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

Should you visit San Fernando or Managua?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Fernando 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: San Fernando or Managua?

San Fernando

As the industrial capital of Trinidad & Tobago, San Fernando is an oil city which attracts more business visitors than tourists. While it is primarily focused on industry, the city has a certain charm with its old buildings and sloping streets that frame pretty views of the sea. It is the big city of Trinidad's southern half with plenty to offer in nightlife, especially during Carnival.

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 Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Managua or San Fernando?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in San Fernando is $154, 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 San Fernando and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Fernando $74
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Fernando $148
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in San Fernando and Managua

Looking for a hotel in San Fernando 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 San Fernando


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: Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Fernando $50
    Managua $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
  • Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
  • Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
  • Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
  • Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into San Fernando or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and San Fernando 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
    San Fernando $48
    Managua $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Fernando $28
    Managua $16

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" : $75
  • Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $155
  • Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
  • Laguna de Apoyo Day pass plus Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $60
  • Leon City and Rum Tasting Tour from Managua: $215
  • Managua City Tour: $88
  • Managua City Tour: $84
  • Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Walking Tour: $192
  • Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Walking Tour: $98
  • Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $192
  • Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Fernando $22
    Managua $11


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


Which is Bigger, San Fernando or Managua?

Managua has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of San Fernando. When comparing the sizes of San Fernando 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 San Fernando 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 San Fernando or Managua in the Summer?

Both Managua and San Fernando are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Fernando 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. It's quite rainy in San Fernando. In July, San Fernando usually receives more rain than Managua. San Fernando gets 266 mm (10.5 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 San Fernando. San Fernando usually receives more sunshine than Managua during summer. San Fernando gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Fernando is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 27°C (81°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit San Fernando or Managua in the Autumn?

Both Managua and San Fernando during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Fernando 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Fernando. San Fernando usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Managua. San Fernando gets 199 mm (7.8 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's quite sunny in San Fernando. In the autumn, San Fernando often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managua. San Fernando gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun.

San Fernando is around the same temperature as Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Fernando averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit San Fernando or Managua in the Winter?

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

In January, San Fernando usually receives more rain than Managua. San Fernando gets 71 mm (2.8 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. In San Fernando, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Fernando usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during winter. San Fernando gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

In the winter, San Fernando is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Fernando in January average around 26°C (78°F), and Managua averages at about 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Fernando 26°C (78°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit San Fernando or Managua in the Spring?

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

San Fernando usually gets more rain in April than Managua. San Fernando gets 51 mm (2 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 San Fernando this time of the year. In the spring, San Fernando often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managua. San Fernando gets 238 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.

In April, San Fernando is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in San Fernando average around 27°C (81°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Fernando 27°C (81°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and San Fernando

San Fernando Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (78°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 26°C (79°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 26°C (80°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 51 mm (2 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 252 mm (9.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 266 mm (10.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 225 mm (8.9 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 203 mm (8 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 228 mm (9 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)