Which place is cheaper, San Francisco or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Managua or San Francisco?
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 Francisco can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or San Francisco?
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 Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $55San Francisco $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $222. 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 Francisco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23San Francisco $130
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Managua and San Francisco
Looking for a hotel in Managua or San Francisco? 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 Francisco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20San Francisco $16
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:
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Taxi to SFO$45
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Golden Gate Bridge Toll$6.00
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Alcatraz Tour$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco
Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to Cruise Terminal: $561
- Carmel 1-Way Transfer to/from San Francisco Airport: $535
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Sacramento: $414
- Napa Valley 1-Way Transfer to/from the San Francisco Airport: $400
- San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to San Francisco: $346
- San Francisco (SFO) to Calistoga Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $296
- Private Airport Transfer From SFO to Sonoma (One-way): $280
- Sedan Airport Transfer from SFO to East Bay (one way): $262
- Sedan Airport Transfer from Vallejo to SFO (one way): $259
- Arrival Private Transfer SFO Airport to San Francisco City by SUV: $245
- Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport in a SUV: $203
- San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Cruise Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer: $182
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or San Francisco?
Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 Francisco $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco
For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- San Francisco Virtual Food Tour with Local Guide: $19
- North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $79
- Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay: $82
- Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $84
- Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $85
- Farmers' Market & Ferry Building Food Tour: $87
- Mission District Walking Food Tour: $89
- Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco North Beach Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco North Beach and Chinatown - Secret Food Tours: $89
- San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16San Francisco $46
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 San Francisco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
- 2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- Private Walking Tour in Muir Woods and Tickets : $20
- "Summer of Love" tour in Haight-Ashbury in French: $63
- 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $73
- 2-Hour Double Decker City Tour of San Francisco: $73
- 2HR Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Loop GoCar Tour: $172
- 2hr - INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr - INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr PRIVATE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay 6 Guests: $695
- 3 in 1 Tour: Muir Woods, Sausalito & Half Day Wine Country Visit: $189
- 3-Hour Private Group San Francisco Open Top Jeep Tour: $249
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11San Francisco $22
Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:
- Chinatown San Francisco’s Bar Crawl: An Audio Tour: $4.99
- SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $27
- San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco: $49
- Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
- Private Wine Tour Napa or Sonoma from $99 per person up to 7 & Concierge Service: $99
- Small Group: The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $109
- Big Bus Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $125
- Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $126
- From The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
- The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 Francisco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or San Francisco?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 33% larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Managua and San Francisco, 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 Francisco?
San Francisco 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 Francisco in the Summer?
Both San Francisco 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, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Managua is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
It's quite rainy in Managua. In July, Managua usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManagua 27°C (81°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Managua or San Francisco in the Autumn?
Both San Francisco 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Francisco in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Managua is much warmer than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManagua 27°C (81°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Managua or San Francisco in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and San Francisco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Managua is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Managua in January average around 26°C (79°F), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).
In January, Managua usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManagua 26°C (79°F)San Francisco 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Managua or San Francisco in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Managua as well as San Francisco. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Managua is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 29°C (84°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
Managua usually gets less rain in April than San Francisco. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManagua 29°C (84°F)San Francisco 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for San Francisco and Managua
| Managua | San Francisco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 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.