Which place is cheaper, Managua or Montego Bay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Montego Bay or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Montego Bay and Managua can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Montego Bay or Managua?
Montego Bay
As with most places around the tropical oasis of Jamaica, Montego Bay (or "MoBay") is an ideal place to visit for a Caribbean getaway. It is Jamaica's second largest city and the capital of St. James parish on the northern coast. Montego Bay is considered to be the tourist capital of the country and is where the largest airport is located, bringing in many international travelers.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMontego Bay $203Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Montego Bay is $203, while the average daily cost in Managua is $55. 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 Montego Bay and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMontego Bay $104Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMontego Bay $208Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Montego Bay and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Montego Bay or Managua? 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: Montego Bay Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Montego Bay $15Managua $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- MBJ Airport to Strawberry Hill Hotel & Spa Transfer: $243
- Private Transfer to Island Gully Falls: $240
- Black River and YS Falls Adventure with Transfer: $235
- Airport-Negril Hotels Transfers and Returns For 1- 4 persons: $230
- Private Transfer From Montego Bay Area or Airport MBJ to Kingston: $215
- Private Transfer to Kingston: $215
- Kingston Airport Transfer (Montego bay,Negril,Ocho rio): $214
- Iberostar Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $200
- Montego Bay Airport Transfer to Kingston Hotels: $195
- Negril Hotel Private Transfer Service: $190
- Sangster Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Ocho Rios: $186
- Zoetry Montego Bay Airport Transfers MBJ (Private Roundtrip Exclusive): $180
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: $65
- Transfer from and To Poneloya or Las Peñitas Beach- Leon, Nicaragua: $68
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
Is it cheaper to fly into Montego Bay or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Montego Bay 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 dayMontego Bay $84Managua $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Dinner or Lunch with Pickup from Montego Bay: $40
- Private Transportation to DINNER or NIGHT CLUBS: $55
- Lunch or Dinner with Pickup from Montego Bay : $81
- Night cruise and swim the Falmouth Mystic Lagoon, Dinner and Rum Punch Inclusive: $85
- Private Beach Day and Street Food Tour from Montego Bay: $130
- Rick’s Cafe Cliff Diving, Sunset & Dinner Tour with Transportation : $130
- Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Montego Bay: $147
- Sunset Boat Ride in the Falmouth Luminous Lagoon swim and Dinner : $165
- Houseboat Restaurant and Grill for Dinner Private Transportation : $180
- Private Sea-Food Tour & Floyds Pelican Bar from Montego Bay or ..: $185
- [PRIVATE] Premium Jamaican Food Tour of Local Cuisine: $190
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Montego Bay $32Managua $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montego Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Montego Bay are as follows:
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Admission to Doctor's Cave Beach$2.74
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$38
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$44
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- ATV Adventure to Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe: $220
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting, and Horseback Ride Tour From Montego Bay: $173
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Pelican Bar Customize Tour: $120
- Black River Day Adventure Tour: $92
- Blue Hole Adventure Tour : $120
- Catamaran Party Cruise and Snorkeling from Montego Bay: $220
- Dirt Adventure ATV from Montego Bay: $160
- Falmouth Mystic from Montego Bay Luminous Lagoon Night Tour: $90
- Floyds Pelican Bar Private Tour : $155
- Green Grotto Cave Private Tour: $115
- Horseback Riding and Tour from Montego Bay : $230
- Jetski Experience: $245
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMontego Bay $13Managua $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Montego Bay
Also in Montego Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Appleton Estate Admission Ticket & Distillery Tour with Tastings: $39
- Montego Bay Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $103
- Montego Bay Jamaica Rum Distillery Tour Private Driver: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montego Bay and Managua, we can see that Montego Bay is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands and Managua is in Central 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 Montego Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Montego Bay or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Montego Bay and Managua, 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 Montego Bay or Managua?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Montego Bay or Managua in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Montego Bay as well as Managua. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Managua. Montego Bay usually gets less rain in July than Managua. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. In the summer, Montego Bay often gets more sunshine than Managua. Montego Bay gets 257 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun.
In July, Montego Bay is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 28°C (82°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyMontego Bay 28°C (82°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Managua in the Autumn?
Both Managua and Montego Bay are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. It's quite rainy in Montego Bay. In October, Montego Bay usually receives less rain than Managua. Montego Bay gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. Montego Bay usually receives more sunshine than Managua during autumn. Montego Bay gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Montego Bay averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberMontego Bay 27°C (81°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Managua in the Winter?
Both Managua and Montego Bay during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
Montego Bay usually gets more rain in January than Managua. Montego Bay gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. In the winter, Montego Bay often gets less sunshine than Managua. Montego Bay gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Montego Bay is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Montego Bay in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Managua averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryMontego Bay 24°C (75°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Montego Bay or Managua in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montego Bay and Managua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Montego Bay year-round. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Montego Bay usually receives more rain than Managua. Montego Bay gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montego Bay usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during spring. Montego Bay gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Montego Bay is generally cooler than Managua. Daily temperatures in Montego Bay average around 25°C (77°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilMontego Bay 25°C (77°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Montego Bay
| Montego Bay | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 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.