Which place is cheaper, Washington or Managua?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Managua or Washington?
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 Washington can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Managua or Washington?
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.
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
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 $55Washington $198
The average daily cost (per person) in Managua is $55, while the average daily cost in Washington is $198. 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 Washington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManagua $23Washington $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManagua $46Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Managua and Washington
Looking for a hotel in Managua or Washington? 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 Washington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Managua $20Washington $47
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 Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Washington, DC: Airport Transfer to/from DCA or IAD: $350
- Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Dulles Airport in Washington: $251
- Private Transfer To or Form Lorton and Dulles International Airport: $228
- Private Departure Transfer: Washington DC (any accommodation) to Dulles Airport: $218
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Car: $211
- Private Transfer to or from Springfield VA and Dulles Airport: $208
- Private transfer Service to or from Washington, DC and IAD: $208
- Private transfer to or form Arlington and Dulles International Airport: $200
- Washington to NY Kennedy Airport(JFK)- Departure Private Transfer: $199
- Private transfer to or from Vienna and Ronald Reagan National Airport: $195
- Private Airport Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $188
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $188
Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Washington?
Prices for flights to both Washington 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 $17Washington $38
Typical Food Prices in Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $69
- Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
- Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $85
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $98
- Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
- Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
- Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
- Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $144
- Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $152
- Private Traditional Filipino Cooking Class Near Washington DC : $154
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Managua $16Washington $24
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 Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour : $99
- 2 For 1! DC Highlights & Arlington Cemetery Tour Bundle: $84
- 2 Hour Guided Bike Tour of Capitol Hill: $55
- 2-Hour African American Heritage Tour in Washington DC: $25
- 2-Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour : $75
- 2-Hour National Mall Walking Tour from Washington DC: $25
- 4 Hours Washington Tour with Boat Cruise: $169
- A 9D Salt Cave Experience: $95
- A Self-Guided Tour of Washington DC's Monumental Marvels: $25
- Admission & Guided Tour of Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria: $99
- African American History Private Tour w/ Museum Entry: $450
- African American History Tour with Museum Admission: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManagua $11Washington $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
- From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
- Full-Day Private Virginia Wine Tour Experience from Washington : $242
- Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Managua and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Managua or Washington?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Washington, 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 Washington?
Washington 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 Washington in the Summer?
Both Washington 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, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year.
Managua is around the same temperature as Washington in the summer. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
It's quite sunny in Washington. Managua usually receives less sunshine than Washington during summer. Managua gets 175 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Managua. In July, Managua usually receives more rain than Washington. Managua gets 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManagua 27°C (81°F)Washington 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Managua or Washington in the Autumn?
Both Washington 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, many travelers come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Managua is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Managua in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Washington averages at about 60°F (15°C).
In the autumn, Managua often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Washington. Managua gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. Managua usually gets more rain in October than Washington. Managua gets 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManagua 27°C (81°F)Washington 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Managua or Washington in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Managua and Washington. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round. Also, many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Washington can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Managua is generally much warmer than Washington. Daily temperatures in Managua average around 26°C (79°F), and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).
In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. Managua usually receives more sunshine than Washington during winter. Managua gets 244 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Managua usually receives less rain than Washington. Managua gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManagua 26°C (79°F)Washington 35°F (1°C)
Should I visit Managua or Washington in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Managua as well as Washington. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Managua is much warmer than Washington in the spring. The daily temperature in Managua averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In the spring, Managua often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Washington. Managua gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun.
Managua usually gets less rain in April than Washington. Managua gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManagua 29°C (84°F)Washington 56°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Washington and Managua
| Managua | Washington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 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.