León: $163
- A Stroll Through León’s Enchanting Streets: Romantic Walking Tour: $224
- Half Day Private Tour of Cerro Negro's Volcano Boarding: $35
- Half-Day Leon City Tour: $135
- Hike El Hoyo Volcano "Private Tour" : $67
- Horseback Riding Private Tour : $103
- Kayak Private tour at Juan Venado Island: $92
- Leon City Walking Private Tour : $48
- Old Leon and Asososca Lagoon Private Tour: $82
- Rum Tour & Chorotega Museum Experience: $62
- Somoto Canyon "Private Tour from Leon" : $154
- Telica Sunset Tour : $93
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11Leon $3.53
When comparing the travel costs between Managua and Leon, we can see that Leon is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Central America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Managua Expensive? and Is Leon Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Leon?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Leon. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Leon, 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 Leon?
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 Leon in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Managua as well as Leon. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Leon throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Leon. Managua receives a lot of rain in the summer. Managua usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Leon. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Leon 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 Leon. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 175 hours of full sun.
Managua is around the same temperature as Leon in the summer. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Leon fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManagua 27°C (81°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Managua or Leon in the Autumn?
Both Leon and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Leon because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Leon. It's quite rainy in Managua. In October, Managua usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leon. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Leon receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Managua usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leon during autumn. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Managua is around the same temperature as Leon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Managua in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Leon averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManagua 27°C (81°F)Leon 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Managua or Leon in the Winter?
Both Leon 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Leon year-round.
Managua usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Leon. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Leon receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Leon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Managua. In the winter, Managua often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Leon. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Leon receives 244 hours of full sun.
In January, Managua is generally around the same temperature as Leon. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 26°C (79°F), and Leon fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManagua 26°C (79°F)Leon 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Managua or Leon in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Leon. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Leon attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Managua usually receives around the same amount of rain as Leon. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Leon receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Leon this time of the year. In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. Managua usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Leon during spring. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Leon receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.
Managua is around the same temperature as Leon in the spring. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Leon fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManagua 29°C (84°F)Leon 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Leon and Managua
| Managua | Leon | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.