Which place is cheaper, Managua or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Managua? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Playa del Carmen or Managua?
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $81Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $81, 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 Playa del Carmen and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $40Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $80Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen 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: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $24Managua $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- One Way Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Coba: $276
- Airport Transfers to Playa del Carmen - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $227
- Private Transfer to Cenote at Tulum: $213
- Transfers in Lincoln StretchLimo from Puerto Aventuras-Cun Airport.: $194
- Cancun Airport Round Trip transfer to Puerto Aventuras: $190
- 2x1 Tour: Isla Contoy, Isla Mujeres, Open Bar, Lunch and Transfers: $190
- Wedding Transfers Services in Round Trip Playa del Carmen: $180
- Roundtrip Private Transfer Playa del Carmen from CUN: $173
- Private Transfer From Cancún Airport - Puerto Aventuras: $163
- Contoy and Mujeres Islands Tour with Transfer Options: $159
- Tour Bacalar Ponton with Transfer from Cancun & Playa del Carmen : $147
- Access to Xel-Há Park with Transfer: $145
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Playa del Carmen 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 dayPlaya del Carmen $24Managua $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $60
- Walking Food Tour: $65
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $77
- Mexican Cooking Class: $100
- Seafood Tour in Playa del Carmen: $101
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $104
- Authentic Mexican Cooking Class in Playa del Carmen: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Cultural Coba Sunset Adventure with Dinner and show from Cancun: $130
- Sunset Adventure in Coba and Dinner with Show from Riviera Maya: $155
- Riviera Maya: Sunset Cruise with Beach Dinner and Open Bar: $157
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $17Managua $16
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Romantic tour in Akumal: $115
- Tulum Ruins, Turtle Sightseeing & Underground Cenote from Tulum: $140
- VIP Cenote Scuba Tour, Certified Divers Only: $230
- 3 in 1 Private Tour Tulum Cenote and Snorkeling in the reef: $210
- 3D Museum of Wonders Admission Ticket: $42
- 5X1: Tulum and Coba Ruins, Cenote & Mayan Village Full Day Tour : $114
- ATV Adventure with Ziplines Cenote from Playa del Carmen: $75
- ATV Extreme and Snorkel Adventure from the Riviera Maya: $139
- ATV Ride and Secret Caves Tour from Playa del Carmen: $80
- ATV Shared & Ziplines Adventure in Tulum Jungle from Riviera Maya: $133
- ATV Shared, Cavern & Ziplines -Jungle Adventure from Riviera Maya: $158
- ATV Xtreme & Snorkel Experience: $138
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 dayPlaya del Carmen $21Managua $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Managua, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America 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 Playa del Carmen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Managua?
Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Managua in the Summer?
Both Managua and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Managua. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 175 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 Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Managua. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Managua in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Managua. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Managua during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Managua. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Managua in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Managua. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
Playa del Carmen is cooler than Managua in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Managua. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in January than Managua. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Managua in the Spring?
Both Managua and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Managua averages at about 29°C (84°F).
It's quite sunny in Managua. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Managua. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.