Which place is cheaper, Ponce or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Managua or Ponce?
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 Ponce can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Ponce?
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.
Ponce
Ponce is on the south coast of Puerto Rico. It's the second largest city on the island and has been around since 1692 when it was originally founded by Ponce de Leon's grandson Juan Ponce de Leon y Loayza. The city has several nicknames, including La Perla del Sur (The Pearl of the South), La Ciudad Senorial (The Noble, or Lordly, City), and La Ciudad de las Quenepas (Genip City).
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $55Ponce $205
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in Ponce is $205. 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 Ponce in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Ponce $151
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Ponce $302
Compare Hotels in Managua and Ponce
Looking for a hotel in Managua or Ponce? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Ponce $10
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ponce
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ponce:
- Double ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $279
- Single ATV Adventure: Private Hacienda Experience with Transfer: $189
- Transfer SJU Airport to Humacao and Nagüabo. Vice Versa One Way Trip: $185
- Vega Baja to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $170
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to Rio Grande hotel - Arrival Private Transfer: $109
- Rio Grande hotel to San Juan Airport (SJU) - Departure Private Transfer: $109
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port to San Juan hotels - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $92
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- San Juan Airport (SJU) to San Juan hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
- Aguadilla Hernandez Airport (BQN) to Isabela - RoundTrip Transfer: $87
- Private Transfer from San Juan City Hotels to Ponce Cruise Port: $79
- Transfer TO or FROM: Airport,Cruise,Hotel in DORADO or RIO GRANDE: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Ponce?
Prices for flights to both Ponce 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 $17Ponce $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ponce
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ponce.
- Private Cooking Class with a Fun Local in San German, Puerto Rico: $96
- Private Half-Day Food Tour : $130
- Private San Juan Cooking Class with a Local Expert: $146
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16Ponce $56
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 Ponce
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ponce are as follows:
- Half-Day El Yunque Rainforest Tour from Fajardo: $65
- Scuba Boat Diving Experience in Gilligan's Island at Copamarina: $160
- 1 Hour Historical UTV Tour in San Juan: $200
- 2-Hour Private UTV Can-Am Beach Tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico: $264
- 2.5-Hour Historical Walking Tour of Old San Juan: $65
- 5 hours Tour in La Parguera Private Boat Charter: $200
- 7 Hours River Tour with Beach and Learn to Make Piña Colada : $195
- 90 Minute Portrait Photoshoot Experience in the Caribbean: $129
- ATV Adventure at Hacienda Campo Rico: $136
- Adventure Trail Tour in the foothills of the National Rainforest: $110
- Afro-Boriken-Loiza: Food, Cave & Art Tour: $140
- All Inclusive Cordillera Cay’s Sailing Catamaran Beach & Snorkeling Tour: $150
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11Ponce $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Ponce
Also in Ponce, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Artisan Puertorrican Winery and Distillery Tour: $50
- Old San Juan Bar Crawl: Experience Local Hotspots: $65
- Local Puerto Rican Rum Distillery Tour - Ron Pepon: $90
- Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Tour: $99
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and Ponce, we can see that Ponce 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 Ponce is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Ponce would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ponce 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 Ponce Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Ponce?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ponce. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Ponce, 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 Ponce?
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 Ponce in the Summer?
Both Ponce 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 Ponce year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually gets more rain in July than Ponce. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Ponce, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Managua often gets less sunshine than Ponce. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 287 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Managua is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the summer temperatures in Managua in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Ponce averages at about 28°C (83°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyManagua 27°C (81°F)Ponce 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Managua or Ponce in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Ponce. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Ponce attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Ponce receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Managua usually receives more rain than Ponce. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ponce this time of the year. Managua usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during autumn. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 235 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Managua is generally around the same temperature as Ponce. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and Ponce fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManagua 27°C (81°F)Ponce 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Managua or Ponce in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Managua as well as Ponce. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ponce throughout the year.
Managua usually gets less rain in January than Ponce. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ponce. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In the winter, Managua often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ponce. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ponce receives 240 hours of full sun.
Managua is around the same temperature as Ponce in the winter. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Ponce fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManagua 26°C (79°F)Ponce 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Managua or Ponce in the Spring?
Both Ponce 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 Ponce because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Managua usually receives less rain than Ponce. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ponce receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Ponce. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually receives less sunshine than Ponce during spring. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Ponce receives 272 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Managua is around the same temperature as Ponce. Typically, the spring temperatures in Managua in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Ponce averages at about 26°C (79°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilManagua 29°C (84°F)Ponce 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for Ponce and Managua
| Managua | Ponce | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.