A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Managua vs. Seattle for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Managua or Seattle?

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 Seattle can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Managua or Seattle?

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.

Seattle

Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Seattle or Managua?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in Seattle 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 Seattle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Managua $23
    Seattle $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Managua $46
    Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Managua and Seattle

Looking for a hotel in Managua or Seattle? 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.

Hotels in Managua


Hotels in Seattle


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 Seattle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Managua $20
    Seattle $30

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 Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure 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
  • Transfer from and To Poneloya or Las Peñitas Beach- Leon, Nicaragua: $68
  • Private Transfer from Managua Augusto Airport to Corinto Port: $71
  • Private Transfer from Managua City Hotels to Corinto Cruise Port: $71
  • Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
  • Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:


  • Lightrail from Airport (for 2)
    $5.50
  • Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:

  • Smith Cove Terminal: Private Transfer to Seattle hotels: $310
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport(SEA): Transfer to Smith Cove Terminal: $310
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA): Private Transfer to Seattle: $267
  • Seattle, WA: Seaplane transfer to Vancouver, BC: $265
  • Private Transfer Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle center or port by Minibus or SUV: $195
  • From Seattle Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $175
  • From Seattle Airport - Transfer to Hotel & Homes: $175
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Seattle Airport (SEA) -Seattle Downtown: $171
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport to Summit at Snoqualmie Arrival Transfer: $153
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Smith Cove Terminal - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $149
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
  • From Snoqualmie Falls and Wineries Tour w/ Transfer: $145

Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Seattle?

Prices for flights to both Seattle 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 day
    Managua $17
    Seattle $51

Typical Food Prices in Seattle

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:


  • Expresso & cookie at Pier 70
    $7.00
  • Cashews at Pike Place Market
    $6.00
  • 6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market
    $3.25
  • Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)
    $21
  • Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)
    $32
  • Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)
    $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.

  • Secret Food Tours Seattle: $65
  • Seattle Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours: $67
  • Eat Around the World Seattle Food Tour: $69
  • International District Food Tour: $69
  • Street Food Tour of South Lake Union: $75
  • Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $85
  • Pike Place Market Food Tour: $99
  • Small Group Cooking Class: $138
  • Private Seattle Cooking Class with a Chef in Her Home: $198

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Managua $16
    Seattle $16

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 Seattle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:

  • 3 Hour Seattle City Tour: $90
  • 2 Hour Seattle City Snapshots Tour: $85
  • 2 Hour Sound Tour: $98
  • 2-Hour Seattle Sailing Harbor Tour: $45
  • 3 Hours Electric Bike Tour of Seattle's Waterways, Nature and Neighborhoods: $87
  • 5-hour Seattle and Suburbs Attractions Tour: $185
  • Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour: $29
  • Best of Seattle Small Group Walking Tour W/ Space Needle: $244
  • Boeing Factory Tour with Guided Transport from Seattle: $125
  • Chef Guided Happy Hour Tour - Cocktails, Bubbles and Bites: $140
  • CitySightseeing Seattle Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras: $43
  • Customized Mount Rainier Tour from Seattle: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Managua $11
    Seattle $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:

  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
  • Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour : $40
  • Woodinville Wine Country: Downtown Wine Tasting Pass: $65
  • Woodinville Wine Country: Artisan Hill Wine Tasting Pass: $65
  • Brewery and Restaurant Tour of Historic Seattle Neighborhood: $109
  • Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour : $120
  • From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $262
  • Snoqualmie Falls + Wine Tasting: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour: $263


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Managua or Seattle?

Managua has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

Seattle 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 Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle 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. Also, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Managua is generally a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 27°C (81°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Managua often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Managua 27°C (81°F) 
    Seattle 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Managua or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Seattle. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Also, many visitors come to Seattle 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 Seattle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Managua usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Managua usually receives more rain than Seattle. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Managua 27°C (81°F) 
    Seattle 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Managua or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Managua as well as Seattle. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Managua is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Managua in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Seattle averages at about 42°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In the winter, Managua often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Seattle. Managua usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Managua 26°C (79°F) 
    Seattle 42°F (5°C)

Should I visit Managua or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Seattle because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Managua is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 29°C (84°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during spring. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Managua usually receives less rain than Seattle. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Managua 29°C (84°F) 
    Seattle 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Seattle and Managua

Managua Seattle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 42°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 45°F (7°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
May 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 67°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 67°F (19°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 47°F (8°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 42°F (6°C) 6 inches (152 mm)