Which place is cheaper, Ottawa or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Managua or Ottawa?
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 Ottawa can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Ottawa?
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.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located on the Ontario side of the Ottawa River. A city of many ethnic populations, Ottawa is uniquely bilingual with English as the first language of the population's majority and French as a close second. It is best known as the nation's capital, which is centered on Parliament Hill, an architectural landmark as well as the seat of government.
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 Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $55Ottawa $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in Ottawa is $123. 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 Ottawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Ottawa $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Ottawa $36
Compare Hotels in Managua and Ottawa
Looking for a hotel in Managua or Ottawa? 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 Ottawa Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Ottawa $7.27
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ottawa
Also for Ottawa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Ottawa to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier Airport (YOW) - Departure Private Transfer: $66
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW Private Arrival/Departure Shuttle Transfer : $52
- Private Arrival Transfer from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport YOW: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Ottawa?
Prices for flights to both Ottawa 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 $17Ottawa $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical : $71
- Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $79
- Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour: $82
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16Ottawa $40
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
Tours and Activities in Ottawa
For Ottawa, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour: $59
- A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History: $6.99
- Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour: $82
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise: $133
- Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise: $85
- City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries: $75
- Explore Canada Through Ottawa's Eyes with Walking Tours Through The City: $6.68
- Full Day Montreal and Cruise Tour from Ottawa: $115
- Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour: $186
- Helicopter Private Tour Over Ottawa 70KM in 20 min : $150
- Hidden Ottawa Secrets Walking Tour: $25
- Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11Ottawa $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Ottawa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ottawa:
- Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and Ottawa, we can see that Ottawa 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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ottawa 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 Ottawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Ottawa?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?
Ottawa 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 Ottawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Ottawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
In July, Managua is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. Managua usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Managua usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManagua 27°C (81°F)Ottawa 21°C (71°F)
Should I visit Managua or Ottawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Managua as well as Ottawa. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Managua is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
In the autumn, Managua often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.
Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Managua usually gets more rain in October than Ottawa. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManagua 27°C (81°F)Ottawa 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Managua or Ottawa in the Winter?
Both Ottawa and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Ottawa. In the winter, Managua is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Managua in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually receives more sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Managua usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManagua 26°C (79°F)Ottawa -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Managua or Ottawa in the Spring?
Both Ottawa 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 April, Managua is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 29°C (84°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).
It's quite sunny in Managua. In the spring, Managua often gets more sunshine than Ottawa. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.
Managua usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManagua 29°C (84°F)Ottawa 6°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Ottawa and Managua
| Managua | Ottawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | -9°C (16°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 73 mm (2.9 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.