Which place is cheaper, Punta Arenas or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Managua or Punta Arenas?
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 Punta Arenas can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Punta Arenas?
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.
Punta Arenas
Punta Arenas is in the far south of Chile and has a long history of maritime commerce, oil extraction, and sheep farming. It's the most populated city on the Strait of Magellan and has all the facilities you might need as a traveler, including banks, markets, drugstores and equipment shops. With a population of about 130,000, the city is a comfortable place to spend time. It serves as a base for Antarctic expeditions, although many expeditions also start in Ushuaia, Argentina, and Christchurch New Zealand.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Chile, and The Best Luxury Tours to Chile.
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Managua Prices
Nicaragua PricesPunta Arenas Prices
Chile Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $67Punta Arenas $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $67, while the average daily cost in Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Punta Arenas $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Punta Arenas $64
Compare Hotels in Managua and Punta Arenas
Looking for a hotel in Managua or Punta Arenas? 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 Punta Arenas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Punta Arenas $1.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $127
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- Nicaragua Private Transfer Service Managua and San Juan del Sur: $100
- Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $63
- From One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $59
- One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
- San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Managua: $57
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
- Granada: One way shared transfer to Managua: $39
- One way shared transfer to Leon: $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Punta Arenas
Also for Punta Arenas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales: $267
- Oneway Private Transfer from Punta Arenas Airport to Punta Arenas: $37
- Transfer Airport Punta Arenas : $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Punta Arenas?
Prices for flights to both Punta Arenas 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 $30Punta Arenas $36
Typical Food Prices in Punta Arenas
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Punta Arenas:
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Donut$1.05
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Dinner$25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16Punta Arenas $6.44
Tours and Activities in Managua
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.
- Granada + Boat ride+Handicraft Market+Catarina+ Lava tour: $120
- Granada lake +Colonial City + Lava tour Masaya volcano: $60
- 3 full day tour at Granada, Lava tour and Leon : $210
- Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $88
- Apoyo Lagoon + Lava tour: $48
- Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $155
- Complete Tour of Granada and Masaya: History, Beauty & Tradition: $115
- Discover the Best of Managua on a Private City Tour: $60
- Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
- Managua Capital City Private Tour: $90
- Managua City Tour: $98
- Managua City Tour: $84
Tours and Activities in Punta Arenas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Punta Arenas.
- Bike Tour in Punta Arenas, 100% local tour.: $70
- Cruises Shore Excursions : City tour Cruises Regular: $70
- For Cruise-ship passengers: Magdalena Island (Penguins): $200
- Fuerte Bulnes Shore Tour for Cruisers in Punta Arenas: $80
- Full day Torres del Paine from Punta Arenas ,Regular tours: $180
- Guided Tour of Punta Arenas and Fort Bulnes: $300
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $154
- King Penguin & Tierra del Fuego Tour: $154
- Magallanes National Reserve and Punta Arenas City Tour: $165
- Magdalena Island Penguin Boat Tour and Marta Island: $165
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $160
- Magdalena Island Penguin Tour by Boat from Punta Arenas: $160
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11Punta Arenas $4.86
Typical Alcohol Prices in Punta Arenas
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Punta Arenas:
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Alcohol$7.33
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and Punta Arenas, we can see that Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas is in South 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 Punta Arenas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Punta Arenas?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Punta Arenas. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Punta Arenas, 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 Punta Arenas?
Punta Arenas 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 Punta Arenas in the Summer?
Both Punta Arenas and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
In July, Managua is generally much warmer than Punta Arenasin January. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite sunny in Punta Arenas. Managua usually receives less sunshine than Punta Arenas during summer. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 208 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Managua. In July, Managua usually receives more rain than Punta Arenasin January. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManagua 27°C (81°F)Punta Arenas 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Managua or Punta Arenas in the Autumn?
Both Punta Arenas and Managua during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Managua is much warmer than Punta Arenas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F)in April.
In the autumn, Managua often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin April. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 119 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually gets more rain in October than Punta Arenasin April. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilManagua 27°C (81°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Managua or Punta Arenas in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Punta Arenas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Punta Arenas. In the winter, Managua is much warmer than Punta Arenas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Managua in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Punta Arenas averages at about 1°C (35°F)in July.
In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. Managua usually receives more sunshine than Punta Arenas during winter. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Punta Arenas receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Managua usually receives less rain than Punta Arenasin July. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyManagua 26°C (79°F)Punta Arenas 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Managua or Punta Arenas in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Managua as well as Punta Arenas. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Managua is generally much warmer than Punta Arenasin October. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 29°C (84°F), and Punta Arenas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In the spring, Managua often gets more sunshine than Punta Arenasin October. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Punta Arenas receives 183 hours of full sun.
Managua usually gets less rain in April than Punta Arenasin October. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Punta Arenas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberManagua 29°C (84°F)Punta Arenas 7°C (44°F)
Typical Weather for Punta Arenas and Managua
| Managua | Punta Arenas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 29 mm (1.1 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.