Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Managua or San Diego?
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 San Diego can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or San Diego?
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.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $55San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $202. 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 San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23San Diego $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Managua and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Managua or San Diego? 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 San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20San Diego $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
- Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- Private Transfer from Managua Augusto Airport to Corinto Port: $71
- Private Transfer from Managua City Hotels to Corinto Cruise Port: $71
- Transfer from and To Poneloya or Las Peñitas Beach- Leon, Nicaragua: $68
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241
- San Diego Airport (SAN): Private Transfer to San Diego: $190
- Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $178
- Private Transfer from Tijuana to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe: $151
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego hotel/address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to Carlsbad - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
- Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego by Executive SUV: $134
- RoundTrip transfer in private car from-to San DiegoAirport in San Diego Downtown: $127
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $121
- Private Transfer from San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Executive SUV: $115
- Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Luxury SUV: $115
- Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Luxury SUV: $115
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego 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 $17San Diego $45
Typical Food Prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16San Diego $48
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 San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $24
- "Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance!" Bar Tour (4 bars included): $33
- 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
- 1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego: $99
- 1-Hour Voodoo Escape Room Experience in San Diego: $35
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
- 1Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
- 4 Hour Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour or Rental: $87
- A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- All Day San Diego Scenic Tour: $125
- Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Balboa Park Puzzling Adventure: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11San Diego $21
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $133
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or San Diego?
San Diego has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Managua and San Diego, 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 San Diego?
San Diego 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 San Diego in the Summer?
Both San Diego and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Managua is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Managua in July average around 27°C (81°F), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. Managua usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Managua. In July, Managua usually receives more rain than San Diego. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManagua 27°C (81°F)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Managua or San Diego in the Autumn?
Both San Diego 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Diego because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Managua is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Managua often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManagua 27°C (81°F)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Managua or San Diego in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and San Diego. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
Managua is much warmer than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego 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 San Diego during winter. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Managua usually receives less rain than San Diego. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManagua 26°C (79°F)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Managua or San Diego in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Managua as well as San Diego. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Managua is much warmer than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Managua in April average around 29°C (84°F), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In the spring, Managua often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.
Managua usually gets less rain in April than San Diego. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManagua 29°C (84°F)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Managua
| Managua | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 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.