Which place is cheaper, Manaus or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Managua or Manaus?
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 Manaus can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Manaus?
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.
Manaus
Manaus is a Brazilian city, capital of the state of Amazonas, and is located on the Rio Negro a few miles before it meets the Rio Solimões to form the Amazon River. The city is a major departure point for those visiting the Amazon Rainforest, though there are a few sights worth seeing within the city itself as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Tours for Seniors to Brazil, and The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $55Manaus $59
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in Manaus 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 Manaus in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Manaus $42
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Manaus $84
Compare Hotels in Managua and Manaus
Looking for a hotel in Managua or Manaus? 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 Manaus Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Manaus $7.94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manaus
Also for Manaus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Eduardo Gomes International Airport: $72
- Manaus Airport(MAO) to Manaus hotels- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $46
- Transfer from Manaus Airport to Manaus City: $40
- Transfers from the airport to any place in Manaus City: $40
- Private Transfer - Airport - Hotel / Hotel - Airport: $35
- Manaus private Airport transfer: $30
- Manaus hotels to Manaus Airport(MAO) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Manaus Airport (MAO) to Manaus hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $24
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Manaus to Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Ponta Pelada Airport (PLL) to Manaus - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Manaus?
Prices for flights to both Manaus 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
-
Food Meals for one dayManagua $17Manaus $12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manaus
For Manaus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Folklore Amazonian Dinner Show: $42
- Food Tour: $50
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16Manaus -
Tours and Activities in Managua
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.
- 3 full days PRIVATE tour at Granada, Masaya and Leon area from Managua: $210
- Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $88
- Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $155
- Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
- Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
- Leon City and Rum Tasting Tour from Managua: $215
- Managua City Tour: $88
- Managua City Tour: $84
- Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Tour: $189
- Managua Love Stories: A Walking Tour: $97
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $164
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $321
Tours and Activities in Manaus
For Manaus, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Adventure: 4-hour hike in the Amazon rainforest: $150
- Amazon Experience: meet a native village and swim with porpoises: $80
- Amazon Jungle Experience with Overnight: $300
- Amazon Jungle: 3- or 4-Day Tour at Ipanema River Guest House: $200
- Amazon Negro River Half-Day Expedition Tour: $55
- Amazon Private Safari by Tuhiri Eco Tour - Leaving Manaus: $199
- Amazon River Stand Up Paddling Tour: $124
- Amazon and Negro Rivers Experience with Night Exploration Tour: $300
- City Tour Plus Amazon River Tour: $100
- City Tour in Manaus at Teatro Amazonas and Praça da Matriz: $50
- City Tour no Centro Histórico de Manaus com um fotógrafo: $91
- From Manaus Cruise Terminal: Amazon Rainforest Highlights: $150
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11Manaus $2.84
When comparing the travel costs between Managua and Manaus, we can see that Manaus 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. Even though Managua is in Central America and Manaus is in South America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Managua Expensive? and Is Manaus Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Manaus?
Manaus has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Manaus, 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 Manaus?
Manaus 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 Manaus in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Manaus. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
In the summer, Managua is around the same temperature as Manaus. Typically, the summer temperatures in Managua in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Manaus averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.
Managua usually receives more sunshine than Manaus during summer. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Manaus receives 114 hours of full sun in the summer.
Manaus receives a lot of rain in the summer. Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Managua usually receives less rain than Manausin January. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 264 mm (10.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManagua 27°C (81°F)Manaus 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Managua or Manaus in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Managua as well as Manaus. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Managua is generally around the same temperature as Manausin April. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and Manaus fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In the autumn, Managua often gets more sunshine than Manausin April. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manaus receives 112 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Manaus. Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Managua usually gets less rain in October than Manausin April. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 311 mm (12.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilManagua 27°C (81°F)Manaus 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Managua or Manaus in the Winter?
Both Manaus and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
Managua is around the same temperature as Manaus in the winter. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Manaus fluctuates around 28°C (82°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Manaus. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually receives more sunshine than Manaus during winter. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Manaus receives 214 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Managua usually receives less rain than Manausin July. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 85 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyManagua 26°C (79°F)Manaus 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Managua or Manaus in the Spring?
Both Manaus and Managua during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Managua is around the same temperature as Manaus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Managua in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Manaus averages at about 29°C (84°F)in October.
It's quite sunny in Managua. In the spring, Managua often gets more sunshine than Manausin October. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manaus receives 171 hours of full sun.
Manaus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Managua usually gets less rain in April than Manausin October. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Manaus receives 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberManagua 29°C (84°F)Manaus 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manaus and Managua
| Managua | Manaus | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 264 mm (10.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 311 mm (12.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.8 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.6 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.