Which place is cheaper, Managua or Wellington?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Wellington or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Wellington or Managua? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Wellington or Managua?
Wellington
Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.
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 New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayWellington $104Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Wellington is $104, 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 Wellington and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personWellington $61Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomWellington $122Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Wellington and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Wellington 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: Wellington Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Wellington $12Managua $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Wellington
Also for Wellington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer: $78
- Wellington Airport Transfer to Wellington Hotels and Vice versa: $77
- Private Transfer with Wellington Dial a Driver: $74
- Wētā Workshop Experience with Guided Transfers: $62
- Wellington Airport(WLG) to Wellington-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $57
- Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Private Transfer from Wellington Cruise Port to Wellington Hotels: $26
- Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $26
- Departure Transfer: Wellington Central City Centre Hotels to Wellington Airport: $13
- Arrival Transfer: Wellington Airport to Central Wellington City Centre Hotels: $13
- Private Transfer from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington Port: $11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
- San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
- Rivas: Managua to Rivas Airport private transfer: $75
- Private Transfer in Nicaragua: $110
- Private Transfer from Managua City Hotels to Corinto Cruise Port: $71
- Private Transfer from Managua Augusto Airport to Corinto Port: $71
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
Is it cheaper to fly into Wellington or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Wellington 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 dayWellington $30Managua $17
Typical Food Prices in Wellington
For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner$9.02
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington
For Wellington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Walking Food Tour Of Wellington: $153
- A Taste Of Wellington Food Tour (half Day): $188
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Wellington $16Managua $16
Tours and Activities in Wellington
For Wellington, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 5 hour Martinborough Bespoke Food & Wine shared tour with lunch: $153
- 5 hour Wellington City Heights Shared tour: $90
- 7-Hour Private Scenic Kapiti Coast Tour from Wellington: $243
- A Taste of Kapiti - Kapiti Foodie Delights Tour: $288
- A Taste of Wellington Foodie Delights Tour: $299
- From Cave to Coast Wellington Highlights Tour: $119
- From Source to Sea Remutaka Mountain Bike Cycle Tour: $103
- From Source to Sea eBike Remutaka Cycle Tour: $123
- From Half-Day Foodie Tour of the Wairarapa: $106
- From Taste Buds Tour of Petone: $167
- Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour: $178
- Full Day Tour of Wellington: $178
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
- Managua City Tour: $84
- Managua City Tour: $88
- Managua Love Stories: A Romantic Tour: $191
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $323
- Managua’s Historic Gems: A Cultural Walking Tour: $164
- Masaya Volcano Night Tour: $53
- Masaya volcano Night Tour: $110
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayWellington $12Managua $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington
Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wellington Craft Brewery Half Day Tour: $93
- Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $96
- 5 hour Martinborough shared Chefs Wine Tour with Gourmet lunch: $153
- Martinborough Full Day Wine Tour: $172
- Full Day Martinborough Wine Tour: $178
- 1/2 Day Martinborough Private Chefs wine tastings tour with lunch: $245
- Martinborough Private 5 hour Food & Wine tour with Gourmet lunch: $264
- Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $361
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Wellington and Managua, we can see that Wellington is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Wellington is in Pacific 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 Wellington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wellington 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 Wellington Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Wellington or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Wellington 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 Wellington or Managua?
Wellington 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 Wellington or Managua in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Wellington and Managua. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wellington this time of year. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Wellington is generally much colder than Managuain July. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 18°C (64°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Wellington, it's very sunny this time of the year. Wellington usually receives more sunshine than Managua during summer. Wellington gets 242 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun in the summer.
Managua receives a lot of rain in the summer. In January, Wellington usually receives less rain than Managuain July. Wellington gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures January and JulyWellington 18°C (64°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Wellington or Managua in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Wellington as well as Managua. Many travelers come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
Wellington is much colder than Managua in the autumn. The daily temperature in Wellington averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F)in October.
In the autumn, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Managuain October. Wellington gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Managua. Wellington usually gets less rain in April than Managuain October. Wellington gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures April and OctoberWellington 15°C (58°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Wellington or Managua in the Winter?
Both Managua and Wellington are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Wellington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Wellington is much colder than Managua. Typically, the winter temperatures in Wellington in July average around 10°C (49°F), and Managua averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.
It's quite sunny in Managua. Wellington usually receives less sunshine than Managua during winter. Wellington gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Wellington. In July, Wellington usually receives more rain than Managuain January. Wellington gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures July and JanuaryWellington 10°C (49°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Wellington or Managua in the Spring?
Both Managua and Wellington during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Wellington for the beaches during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
In October, Wellington is generally much colder than Managuain April. Daily temperatures in Wellington average around 13°C (55°F), and Managua fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
In Managua, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Wellington often gets less sunshine than Managuain April. Wellington gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun.
Wellington usually gets more rain in October than Managuain April. Wellington gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures October and AprilWellington 13°C (55°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Wellington
| Wellington | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.