Which place is cheaper, Managua or Reykjavik?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Reykjavik or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reykjavik 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: Reykjavik or Managua?
Reykjavik
Reykjavik is the capital and largest city in the country of Iceland. The city is where the vast majority of the country's population resides and the urban area has about 200,000 residents. The city is sprawling, with a large area covered in suburbs. The the city center is quite compact, with many interesting and colorful houses. There are a lot of things that attract tourists to this city, including an interesting culture and history as well as plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
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 Budget Tours to Iceland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayReykjavik $246Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Reykjavik is $246, 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 Reykjavik and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personReykjavik $139Managua $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomReykjavik $278Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Reykjavik and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Reykjavik 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: Reykjavik Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Reykjavik $46Managua $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reykjavik
Also for Reykjavik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Reykjavík: South Coast Guided Day Trip by Jeep with Transfer: $1,776
- Private 7-hour Airport/Cruise Transfer & Tour: $1,183
- From Reykjavik Port: Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $1,050
- Blue Lagoon with Private Roundtrip Transfer: $476
- Door to Door Private Blue Lagoon Transfer: $308
- From ATV Ride and Blue Lagoon Tour with Transfer: $288
- Lava Tunnel Caving & Snorkeling in Silfra with Transfer | Free Photos: $283
- Lava Tunnel Caving with Transfer | Small Group: $283
- Private Luxury Airport Transfer Service: $280
- Private transfer: Reykjavik to Keflavik International Airport (KEF): $277
- Private Airport Transfer from Reykjavik: $270
- Blue Lagoon Admission Ticket Including Transfer: $268
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
- Private Transfer from Managua City Hotels to Corinto Cruise Port: $71
- Private Transfer from Managua Augusto Airport to Corinto Port: $71
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Reykjavik or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Reykjavik 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 dayReykjavik $30Managua $17
Typical Food Prices in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dinner (Fish Market)$178
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Exclusive dinner with a local family - Visit a Reykjavík home: $98
- Icelandic Food Tour: $124
- The Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $128
- 3 Hour Shared Christmas Food Tour with Guide in Reykjavik: $129
- Reykjavik Market & Lunch Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $142
- Reykjavik Old Harbor Food Tour - BitesizedIceland.com: $145
- Private Reykjavik Christmas Food Tour: $209
- Icelandic Cooking Class in Downtown Reykjavik with Musical Hosts: $296
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Reykjavik $72Managua $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Reykjavik
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Reykjavik's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Art Museum$11
-
Wine and Spa$29
Tours and Activities in Reykjavik
For Reykjavik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- #1 Northern Lights Tour In Iceland from Reykjavik with PRO photos: $145
- 1 hour Reykjavík E Scooter Adventure: $66
- 1 hour Reykjavík E-Scooter Adventure: $64
- 1-Hour ATV Quad Tour from Reykjavik: $131
- 1-Hour Helicopter Tour in Iceland: The Geothermal Tour: $438
- 1hr ATV & Golden Circle Adventure from Reykjavik: $276
- 1hr Buggy Adventure & Whale Watching from Reykjavik: $289
- 1hr Buggy Adventure from Reykjavik: $172
- 2-Hour RIB Boat Whale Watching Tour from Reykjavik: $169
- 2hr Buggy 'Lava Field Adventure' from Reykjavik: $219
- 3-Hour Private Discover Reykjavik Photography Tour: $172
- 3hr Volcanic Springs ATV Adventure from Reykjavik: $299
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 dayReykjavik $28Managua $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Reykjavik
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Reykjavik are as follows:
-
Beer$8.79
Sample the Local Flavors in Reykjavik
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Reykjavik:
- Gin Distillery tour and tasting: $25
- Eimverk Distillery Tour with Tasting: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Reykjavik and Managua, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Reykjavik is in Europe 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Reykjavik or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik or Managua?
Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik or Managua in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Reykjavik and Managua. Most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Reykjavik is much colder than Managua in the summer. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 11°C (52°F) in July, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Reykjavik usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during summer. Reykjavik gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
Managua receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Reykjavik usually receives less rain than Managua. Reykjavik gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyReykjavik 11°C (52°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Managua in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Reykjavik as well as Managua. The autumn months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the autumn, Reykjavik is much colder than Managua. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Reykjavik in October average around 5°C (41°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).
In the autumn, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Managua. Reykjavik gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Managua. Reykjavik usually gets less rain in October than Managua. Reykjavik gets 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberReykjavik 5°C (41°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Managua in the Winter?
Both Managua and Reykjavik are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. In January, Reykjavik is generally much colder than Managua. Daily temperatures in Reykjavik average around -0°C (32°F), and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Managua. Reykjavik usually receives less sunshine than Managua during winter. Reykjavik gets 27 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Reykjavik usually receives more rain than Managua. Reykjavik gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryReykjavik -0°C (32°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Reykjavik or Managua in the Spring?
Both Managua and Reykjavik during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. Reykjavik is much colder than Managua in the spring. The daily temperature in Reykjavik averages around 3°C (38°F) in April, and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Reykjavik often gets less sunshine than Managua. Reykjavik gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.
Reykjavik usually gets more rain in April than Managua. Reykjavik gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilReykjavik 3°C (38°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Reykjavik
| Reykjavik | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (32°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (33°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 3°C (38°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 7°C (44°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (49°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 11°C (52°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 11°C (52°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 8°C (46°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 5°C (41°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (35°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 0°C (32°F) | 79 mm (3.1 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.