Which place is cheaper, Managua or Negril?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Negril or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Negril and Managua. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Negril or Managua?
Negril
Negril is a town in western Jamaica known for its miles of white sand beaches and cliffs. It is certainly one of the more laid back towns on the island yet still attracts a lot of tourists. The hotels are as close to the water as you can get, and the sand gets whiter and whiter the further away from populated areas you get. The water is unbelievably clear and warm in Negril!
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 dayNegril $139Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Negril is $139, 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 Negril and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNegril $106Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNegril $212Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Negril and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Negril 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: Negril Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Negril $8.71Managua $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Negril
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Negril:
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Taxi From Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Negril
Also for Negril, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Royalton Negril Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Rountrip): $280
- Montego Bay: Private Transfer from Airport to Negril: $250
- Private Airport transfer to/from all hotels in Negril round trip: $170
- Montego Bay Airport Transfers-Negril(Round Trip): $160
- Comfortable Montego Bay Airport to Negril Resorts Transfer: $130
- Club Kingston VIP Lounge & Fast Track with Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer: $112
- Private Airport Transfer To Negril Hotels : $107
- From Montego Bay Airport (MBJ): Private Transfer to Negril: $105
- Airport Round Trip Transfer from Montego Bay to Grand Palladium: $105
- Airport transfers, private tours and excursions in Jamaica : $80
- Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer to Grand Palladium Resort in Jamaica: $80
- Negril Hotels Private Airport Transfer: $73
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
- Transfer from and To Poneloya or Las Peñitas Beach- Leon, Nicaragua: $68
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $65
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Negril or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Negril 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 dayNegril $23Managua $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Negril
For Negril, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Zimbali Mountain Cooking Studio: $105
- Local food tour and local fields : $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Negril $27Managua $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Negril
For Negril, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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2 Hr Horseback Ride$44
Tours and Activities in Negril
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Negril.
- ATV Outback Adventure From Negril: $144
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour: $275
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour [Transportation services]: $125
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Negril: $232
- Appleton Estate Rum and Black River Safari Private Tour : $185
- Appleton Rum Factory and Black River Safari Tour: $280
- Appleton Rum Factory, YS Falls, and Reggae Horseback Ride & Swim Combo Tour: $195
- Appleton and Y.S Falls Tour from Negril Hotels: $261
- Atv Adventure and Ricks Cafe with Private Transportation: $367
- Atv Adventure and Ziplines with Private Transportation: $414
- Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Rick’s Cafe Tour & Transportation: $334
- Atv, Seven Mile Beach and Ricks Cafe Private Tour: $294
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: $189
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $163
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $320
- Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $53
- Masaya Volcano and Managua City Half Day Private Historical Tour: $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNegril $10Managua $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Negril and Managua, we can see that Negril is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Negril 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 Negril would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Negril 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 Negril Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Negril or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 320 times larger than the population of Negril. When comparing the sizes of Negril 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 Negril or Managua?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Negril or Managua in the Summer?
Both Managua and Negril are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Negril 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 Negril. In July, Negril usually receives more rain than Managua. Negril gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually receives more sunshine than Managua during summer. Negril gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Negril is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 27°C (81°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNegril 27°C (81°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Negril or Managua in the Autumn?
Both Managua and Negril during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Negril because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Negril. Negril usually gets more rain in October than Managua. Negril gets 222 mm (8.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Negril. In the autumn, Negril often gets more sunshine than Managua. Negril gets 233 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun.
Negril is around the same temperature as Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Negril averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNegril 27°C (81°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Negril or Managua in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Negril and Managua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Negril year-round. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Negril usually receives more rain than Managua. Negril gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In Negril, it's very sunny this time of the year. Negril usually receives less sunshine than Managua during winter. Negril gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Negril is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Negril in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Managua averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNegril 25°C (77°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Negril or Managua in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Negril as well as Managua. Negril attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
Negril receives a lot of rain in the spring. Negril usually gets more rain in April than Managua. Negril gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Negril this time of the year. In the spring, Negril often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managua. Negril gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.
In April, Negril is generally cooler than Managua. Daily temperatures in Negril average around 26°C (79°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNegril 26°C (79°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Negril
| Negril | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 25°C (77°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (79°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 205 mm (8.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 222 mm (8.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (79°F) | 61 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.