Which place is cheaper, Mazatlan or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Managua or Mazatlan?
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 Mazatlan can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Mazatlan?
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.
Mazatlan
Mazatlan is located on the Pacific coast in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The city has a population of almost 500,000, making it the second largest city in the state. It is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful beaches and resort hotels. Most people head to Mazatlan specifically for its beaches, but the city itself is somewhat large and diverse with many different cultures and ethnicities represented. Many foreigners come here not only to vacation, but also to retire. You'll meet people from all over Europe, as well as Canada and the United States.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $55Mazatlan $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in Mazatlan is $79. 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 Mazatlan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Mazatlan $33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Mazatlan $66
Compare Hotels in Managua and Mazatlan
Looking for a hotel in Managua or Mazatlan? 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 Mazatlan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Mazatlan $21
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: $66
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mazatlan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mazatlan:
- Mazatlan Intl Airport (MZT): Private Transfer to Mazatlan: $296
- Private roundtrip airport to hotel transfer in Mazatlan: $262
- Mazatlan Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Mazatlan hotels: $236
- Private Airport-Hotel Transfer: $119
- Round transfer airport to hotel in Mazatlán: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Mazatlan?
Prices for flights to both Mazatlan 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 $17Mazatlan $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mazatlan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mazatlan.
- Mercado walking food tour: $78
- Mazatlan routes of taste food tour: $84
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Mazatlan: $84
- Tacos, Beer and Mezcal Food Tour in Mazatlan: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16Mazatlan $9.59
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 Mazatlan
Here are a few actual costs in Mazatlan for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Barrio Bites tour: $78
- Beach Activities and All Inclusive Tour: $58
- BeachBlast ATV's & City Tour: $99
- Bird Watching Mazatlán - Birding Tour: $115
- City Tour with Tequila Tasting & Beach Hotel Day Pass Included : $49
- From Zipline & ATV Adventure with Tequila Tasting: $210
- Half-Day Tour to Tequila Factory and Villages from Mazatlan: $75
- Half-Day Ziplining Experience from Mazatlán: $110
- Jungle and beach ATV tour + lunch + tequila tasting: $120
- Mazatlán: Beach & Jungle ATV Tour w/ Lunch & Tequila Tasting: $126
- Mazatlán: Tequila Factory & Country Sightseeing: $103
- Mazatlán: Zipline Adventure, Sightseeing & Mezcal Tasting: $128
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11Mazatlan $18
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and Mazatlan, we can see that Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Mazatlan?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Mazatlan. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Mazatlan, 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 Mazatlan?
Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Managua as well as Mazatlan. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Mazatlan because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Managua is around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Managua in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 29°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mazatlan. In the summer, Managua often gets less sunshine than Mazatlan. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 216 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Mazatlan. Managua receives a lot of rain in the summer. Managua usually gets less rain in July than Mazatlan. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManagua 27°C (81°F)Mazatlan 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Managua or Mazatlan in the Autumn?
Both Mazatlan and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Mazatlan this time of year.
In October, Managua is generally around the same temperature as Mazatlan. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and Mazatlan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Mazatlan. Managua usually receives less sunshine than Mazatlan during autumn. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Managua. In October, Managua usually receives more rain than Mazatlan. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManagua 27°C (81°F)Mazatlan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Managua or Mazatlan in the Winter?
Both Mazatlan 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. Also, many travelers come to Mazatlan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Managua is a little warmer than Mazatlan in the winter. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Mazatlan fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).
In Mazatlan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Managua. In the winter, Managua often gets more sunshine than Mazatlan. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mazatlan receives 203 hours of full sun.
Managua usually gets less rain in January than Mazatlan. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManagua 26°C (79°F)Mazatlan 20°C (67°F)
Should I visit Managua or Mazatlan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Mazatlan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Also, many visitors come to Mazatlan in the spring for the beaches.
In the spring, Managua is a little warmer than Mazatlan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Managua in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Mazatlan averages at about 22°C (72°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mazatlan 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 Mazatlan during spring. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Mazatlan receives 250 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Managua usually receives more rain than Mazatlan. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Mazatlan receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManagua 29°C (84°F)Mazatlan 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Mazatlan and Managua
| Managua | Mazatlan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 18 mm (0.7 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.