Which place is cheaper, Managua or San Pedro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit San Pedro or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Pedro 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 Pedro or Managua?
San Pedro
San Pedro is the largest town on Ambergris Caye, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize. Here you can find a tropical paradise with warm weather, clear blue waters, plenty of activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, and a host of hotels, restaurants, and other amenities.
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 Belize, The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySan Pedro $135Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in San Pedro is $135, 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 Pedro and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSan Pedro $66Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSan Pedro $132Managua $46
Compare Hotels in San Pedro and Managua
Looking for a hotel in San Pedro 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: Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.San Pedro $34Managua $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Pedro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Pedro:
- Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure (Boat Transfer): $205
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into San Pedro or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and San Pedro 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 daySan Pedro $40Managua $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Pedro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Pedro.
- Belizean Sunset and Cultural Dinner Cruise: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.San Pedro $33Managua $16
Tours and Activities in San Pedro
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Pedro are as follows:
- The best of San Pedro Town walking tour: $202
- 3 Hours Barrier Reef Tour in Caye Caulker, Belize: $54
- 5-Hour Guided Jetboat Tour to Secret Beach, San Pedro, Belize.: $200
- All-Inclusive Full-Day Hol Chan Snorkeling Tour : $120
- Altun Ha Cave Tubing and Zip line Tours from San Pedro Ambergris Caye: $250
- Ambergris Caye Sunset Sail Tour on the 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat: $75
- Belize Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley Snorkel Tour - Ambergris Caye: $93
- Cave Tubing and Zip line Adventure from San pedro Ambergris caye: $250
- Double Activity Limo Tour: Xunantunich Ruins & Cave Tubing Adventure: $220
- Exclusive All-in-1 Full Day Shared Guided Tour: $139
- Hol Chan Full-Day Bucket List Snorkeling and Marine Life Tour: $95
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkel Tour on the 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat: $89
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 daySan Pedro $16Managua $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Pedro and Managua, we can see that San Pedro is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Pedro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Pedro 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 Pedro Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, San Pedro or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of San Pedro. When comparing the sizes of San Pedro 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 Pedro or Managua?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit San Pedro or Managua in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to San Pedro as well as Managua. San Pedro attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Managua. San Pedro receives a lot of rain in the summer. San Pedro usually gets more rain in July than Managua. San Pedro gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Pedro this time of the year. In the summer, San Pedro often gets more sunshine than Managua. San Pedro gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun.
In July, San Pedro is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in San Pedro average around 28°C (82°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySan Pedro 28°C (82°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit San Pedro or Managua in the Autumn?
Both Managua and San Pedro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Pedro 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 Pedro. In October, San Pedro usually receives more rain than Managua. San Pedro gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
San Pedro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during autumn. San Pedro gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
San Pedro is around the same temperature as Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Pedro averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSan Pedro 26°C (80°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit San Pedro or Managua in the Winter?
Both Managua and San Pedro during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to San Pedro because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in San Pedro. San Pedro usually gets more rain in January than Managua. San Pedro gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, San Pedro often gets less sunshine than Managua. San Pedro gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.
In the winter, San Pedro is cooler than Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Pedro in January average around 24°C (74°F), and Managua averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySan Pedro 24°C (74°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit San Pedro or Managua in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Pedro and Managua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Pedro year-round. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In April, San Pedro usually receives more rain than Managua. San Pedro gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. In San Pedro, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Pedro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during spring. San Pedro gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, San Pedro is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in San Pedro average around 27°C (80°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSan Pedro 27°C (80°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and San Pedro
| San Pedro | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (74°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (78°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 243 mm (9.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (76°F) | 138 mm (5.4 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.