Which place is cheaper, Managua or Ocho Rios?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Ocho Rios or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ocho Rios 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: Ocho Rios or Managua?
Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios, or "Ochi" is a town located on the northeastern shore of Jamaica and is a popular hub for cruise ships. It is a great destination for tourists as it has many resorts and beautiful beaches.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayOcho Rios $77Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Ocho Rios is $77, 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 Ocho Rios and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personOcho Rios $52Managua $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomOcho Rios $104Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Ocho Rios and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Ocho Rios 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: Ocho Rios Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ocho Rios $7.60Managua $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ocho Rios
Also for Ocho Rios, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Luxury Transfer from Sandals Dunns River : $300
- Couples Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $300
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay Hotels: $228
- Airport Transfer To Ochi Rios Hotels (Round-Trip): $200
- From Scenic Guided Horseback Ride with Transfer: $195
- Jewels Resorts Airport Transfers Montego Bay MBJ (Private Roundtrip): $170
- Private Transfer from MBJ Airport to Resorts in Ocho Rios : $160
- Ocho Rios Private Airport Transfer [VIP LUXURY Vehicles]: $158
- Private Transfer From Ocho Rios Area And Airport OCJ To Kingston: $143
- Kingston Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios: $140
- Private Intercity Transfer From/ To Ocho Rios: $139
- Private Roundtrip Airport Transfer to Ocho Rios Hotels in Jamaica: $130
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 Ocho Rios or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Ocho Rios 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 dayOcho Rios $17Managua $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ocho Rios
For Ocho Rios, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- From Flavors of Jamaica Guided Food Tour: $89
- Taste of Jamaica Farm & Food Tour: $98
- Private Hillside Cooking Class Jamaican Style with Pickup : $104
- Flavors of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $128
- Taste of Jamaica Food Tour from Ocho Rios: $130
- Ocho Ros: Hillside Cooking Class, Jamaican Style: $130
- Taste of Jamaica Food Tour: $140
- The Jamaica School of Cooking and Ocho Rios Highlights Tour: $141
- Ocho Rios Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner: $218
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ocho Rios $15Managua $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ocho Rios
For Ocho Rios, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Tour of Brimmer Hall Estate$11
-
Admission to Coyaba Gardens$5.47
-
Tour of Prospect Plantation$18
Tours and Activities in Ocho Rios
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ocho Rios.
- Authentic Jamaican Bamboo Rafting Tour from Runaway Bay: $194
- Bob Marley Nine Mile Tour from Ocho Rios: $77
- Dunn's River Falls & Blue Hole Combo Tour from Ocho Rios: $115
- Full-Day Tour to Blue Hole Falls with Horseback Ride from Montego Bay: $220
- Private Sightseeing Tour in Ocho Rios : $30
- Shopping Tour From Runaway Bay Hotels : $65
- ATV Adventure and Shopping from Falmouth (Minimum 4 persons): $165
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting and Horseback Riding Experience in Ocho Rios: $275
- ATV, Bamboo Rafting, Horseback Ride Guided Tour from Montego Bay: $135
- ATV, Horseback Riding and Bluehole Adventure Tour : $250
- Appleton Estate Rum Tour and Tasting from Runaway Bay: $206
- Bamboo Rafting in Ocho Rios Private Experience: $207
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
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayOcho Rios $7.71Managua $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ocho Rios and Managua, we can see that Ocho Rios is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ocho Rios or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Ocho Rios. When comparing the sizes of Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios or Managua in the Summer?
Both Managua and Ocho Rios are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Ocho Rios 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. In July, Ocho Rios usually receives less rain than Managua. Ocho Rios gets 40 mm (1.6 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 Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually receives more sunshine than Managua during summer. Ocho Rios gets 254 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
In the summer, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ocho Rios in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyOcho Rios 29°C (83°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Managua in the Autumn?
Both Managua and Ocho Rios during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Ocho Rios 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 Ocho Rios. Ocho Rios usually gets less rain in October than Managua. Ocho Rios gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Ocho Rios. In the autumn, Ocho Rios often gets more sunshine than Managua. Ocho Rios gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun.
In October, Ocho Rios is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in Ocho Rios average around 28°C (82°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberOcho Rios 28°C (82°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Managua in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ocho Rios and Managua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Ocho Rios year-round. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Ocho Rios usually receives more rain than Managua. Ocho Rios gets 18 mm (0.7 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 Ocho Rios, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ocho Rios usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during winter. Ocho Rios gets 257 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Managua in the winter. The daily temperature in Ocho Rios averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryOcho Rios 26°C (79°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Ocho Rios or Managua in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Ocho Rios as well as Managua. Ocho Rios attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
Ocho Rios usually gets more rain in April than Managua. Ocho Rios gets 27 mm (1.1 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 Ocho Rios this time of the year. In the spring, Ocho Rios often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managua. Ocho Rios gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.
In the spring, Ocho Rios is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ocho Rios in April average around 26°C (80°F), and Managua averages at about 29°C (84°F).
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilOcho Rios 26°C (80°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Ocho Rios
| Ocho Rios | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (80°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (83°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (83°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.