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

Should you visit Veracruz or Managua?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Veracruz and Managua can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Veracruz or Managua?

Veracruz

Veracruz is the name of both a state and city in the country of Mexico. Locals often call the city "Puerto" (port) in order to differentiate the city from the state. The general area runs along the Gulf of Mexico and encompasses ruins, old colonial cities, lush green mountains, and delicious seafood.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Managua or Veracruz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Veracruz is $122, 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 Veracruz and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Veracruz $54
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Veracruz $108
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Veracruz and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Veracruz 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 Veracruz


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: Veracruz Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Veracruz $28
    Managua $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Veracruz

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

  • Transfer from Veracruz Airport to Hotel in Veracruz Port: $32
  • Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $28
  • Airport Transfer: $25
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: General Heriberto Jara International Airport to Veracruz Hotels: $23
  • Colima Airport (CLQ) to Colima - Arrival Private Transfer: $14

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 Veracruz or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Veracruz 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
    Veracruz $50
    Managua $17

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Veracruz $15
    Managua $16

Tours and Activities in Veracruz

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

  • 1 day tour of Tlacotalpan and Alvarado from Veracruz: $102
  • 3-hour tour to the San Juan de Ulúa Fortress: $25
  • Adventure through the Chachalacas Beach and Dunes from Veracruz: $123
  • Alvarado And Tlacotalpan Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $112
  • Antigua and Zempoala Tour from Veracruz: $86
  • Aquatico Inbursa Waterpark: Veracruz - Ticket: $27
  • Catemaco And Los Tuxtlas Tour From Veracruz Or Boca Del Rio: $112
  • City Tour en Veracruz y Acuario: $100
  • Coffee Route, an adventure of aroma and flavor to Veracruz: $150
  • From Veracruz or Boca del río: Coffee Tour in Coatepec: $96
  • From Alvarado, Tlacotalpan and Agustín Lara Tour: $100
  • From Catemaco, Nature, Waterfalls & Monkeys Tour: $100

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 day
    Veracruz $17
    Managua $11


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


Which is Bigger, Veracruz or Managua?

Managua has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Veracruz. When comparing the sizes of Veracruz 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 Veracruz or Managua?

Veracruz 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 Veracruz or Managua in the Summer?

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually receives more sunshine than Managua during summer. Veracruz gets 208 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. It's quite rainy in Veracruz. In July, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Managua. Veracruz gets 410 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Veracruz or Managua in the Autumn?

Both Managua and Veracruz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

Veracruz is around the same temperature as Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Veracruz averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Veracruz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managua. Veracruz gets 188 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Veracruz. Veracruz usually gets less rain in October than Managua. Veracruz gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Veracruz 26°C (79°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Veracruz or Managua in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Veracruz and Managua. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Veracruz is cooler than Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Veracruz in January average around 21°C (71°F), and Managua averages at about 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Managua this time of the year. Veracruz usually receives less sunshine than Managua during winter. Veracruz gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Veracruz usually receives more rain than Managua. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Veracruz 21°C (71°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Veracruz or Managua in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Veracruz as well as Managua. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

In April, Veracruz is generally cooler than Managua. Daily temperatures in Veracruz average around 26°C (78°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Veracruz this time of the year. In the spring, Veracruz often gets less sunshine than Managua. Veracruz gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.

Veracruz usually gets more rain in April than Managua. Veracruz gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Veracruz 26°C (78°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and Veracruz

Veracruz Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 21°C (71°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 22°C (71°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 24°C (74°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 26°C (78°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 410 mm (16.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 351 mm (13.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 346 mm (13.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 25°C (76°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 23°C (73°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)