Which place is cheaper, Managua or Salvador?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Salvador or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador 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: Salvador or Managua?
Salvador
Salvador de Bahia was the first capital of Brazil, founded by the Portuguese in 1549. Also known as "Brazil's capital of happiness," Salvador is famous for its plentiful and spirited street festivals. The third most populous city in Brazil, Salvador is also well-known for its Afro-Brazilian culture and Portuguese colonial architecture.
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 Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySalvador $44Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $44, 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 Salvador and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSalvador $24Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSalvador $48Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Salvador 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: Salvador Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Salvador $6.02Managua $20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:
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Bus from Airport$1.17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:
- Transfer Salvador to Barra Grande Round Trip: $300
- Ivan Bahia, Private Transfer Salvador BA to Lençois (Chapada Diamantina): $300
- Transfers between Salvador and Barra Grande Maraú: $285
- Costa de Sauipe Transfer - Private Executive Van: $160
- Transfer Grand Palladium - Private Executive Van: $150
- Private Transfer to/from Salvador Airport to/from Praia do Forte: $140
- Transfer in Salvador: $140
- Private Transfer from Salvador Airport: $136
- Private Transfer to/from Sauipe Resort By Minivan one way: $130
- Shared Transfer Salvador / Morro de São Paulo / Salvador: $130
- Transfer: Salvador to/from Boipeba Island: $128
- One-Way Private Transfer to Boipeba Island: $120
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 Salvador or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Salvador 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 daySalvador $13Managua $17
Typical Food Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:
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Dinner for 2$1.37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salvador.
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- 7-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $75
- Private Cooking Experience with local in Salvador: $130
- Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $132
- Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $140
- Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $152
- Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Salvador $5.67Managua $16
Tours and Activities in Salvador
Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Afro-Brazilian Roots city Tour in Salvador with lunch at Favela: $150
- 3-Hour Private Tour of Salvador Capital Afro-Brazilian: $60
- Afro-Brazilian Roots Private City Tour in Salvador": $102
- Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
- Bike Rentals and Bike Tours: $142
- Cachoeira Countryside Flavor Private Tour from Salvador: $160
- Candomblé Cerimony Tour: $61
- Candomble Religion Mysteries Private Tour in Salvador: $80
- City Tour in Salvador Discover the first capital of Brazil - En: $140
- Cruise Ship Special Private Tour Salvador da Bahia Historic Old Town Bonfim and Barra: $152
- Culinary Traditions Tour: $180
- Easy Diving - Lord Beach Snorkeling - Leaving Forte Beach by Emytour: $33
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 daySalvador $5.38Managua $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:
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Beers for 2$1.37
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Drinks$2.74
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Managua, we can see that Managua is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Salvador is in South 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 Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador 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 Salvador.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salvador Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Salvador or Managua?
Salvador has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Salvador 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 Salvador or Managua?
Salvador 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 Salvador or Managua in the Summer?
Both Managua and Salvador during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
In the summer, Salvador is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salvador in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.
It's quite sunny in Salvador. In the summer, Salvador often gets more sunshine than Managuain July. Salvador gets 246 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 Salvador. Salvador usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Managuain July. Salvador gets 138 mm (5.4 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 January and JulySalvador 27°C (81°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Managua in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Salvador and Managua. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, Salvador is generally around the same temperature as Managuain October. Daily temperatures in Salvador average around 26°C (80°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Salvador usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during autumn. Salvador gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Salvador gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Salvador usually receives more rain than Managuain October. Salvador gets 310 mm (12.2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSalvador 26°C (80°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Managua in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Salvador as well as Managua. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
Salvador is around the same temperature as Managua in the winter. The daily temperature in Salvador averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. In the winter, Salvador often gets less sunshine than Managuain January. Salvador gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.
Salvador receives a lot of rain in the winter. Salvador usually gets more rain in July than Managuain January. Salvador gets 175 mm (6.9 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 July and JanuarySalvador 24°C (75°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Salvador or Managua in the Spring?
Both Managua and Salvador are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Salvador is cooler than Managua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salvador in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Managua averages at about 29°C (84°F)in April.
It's quite sunny in Managua. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salvador. Salvador usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during spring. Salvador gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Salvador. In October, Salvador usually receives more rain than Managuain April. Salvador gets 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSalvador 26°C (78°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Salvador
| Salvador | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 26°C (80°F) | 310 mm (12.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 360 mm (14.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 175 mm (6.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 127 mm (5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (77°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 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.