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

Should you visit Montevideo 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 Montevideo 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: Montevideo or Managua?

Montevideo

As the morning sun tinges the calm waters of the Rio de la Plata with a golden hue, the Rambla and its city awakens to life with new adventures for those near and far. From tanning on the luxurious beaches to peering into Uruguayan history at local museums, one can be far from bored while staying in Montevideo. Combining the quaintness of the countryside with the excitement of urban life, this city holds a unique trait that cannot easily be replicated.

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 Cultural Tours in Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Uruguay, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Managua or Montevideo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Montevideo is $63, 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 Montevideo and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montevideo $39
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montevideo $78
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Montevideo and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Montevideo 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.

Hotels in Montevideo


Hotels in Managua


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: Montevideo Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montevideo $7.32
    Managua $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montevideo

Also for Montevideo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from or to Carrasco Airport in Montevideo: $120
  • Carrasco Airport MVD to Montevideo Hotels Round Trip Transfer: $98
  • Carrasco International Airport (MVD) to Montevideo hotels - Round-Trip Transfer: $98
  • Private Transfer - Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Punta Del Este Port: $85
  • TRANSFER FROM OR TO THE AIRPORT (4 to 12 paxs): $80
  • Private Transfer from Carrasco Airport MVD to Punta Del Este Port: $72
  • Private Transfer from Punta Del Este Port to Carrasco Airport MVD: $72
  • 1 - way - Transfer from Carrasco Interational Airport to Montevideo: $51
  • Carrasco Airport (MVD) to Montevideo - Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Transfer from Montevideo to Carrasco Airport: $45
  • Private 1-Way or Round Trip MVD Airport Transfer: $45
  • Airport-Hotel or Hotel-Airport Transfers: $36

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Montevideo or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Montevideo 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
    Montevideo $13
    Managua $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montevideo

For Montevideo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The best Montevideo Dinner Show. Tango and Candombe. El Milongon.: $85
  • El Milongon Dinner & Show: Candombe, Tango & Folklore in Montevideo: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montevideo $21
    Managua $16

Tours and Activities in Montevideo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Montevideo.

  • Colonia del Sacramento - Regular Tour: $65
  • Private Tour to Tourist Places in Montevideo: $260
  • Best Private & Personalized Tour of Montevideo: $200
  • Best Private Montevideo Shore Excursion: City Tour. Optional WineTasting Tour.: $165
  • Best Private Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $250
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers: $110
  • Best Shared Tour of Montevideo for Cruise Passengers : $110
  • Best custom Montevideo Private Tour in Electric SUV! (BMW Option): $120
  • City Tour of Montevideo: $40
  • City Tour, the best option for small groups: $160
  • Discover Mix of Sightseeing & City Attractions!: $140
  • From Cabo Polonio - Full Day Private Tour: $950

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montevideo -
    Managua $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Montevideo

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

  • Half Day Tour at Pizzorno Winery with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $120
  • Juanico Wine Tour Lunch: $132
  • Wine tour - Lunch & Tasting with Wine Explorers: $198
  • Wine Tasting & Countryside Lunch Experience: $210


When comparing the travel costs between Montevideo and Managua, we can see that Montevideo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Montevideo is in South America and Managua is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montevideo Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Montevideo or Managua?

Montevideo has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Montevideo 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 Montevideo or Managua?

Montevideo 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 Montevideo or Managua in the Summer?

Both Managua and Montevideo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Montevideo is cooler than Managua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montevideo in January average around 24°C (75°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually receives more sunshine than Managua during summer. Montevideo gets 296 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. In January, Montevideo usually receives less rain than Managuain July. Montevideo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures January and July
    Montevideo 24°C (75°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Managua in the Autumn?

Both Managua and Montevideo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

In April, Montevideo is generally much colder than Managuain October. Daily temperatures in Montevideo average around 17°C (63°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Montevideo often gets less sunshine than Managuain October. Montevideo gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun.

Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Montevideo. Montevideo usually gets less rain in April than Managuain October. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures April and October
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Managua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montevideo and Managua. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Montevideo is much colder than Managua in the winter. The daily temperature in Montevideo averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. Montevideo usually receives less sunshine than Managua during winter. Montevideo gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

In July, Montevideo usually receives more rain than Managuain January. Montevideo gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures July and January
    Montevideo 11°C (52°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Montevideo or Managua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Montevideo as well as Managua. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

In the spring, Montevideo is much colder than Managua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Montevideo in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Managua averages at about 29°C (84°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montevideo this time of the year. In the spring, Montevideo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managuain April. Montevideo gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.

Montevideo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Montevideo usually gets more rain in October than Managuain April. Montevideo gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures October and April
    Montevideo 17°C (63°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and Montevideo

Montevideo Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (75°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 23°C (73°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 22°C (72°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)