Which place is cheaper, Managua or Sao Paulo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Sao Paulo or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sao Paulo 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: Sao Paulo or Managua?
Sao Paulo
With a population of around 11 million, and 20 million in the metropolitan area, Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil. It's also one of the wealthiest cities in the southern hemisphere, although you don't have to look far to see the income disparities and inequalities that exist. The city is diverse and culturally rich, with excellent food, music, and entertainment.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Brazil, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySao Paulo $52Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Sao Paulo is $52, 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 Sao Paulo and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSao Paulo $30Managua $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSao Paulo $60Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Sao Paulo and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Sao Paulo 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: Sao Paulo Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sao Paulo $5.90Managua $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sao Paulo
Also for Sao Paulo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- (Sedan Executive Class) Transfer VCP Airport • São Paulo: $298
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Santos Port: $233
- Private São Paulo Airport - Hotels Transfer In or Out : $200
- Private Transfer from Gru Airport to Port or City of Santos (1 to 15 people): $199
- Departure private transfer from São Paulo city to Guarulhos Airport by minibus: $194
- Downtown to Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) - Departure Private Transfer: $180
- Sao Paulo Airport (GRU) to Downtown - Arrival Private Transfer: $180
- Sao Paulo Airport to Beach Resorts - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $175
- Private Transfer from Campinas Airport to Sao Paulo (GRU) Airport: $169
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City to Campinas Airport (VCP): $167
- Private Transfer from Congonhas Airport (CGH) to Viracopos Airport (VCP): $167
- Private Transfer from Sao Paulo City Centre Hotels to Santos Port: $167
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
- 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
- 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 Sao Paulo or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Sao Paulo 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 daySao Paulo $15Managua $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sao Paulo
For Sao Paulo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Traditional Brazilian or Paulistano Cooking Class with a Chef: $130
- Authentic Brazilian Cooking Experience in SP: Feijoada & Moqueca: $189
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sao Paulo $4.05Managua $16
Tours and Activities in Sao Paulo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sao Paulo.
- Guarani Indigenous Village of São Paulo (private tour)-5 hours: $150
- 2 Hours Private São Paulo Museum of Modern Art Tour: $240
- 3H CITY TOUR (pick up / delivery within Sao Paulo city limits): $150
- 4-Hour Private Tour in Sao Paulo: $300
- 4-hour Sum-up Private Tour Of São Paulo Including Its Major Attractions : $134
- 4WD One Day Tour visiting Water Fall and the Big Stone from Sao Paulo: $260
- 5 Hour City Tour in São Paulo: $90
- 5-hour Pelé Private Tour: The King of Football : $162
- 5-hour Private Street Art Tour Of São Paulo – The Coolest Urban Art Scenes: $174
- 5-hour Private Tour Of São Paulo With Its Main Sights – Optional Airport Pickup: $162
- 5-hour private tour in São Paulo (departures from hotels and airport): $156
- 5h City Tour (pick up & delivery within SaoPaulo city): $249
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
- Leon City and Rum Tasting Tour from Managua: $215
- Managua City Tour: $88
- Managua City Tour: $84
- Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Tour: $189
- Managua Love Stories: A Walking Tour: $97
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $164
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $321
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one daySao Paulo $3.52Managua $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Sao Paulo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Sao Paulo:
- Half Day Private Wine Tour from São Roque: $54
- 4 Hours Pub Crawl in Vila Madalena: $150
- Fine wine tastings in São Roque - Tour with local guides: $180
When comparing the travel costs between Sao Paulo and Managua, we can see that Managua is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Sao Paulo is in South America and Managua is in Central America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sao Paulo Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sao Paulo or Managua?
Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Managua?
Sao Paulo 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 Sao Paulo or Managua in the Summer?
Both Managua and Sao Paulo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Sao Paulo is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sao Paulo in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F)in July.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Managua. It's quite rainy in Sao Paulo. In January, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Managuain July. Sao Paulo gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures January and JulySao Paulo 25°C (77°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Managua in the Autumn?
Both Managua and Sao Paulo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
In April, Sao Paulo is generally cooler than Managuain October. Daily temperatures in Sao Paulo average around 22°C (72°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Sao Paulo usually gets less rain in April than Managuain October. Sao Paulo gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberSao Paulo 22°C (72°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Managua in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sao Paulo and Managua. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sao Paulo is cooler than Managua in the winter. The daily temperature in Sao Paulo averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F)in January.
In July, Sao Paulo usually receives more rain than Managuain January. Sao Paulo gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuarySao Paulo 19°C (66°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Sao Paulo or Managua in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sao Paulo as well as Managua. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
In the spring, Sao Paulo is cooler than Managua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sao Paulo in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Managua averages at about 29°C (84°F)in April.
Sao Paulo usually gets more rain in October than Managuain April. Sao Paulo gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilSao Paulo 21°C (70°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Sao Paulo
| Sao Paulo | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 24°C (75°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 150 mm (5.9 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.