Which place is cheaper, Valdivia or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Managua or Valdivia?
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 Valdivia can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Valdivia?
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.
Valdivia
Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManagua $55Valdivia $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in Valdivia is $69. 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 Valdivia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Valdivia $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Valdivia $80
Compare Hotels in Managua and Valdivia
Looking for a hotel in Managua or Valdivia? 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 Valdivia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Valdivia $8.08
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
- 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
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia
Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Valdivia?
Prices for flights to both Valdivia 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 $17Valdivia $21
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16Valdivia $13
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
- Leon City and Rum Tasting Tour from Managua: $215
- Managua City Tour: $88
- Managua City Tour: $84
- Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Tour: $189
- Managua Love Stories: A Walking Tour: $97
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $164
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $321
Tours and Activities in Valdivia
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.
- Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
- Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
- Private City Tour: $90
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11Valdivia $4.79
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and Valdivia, we can see that Valdivia 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 Valdivia 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 Valdivia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Valdivia 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 Valdivia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Valdivia?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Valdivia. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Valdivia, 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 Valdivia?
Valdivia 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 Valdivia in the Summer?
Both Valdivia and Managua are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
Managua is much warmer than Valdivia in the summer. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Valdivia fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Valdivia. Managua usually receives less sunshine than Valdivia during summer. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Managua. In July, Managua usually receives more rain than Valdiviain January. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryManagua 27°C (81°F)Valdivia 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Managua or Valdivia in the Autumn?
Both Valdivia 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.
In the autumn, Managua is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Managua in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Valdivia averages at about 11°C (52°F)in April.
In the autumn, Managua often gets more sunshine than Valdiviain April. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun.
Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually gets more rain in October than Valdiviain April. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilManagua 27°C (81°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Managua or Valdivia in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Valdivia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
In January, Managua is generally much warmer than Valdiviain July. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 26°C (79°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).
In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. Managua usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during winter. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.
Valdivia receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Managua usually receives less rain than Valdiviain July. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyManagua 26°C (79°F)Valdivia 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Managua or Valdivia in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Managua as well as Valdivia. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Managua is much warmer than Valdivia in the spring. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in October.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In the spring, Managua often gets more sunshine than Valdiviain October. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Valdivia. Managua usually gets less rain in April than Valdiviain October. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberManagua 29°C (84°F)Valdivia 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Valdivia and Managua
| Managua | Valdivia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 295 mm (11.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 297 mm (11.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 312 mm (12.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 247 mm (9.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 63 mm (2.5 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.