Which place is cheaper, Lima or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Managua or Lima?
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 Lima can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $55Lima $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in Lima is $77. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Lima $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Managua and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Managua or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Lima $5.73
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Taxi Ride$5.43
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Short Taxi Ride$4.07
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Private Transfer From Lima To Paracas With 2 Stops : $176
- Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers: $150
- Round-Trip Transfer in Private Minivan from-to Lima Airport (LIM) in Lima City: $122
- Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $119
- Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
- Lima round trip transfers airport - hotel - airport + City Tour: $89
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima city hotels: $87
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port: $87
- Lima Airport Arrival Transfer for small groups: $79
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port : $79
- Private Largevan Transfer - Arrival Lima Airport to Hotel: $70
- Lima J Chavez Airport to Lima Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $17Lima $18
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.34
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Ice cream$3.53
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Coffee$2.99
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Donut$0.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
- Lima Night Food Tour: $48
- Lima Market Food Tour: $52
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16Lima $8.66
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
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Movie Tickets$2.31
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Lima bike and 5 Step Food Tasting Experience: $92
- Lima in 1 Day! - City Tour + Miraflores, Barranco & San Isidro: $85
- Tour to Historical Places in Lima: $30
- Cultural Tour of the city of Lima & Gastronomic: $62
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
- 2d/1n Tour: Flight to the Nazca, Paracas and Huacachina Lines: $289
- 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
- 3 Day Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $159
- 3-Day Trip to Lima Tour Package: $150
- 3-Hour Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide in Lima: $51
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11Lima $5.63
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.30
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Beer$4.07
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Cocktail$3.26
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Party tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl Lima: $20
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
- Local Wine Tour: $50
- Ballestas Islands + Huacachina Oasis + Wine Tour !! The best price: $226
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and Lima, we can see that Lima 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 Lima is in South 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 Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima 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 Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Lima, 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 Lima?
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 Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima 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 Lima year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually gets more rain in July than Lima. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Managua often gets more sunshine than Lima. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
Managua is much warmer than Lima in the summer. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManagua 27°C (81°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Managua or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Lima. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Managua usually receives more rain than Lima. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Managua usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Managua is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Managua in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Lima averages at about 19°C (66°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManagua 27°C (81°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Managua or Lima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Managua as well as Lima. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
Managua usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lima. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In the winter, Managua often gets more sunshine than Lima. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
In January, Managua is generally a little warmer than Lima. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 26°C (79°F), and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManagua 26°C (79°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Managua or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima 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 Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Managua usually receives more rain than Lima. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually receives more sunshine than Lima during spring. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
Managua is a little warmer than Lima in the spring. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManagua 29°C (84°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Managua
| Managua | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.