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

Should you visit Rabat 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 Rabat 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: Rabat or Managua?

Rabat

While not high on the tourist destination list, Rabat is a quiet gem of a city with stunning colonial architecture and palm-lined streets. This political capital is a laid-back, pleasant alternative to the more cosmopolitan Casablanca.

Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, Rabat plus the city of Temera are home to a combined metropolitan population of 2.6 million.

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 Morocco, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Managua or Rabat?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Rabat is $43, 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 Rabat and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rabat $27
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rabat $54
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Rabat and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Rabat 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 Rabat


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: Rabat Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rabat $2.10
    Managua $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:


  • Taxi to Sale
    $3.48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

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

  • Private transfer from Rabat To Chefchaouen: $285
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Fes: $274
  • Transfer Rabat to Essaouira: $264
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to El Jadida: $263
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $256
  • Transfer Private From Rabat to Tetouan: $231
  • Private Transfer from Rabat-Sale Airport (RBA) to Casablanca: $222
  • Private Transfer From Fez To Rabat: $207
  • Private Transfer from Rabat To Fez: $207
  • One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $198
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Meknes: $197
  • Private transfer from Rabat to Casablanca: $191

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
  • Private Transfer from Managua Augusto Airport to Corinto Port: $71
  • Private Transfer from Managua City Hotels to Corinto Cruise Port: $71
  • Transfer from and To Poneloya or Las Peñitas Beach- Leon, Nicaragua: $68
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Rabat or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Rabat 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
    Rabat $12
    Managua $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat

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

  • Small Group Cooking Classes with Tour of Rabat : $45
  • Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $49
  • Cooking Class in a Family Home: $66
  • Walking Food Tour: $76
  • Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $76
  • Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $76
  • Rabat Family Cooking Class: $76
  • Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Rabat with a Local Family: $110
  • Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rabat $2.83
    Managua $16

Tours and Activities in Rabat

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

  • 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
  • 9-Day Tour to Imperial Cities and Desert: $1,400
  • Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78
  • Fes Full Day Private Tour from Rabat: $250
  • Fes Full-Day Private Tour from Rabat with hotel pickup : $132
  • From Casablanca:9Days Unforgettable Desert Tour To Marrakesh: $1,924
  • From Fez : Rabat : Day Trip (Shared Group Tour): $103
  • From 4 Days 3 Nights Sahara Desert Tour: $720
  • From Tangier Guided Day Tour by High-Speed Train: $105
  • Gems of Rabat Walking Tour: $115
  • Luxury Morocco: 5-Day Private Guided Tour from Casablanca: $1,397
  • Private Boat Exploration Tour In Rabat: $83

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: $191
  • Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $323
  • Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $164
  • Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $53
  • Masaya volcano Night Tour: $110

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rabat and Managua, we can see that Managua is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rabat is in Africa 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 Rabat would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rabat 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 Managua would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Managua than you might in Rabat.

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


Which is Bigger, Rabat or Managua?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Rabat 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 Rabat 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 Rabat or Managua in the Summer?

Both Managua and Rabat are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat 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, Rabat usually receives less rain than Managua. Rabat gets 1 mm (0 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 Rabat. Rabat usually receives more sunshine than Managua during summer. Rabat gets 315 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Rabat is generally cooler than Managua. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 23°C (73°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rabat 23°C (73°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Managua in the Autumn?

Both Managua and Rabat during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat 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. Rabat usually gets less rain in October than Managua. Rabat gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in Rabat. In the autumn, Rabat often gets more sunshine than Managua. Rabat gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun.

Rabat is cooler than Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Rabat averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rabat 20°C (67°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Managua in the Winter?

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

In January, Rabat usually receives more rain than Managua. Rabat gets 81 mm (3.2 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. Rabat usually receives less sunshine than Managua during winter. Rabat gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, Rabat is much colder than Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rabat in January average around 13°C (56°F), and Managua averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rabat 13°C (56°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Rabat or Managua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rabat as well as Managua. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

Rabat usually gets more rain in April than Managua. Rabat gets 62 mm (2.4 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 Rabat this time of the year. In the spring, Rabat often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managua. Rabat gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.

In April, Rabat is generally much colder than Managua. Daily temperatures in Rabat average around 16°C (60°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rabat 16°C (60°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and Rabat

Rabat Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)