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

Should you visit Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam 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: Rotterdam or Managua?

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.

There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.

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 River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Managua or Rotterdam?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Rotterdam is €152, while the average daily cost in Managua is €51. 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 Rotterdam and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rotterdam 77
    Managua 21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rotterdam 154
    Managua 42
Compare Hotels in Rotterdam and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam


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: Rotterdam Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rotterdam 26
    Managua 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rotterdam

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

  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $295
  • Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $274
  • Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam, With a 2 Hour Stop: $241
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $208
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $170
  • Private Direct Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $170
  • Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $167
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam to AMS Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $165
  • Private Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $165
  • Private taxi transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $165
  • Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $164
  • Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162

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 Rotterdam or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Rotterdam 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
    Rotterdam 54
    Managua 16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam

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

  • Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
  • 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
  • Guided Food Tour: $80
  • Guided Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
  • Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
  • WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Food Tour by Bike: $91
  • Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
  • Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
  • Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $161
  • Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $274

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rotterdam 32
    Managua 15

Tours and Activities in Rotterdam

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

  • "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
  • 2 hour Guided Walking Tour Rotterdam: $3.23
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
  • 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $27
  • All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $209
  • Best of small-group walking tour: $97
  • Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $97
  • Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $32
  • Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.29
  • Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
  • Discover Gouda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27

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
    Rotterdam 19
    Managua 10

Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:

  • Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.07
  • Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.07
  • Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rotterdam and Managua, we can see that Rotterdam is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Managua?

Managua has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Managua?

Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam or Managua in the Summer?

Both Managua and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Rotterdam is much colder than Managua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rotterdam in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rotterdam. Rotterdam usually receives more sunshine than Managua during summer. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. In July, Rotterdam usually receives less rain than Managua. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rotterdam 17°C (62°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Managua in the Autumn?

Both Managua and Rotterdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

In October, Rotterdam is generally much colder than Managua. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 11°C (51°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Managua. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun.

Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rotterdam usually gets less rain in October than Managua. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rotterdam 11°C (51°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Managua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Managua. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. Rotterdam is much colder than Managua in the winter. The daily temperature in Rotterdam averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Managua during winter. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Managua. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rotterdam 2°C (36°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Rotterdam or Managua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Managua. The spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

In the spring, Rotterdam is much colder than Managua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rotterdam in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Managua averages at about 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. In the spring, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Managua. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in April than Managua. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rotterdam 8°C (46°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and Rotterdam

Rotterdam Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)