Which place is cheaper, Managua or Nassau?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nassau or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nassau or Managua, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Nassau or Managua?
Nassau
There are few vacation destinations more famous than the Bahamian city of Nassau. This capital city is full of laid back locals, relaxed tourists and the iconic pastel pink government houses.
As the largest city in the Bahamas, Nassau can hold plenty of people. Not only are there hundreds of tourists on any given day, the city is also home to 260,000 people – that is 80 percent of the Bahamas' total population.
Founded around 1650, Nassau's location made it a great spot on the trade route. So great, in fact, that it also became a popular destination for pirates – including the infamous Blackbeard.
Pack light because it's going to be pretty steamy in Nassau. The climate is essentially identical to southern Florida. It is warm and humid all year with the occasional cold snap in the winter.
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 dayNassau $189Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Nassau is $189, 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 Nassau and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNassau $109Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNassau $218Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Nassau and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Nassau 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: Nassau Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nassau $32Managua $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Nassau are as follows:
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Water Taxi$8.02
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Taxi to Cable Beach$25
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Taxi from Airport$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nassau
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nassau:
- Nassau Roundtrip Transfer by Limousine to Paradise Island: $360
- Round-Trip Airport Transfer by Limousine: $360
- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $300
- Lynden Pindling Airport (NAS): Round-Trip Nassau Transfer: $252
- Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Paradise Island: $251
- Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Paradise Island: $247
- Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
- Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
- Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Cable Beach: $243
- Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Downtown Nassau: $243
- Private Roundtrip Minibus Transfer to Palm Cay: $243
- Private Roundtrip Luxury SUV Transfer: $240
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 Nassau or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Nassau 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 dayNassau $53Managua $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nassau
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nassau.
- Nassau Food Tour and Beach Break: $65
- Conch Salad Cooking Lesson and Tasting in Nassau: $80
- Savor Old Nassau Dining Stroll by Tru Bahamian Food Tours: $116
- Sail Catamaran Sunset Dinner Cruise: $116
- Dinner and Dancing: $130
- Authentic Bahamian Cooking Class: $135
- Bahamian Cooking Class Lunch Experience by Tru Bahamian Food Tour: $140
- Island Food Tour: $140
- Gourmet dinner & sunset cruise on luxury catamaran: $375
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nassau $37Managua $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Nassau are as follows:
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Jet Ski$50
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4 Hr Kayak Tour$70
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1/2 Day Snorkel Trip$75
Tours and Activities in Nassau
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nassau are as follows:
- Bahamas Adventure: Pigs, Reef, Turtles, and Beach with Lunch: $299
- 3 Hour Eco-Glide Adventure in Nassau: $99
- 3 Hour Island Tour: Swimming with Pigs, Turtles, and Snorkeling: $250
- ATV Half Day City Tour in Guided Tour With Free Samples: $259
- ATV Island Tour with Beach Break, Lunch, and Pick-up/Drop-off: $199
- ATV tours by RSR: $230
- Archie's Weekend Tour with Seafood Snack and Spanish Friendly: $7.00
- Atlantis Bridge Speed Boat Adventure: $100
- Atlantis Speed Boat Tours: $69
- Bahama Bonanza Cultural Tour: $80
- Bahamas Cabbage Beach Parasailing Adventure: $100
- Bahamas Ghost Walking Tour: $44
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 dayNassau $19Managua $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Nassau
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Nassau are as follows:
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Cocktail$6.52
Sample the Local Flavors in Nassau
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nassau:
- Nassau Rum Distillery Tour: $25
- Rum Runners Pub Crawl: $140
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nassau and Managua, we can see that Nassau is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nassau 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 Nassau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nassau 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 Nassau Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nassau or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nassau. When comparing the sizes of Nassau 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 Nassau 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 Nassau or Managua in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Nassau as well as Managua. Nassau 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. Nassau receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nassau usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Managua. Nassau gets 151 mm (5.9 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 Nassau this time of the year. In the summer, Nassau often gets more sunshine than Managua. Nassau gets 273 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun.
Nassau is around the same temperature as Managua in the summer. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNassau 28°C (82°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Managua in the Autumn?
Both Managua and Nassau are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nassau 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 Nassau. In October, Nassau usually receives around the same amount of rain as Managua. Nassau gets 184 mm (7.2 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 Nassau. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Managua during autumn. Nassau gets 223 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In the autumn, Nassau is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nassau in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNassau 26°C (79°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Managua in the Winter?
Both Managua and Nassau during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Nassau because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
Nassau usually gets more rain in January than Managua. Nassau gets 51 mm (2 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 Nassau. In the winter, Nassau often gets less sunshine than Managua. Nassau gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.
In January, Nassau is generally cooler than Managua. Daily temperatures in Nassau average around 21°C (70°F), and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNassau 21°C (70°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Nassau or Managua in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nassau and Managua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nassau year-round. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Nassau usually receives more rain than Managua. Nassau gets 53 mm (2.1 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 Nassau, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nassau usually receives more sunshine than Managua during spring. Nassau gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.
Nassau is cooler than Managua in the spring. The daily temperature in Nassau averages around 23°C (74°F) in April, and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNassau 23°C (74°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Nassau
| Nassau | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 21°C (70°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (74°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (80°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 22°C (71°F) | 60 mm (2.4 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.