Which place is cheaper, New Orleans or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Managua or New Orleans?
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 New Orleans can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or New Orleans?
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.
New Orleans
New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, and it is a cultural city that is the home of jazz, unique cuisine, and Mardi Gras in the U.S. It was established in 1718 and is one of the oldest cities in the country. The culture of the city has a mix of French, Creole, African American, Caribbean, Irish, Haitian, German and Vietnamese. There's an energy and atmosphere that is unlike any place else.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $55New Orleans $239
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in New Orleans is $239. 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 New Orleans in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23New Orleans $125
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46New Orleans $250
Compare Hotels in Managua and New Orleans
Looking for a hotel in Managua or New Orleans? 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 New Orleans Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20New Orleans $51
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
- Private Transfer from Managua City Hotels to Corinto Cruise Port: $71
- Private Transfer from Managua Augusto Airport to Corinto Port: $71
- 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans
Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans
Also for New Orleans, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 25 Passenger New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $300
- One-Way Private New Orleans Arrival or Departure Transfer: $275
- Handicap New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $260
- Airport Transfer in New Orleans: $215
- Private Transfer from Port Of New of New Orleans Cruise: $210
- New Orleans Airport (MSY): Private Transfer to New Orleans: $209
- New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport MSY Round-Trip Private Transfer: $206
- New Orleans Airport One way Transfer to Baton Rouge or Slidell: $200
- 11 Passenger Executive Van: New Orleans Airport or Hotel Transfer: $197
- New Orleans Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Round-Trip Transfer : $164
- Private Transfer From New Orleans To Baton Rouge: $157
- Full-Day Whitney Plantation & Large Airboat Swamp Tour w/Transfer: $155
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or New Orleans?
Prices for flights to both New Orleans 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 $17New Orleans $45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New Orleans
For New Orleans, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cajun and Creole Cooking Class with Meal: $38
- New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
- Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
- Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
- Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
- French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans: $59
- The Premier New Orleans Food Tour: $77
- Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
- Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
- French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89
- New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
- Lower Garden District Food Tour: $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16New Orleans $55
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
- Managua City Tour: $84
- Managua City Tour: $88
- Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Tour: $191
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $323
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $164
- Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $53
- Masaya volcano Night Tour: $110
Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)$75
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Riverboat Cruise$70
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French Quarter City Tour$100
Tours and Activities in New Orleans
For New Orleans, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bom Creole Dining Experience w/ Pool and Louisiana Native Chef : $135
- Creole French Quarter Walking Tour: $30
- Walking Instagram Photo Tour in the French Quarter New Orleans: $27
- 2-Hour Guided French Quarter Vampire Walking Tour: $25
- 45 Minute Highlights Tour of the French Quarter: $23
- 90-Minute Jean Lafitte Swamp and Bayou Tour with Transportation: $57
- A Local's Private French Quarter Walking or Biking Tour : $175
- Adults-Only History, Ghost, Vampire, and Voodoo Walking Tour: $30
- Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour: $37
- Airboat Tour of Louisiana Swamps: $130
- Audio-Guided Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation: $90
- Automated Historical Ghost Bus Tour of New Orleans: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11New Orleans $60
Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:
- Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
- Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
- Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
- New Orleans Distillery Tour and Rum Tasting with Guide: $15
- Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
- Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
- New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
- Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $26
- Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl: $27
- New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
- True Crime Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $30
- Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and New Orleans, we can see that New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in New Orleans 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 New Orleans Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or New Orleans?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Managua and New Orleans, 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 New Orleans?
New Orleans 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 New Orleans in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and New Orleans. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Also, many visitors come to New Orleans in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Managua is around the same temperature as New Orleans in the summer. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and New Orleans fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in New Orleans this time of the year. Managua usually receives less sunshine than New Orleans during summer. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 264 hours of full sun in the summer.
New Orleans receives a lot of rain in the summer. Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Managua usually receives around the same amount of rain as New Orleans. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManagua 27°C (81°F)New Orleans 82°F (28°C)
Should I visit Managua or New Orleans in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Managua as well as New Orleans. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to New Orleans for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.
In the autumn, Managua is a little warmer than New Orleans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Managua in October average around 27°C (81°F), and New Orleans averages at about 69°F (21°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In the autumn, Managua often gets less sunshine than New Orleans. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 240 hours of full sun.
Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Managua usually gets more rain in October than New Orleans. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManagua 27°C (81°F)New Orleans 69°F (21°C)
Should I visit Managua or New Orleans in the Winter?
Both New Orleans and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to New Orleans because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Managua is generally much warmer than New Orleans. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 26°C (79°F), and New Orleans fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually receives more sunshine than New Orleans during winter. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while New Orleans receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in New Orleans. In January, Managua usually receives less rain than New Orleans. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManagua 26°C (79°F)New Orleans 51°F (11°C)
Should I visit Managua or New Orleans in the Spring?
Both New Orleans 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. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to New Orleans this time of year.
Managua is a little warmer than New Orleans in the spring. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and New Orleans fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
In New Orleans, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Managua. In the spring, Managua often gets around the same amount of sunshine as New Orleans. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while New Orleans receives 254 hours of full sun.
New Orleans gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Managua usually gets less rain in April than New Orleans. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while New Orleans receives 4.5 inches (114 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManagua 29°C (84°F)New Orleans 68°F (20°C)
Typical Weather for New Orleans and Managua
| Managua | New Orleans | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 5.8 inches (147 mm) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 62°F (16°C) | 5 inches (126 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 4.5 inches (114 mm) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 4.3 inches (110 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 80°F (27°C) | 5.9 inches (151 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 5.9 inches (149 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 82°F (28°C) | 6.2 inches (157 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 5.5 inches (140 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 69°F (21°C) | 3 inches (77 mm) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 61°F (16°C) | 4.8 inches (122 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 55°F (13°C) | 5.7 inches (146 mm) |
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.