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

Central America / Comparisons /
Jump to  down-arrow

Should you visit Roatan 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 Roatan 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: Roatan or Managua?

Roatan

Your next great vacation lies just thirty miles off the north coast of Honduras. Right above the world's largest coral reef is the island of Roatan. As a popular tourist attraction and standard cruise destination, it's not uncommon to see tons of Americans during your trip. In fact, the cruising industry has had huge impact on the island's culture. While ships are in port, traffic will be heavier and prices may go up. Because of the growth of tourism, most locals speak both Spanish and English.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Managua or Roatan?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Roatan is $39, 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Roatan and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Roatan $11
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Roatan $22
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Roatan and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Roatan 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 Roatan


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: Roatan Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Roatan $19
    Managua $20
Typical Local Transportation prices in Roatan

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Roatan are as follows:


  • Water Taxi
    $4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Roatan

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Roatan:

  • bus & Taxi Uber Roatan transfer to the beach customize your tour: $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • Private Airport Transfer: Augusto C Sandino Int. Airport (MGA) to Managua: $13
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Managua to Augusto C Sandino Int. Airport (MGA): $13
  • Private Transfer From Managua International Airport: $17
  • Granada Transfer: $44
  • San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
  • Transfer Managua to Granada: $52
  • San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • Las Peñitas or Poneloya beach Transfer: $67
  • Private Transfer from and To Poneloya or Las Peñitas Beach- Leon, Nicaragua: $68
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Managua to Granada: $83
  • Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
  • Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Roatan or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Roatan 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
    Roatan $9.48
    Managua $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Roatan $27
    Managua $16

Tours and Activities in Roatan

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Roatan are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Zip Lining Private Tour in Mahogany Bay: $65
  • 4-Hour East Side Roatan Private Guided Tour with Canoe Ride: $85
  • AJ's Monkey/Sloth Family Experience, City Tour and Chocolate Tasting: $55
  • ATV East & West End Tour: $107
  • Cruise Ship Multiple Snorkeling, Snacks, Music & Private Vehicle: $85
  • Do It Your Way Roatán Free Style Tour.: $32
  • Garifuna Village plus Daniel Johnson Monkey and Sloth and Mangrove Tunnel Tour.: $82
  • Good Samaritan Tour: $51
  • Island tour in Roatan: $49
  • Island tour sightseeing +sanctuary and beach: $60
  • Mangrove tunnel and Garifuna culture tour: $90
  • Mayan Jungle Canopy & Zip-line Tour, Monkey Business & West Bay Beach!: $127

Tours and Activities in Managua

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

  • Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $34
  • Masaya Volcano National Park Evening Tour, with hotel pickup: $34
  • Nicaragua Private Guide and Transportation Service: Customized Tours: $47
  • Masaya Volcano Night Tour from Granada: $48
  • Coffee Tour: $49
  • Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour": $54
  • Granada+Apoyo Lagoon +handicraft market+ Masaya volcano night tour: $55
  • Laguna de apoyo day pass + masaya volcano lava tour: $60
  • Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
  • Managua City Tour: $65
  • Granada Isletas +Colonial City tour: $68
  • Granada Isletas and City tour: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Roatan $7.11
    Managua $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Managua

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Managua:

  • Private Flor de Caña Rum Distillery and León City: $165

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Roatan and Managua, we can see that Managua is more expensive. And not only is Roatan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Roatan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Roatan 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 Roatan.

Budget Your Trip

Budget Your Trip has average travel costs for thousands of cities around the world, all provided by other travelers. You can also register to organize your spending by category and location with graphs, maps, charts, and tables.
Sign Up

Compare Hotel Prices
Kayak

View Hotels in Roatan

More City Comparisons
San Pedro vs. Roatan
San Pedro vs. Managua
San Ignacio vs. Roatan
San Ignacio vs. Managua
Belize City vs. Roatan
Belize City vs. Managua
San Pedro La Laguna vs. Roatan
San Pedro La Laguna vs. Managua
Flores vs. Roatan
Flores vs. Managua
Guatemala City vs. Roatan
Guatemala City vs. Managua
Antigua Guatemala vs. Roatan
Antigua Guatemala vs. Managua
Roatan vs. La Ceiba
Roatan vs. Copan
Roatan vs. San Juan del Sur
Roatan vs. Isla de Ometepe
Roatan vs. Leon
Roatan vs. Granada
Roatan vs. San Jose
Roatan vs. Quepos
Roatan vs. Puerto Jimenez (Corcovado National Park)
Roatan vs. Santa Elena
Roatan vs. Liberia
Roatan vs. Jaco
Roatan vs. La Fortuna
Roatan vs. Pedasi
Share This Page
Pin This Page
Roatan vs. Managua Travel Comparison

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.