Which place is cheaper, Managua or Zanzibar?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zanzibar or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zanzibar and Managua can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Zanzibar or Managua?
Zanzibar
Just off the coast of Tanzania lies an entrancing archipelago known as Zanzibar. This gorgeous string of islands is the land of sultans, palaces beaches and spice-filled markets. Once an important trading center, many restorations have been done in recent years to restore Zanzibar to its ancient grandeur - earning its capital city UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000.
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 Eco Tours in Tanzania, The Best Cultural Tours in Tanzania, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZanzibar $51Managua $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Zanzibar is $51, 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 Zanzibar and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZanzibar $24Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZanzibar $48Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Zanzibar and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Zanzibar 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: Zanzibar Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zanzibar $11Managua $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zanzibar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zanzibar:
- From Mystery Day Safari with Transfer: $500
- Private VIP Ferry Tickets to Daressalam with two way transfers : $260
- Private Transfer from Zanzibar Airport to Kiwengwa: $200
- Safari blue tour with Lunch and Transfers: $180
- Zanzibar Sunset Dhow Cruise with Transfers.: $149
- Zanzibar:Prison Island,Nakupenda Sandbank Tour with transfer: $141
- Off-Road Quad Bike Adventure with hotel transfer: $138
- Arrival Private Transfer Zanzibar Airport ZNZ to Island by Luxury Car: $125
- Departure Private Transfer from Island to Zanzibar Airport ZNZ by Luxury Sedan: $125
- Ferry Zanzibar :Transfer services: $120
- Jozani Forest and Spice Farm Tour With Transfer: $110
- Fishing Boat Tour with Transfer: $109
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from and To Poneloya or Las Peñitas Beach- Leon, Nicaragua: $68
- Granada: Managua to Granada Airport private transfer: $64
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $66
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $33
- Managua to Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) - Departure Transfer: $33
- Managua-Leon: Airport private transfer from to Managua /Leon: $85
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- Airport private transfer from Managua.: $25
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
- Popoyo Beach Transfer: $90
- Private Transfer from Managua Augusto Airport to Corinto Port: $71
- Private Transfer from Managua City Hotels to Corinto Cruise Port: $71
Is it cheaper to fly into Zanzibar or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Zanzibar 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 dayZanzibar $17Managua $17
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zanzibar
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zanzibar.
- Half-Day Kuza Cave Swimming Adventure and Cooking Class: $13
- Authentic Street Food Tours in Stone Town, Zanzibar: $40
- Zanzibar Traditional Cooking Class: $49
- An romantic cooking Lesson + Spice Farm Tour: $55
- Zanzibar Cooking Class [Swahili food test ] and Spice farm Private tour: $59
- Zanzibar Cooking Class & Spice Tour : $59
- Zanzibar Spice farm and Cooking Class: $60
- Local Cooking Class with Spice Tour in Zanzibar: $60
- Walking Spice Farm with Local Cooking Class: $60
- Spice Farm tour & Local cooking lesson with Lunch: $64
- Spice Farm Tour with Traditional Cooking Lesson: $65
- Stone Town Private Food Tour with a Guide: $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zanzibar $13Managua $16
Tours and Activities in Zanzibar
Here are a few actual costs in Zanzibar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4 hours Spice Tour in Tanzania: $80
- Fair Tourism In Paje: $27
- Spice Tour & Mangapwani Cave Tour: $80
- Stone City, Spice Farm and Prison Island Full Day Tour: $130
- Stonetown Private Half-day Walking Tour: $35
- Zanzibar Spice Tour : $47
- 10 DAYS MOSHI TO ZANZIBAR BIKE TOUR: $4,286
- 2day Zanzibar adventure: Prison Island & Sandbank (all-incl): $538
- 3 HOURS PRISON ISLAND TOUR IN ZANZIBAR: $60
- 3 Hours Private Stone Town Walking Tour : $30
- 3-Day Selous Game Reserve Safari & Cultural tour with Flight: $1,345
- 3-Hour Private City Tour in Zanzibar Island : $26
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 dayZanzibar $6.86Managua $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Zanzibar
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zanzibar:
- Pub Crawl & Club Experience: $30
When comparing the travel costs between Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar is in Africa 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 Zanzibar Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zanzibar or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Zanzibar. When comparing the sizes of Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar 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 Zanzibar or Managua in the Summer?
Both Managua and Zanzibar during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Zanzibar 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. Zanzibar usually gets less rain in July than Managua. Zanzibar gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Zanzibar. In the summer, Zanzibar often gets more sunshine than Managua. Zanzibar gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zanzibar in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZanzibar 25°C (77°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Managua in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zanzibar and Managua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Zanzibar year-round. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zanzibar usually receives less rain than Managua. Zanzibar gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In Zanzibar, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zanzibar usually receives more sunshine than Managua during autumn. Zanzibar gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Zanzibar is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in Zanzibar average around 25°C (78°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZanzibar 25°C (78°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Managua in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zanzibar as well as Managua. Zanzibar attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
Zanzibar usually gets more rain in January than Managua. Zanzibar gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 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 Zanzibar this time of the year. In the winter, Zanzibar often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Managua. Zanzibar gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.
Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Managua in the winter. The daily temperature in Zanzibar averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZanzibar 28°C (82°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Zanzibar or Managua in the Spring?
Both Managua and Zanzibar are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Zanzibar throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Zanzibar. In April, Zanzibar usually receives more rain than Managua. Zanzibar gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Managua. Zanzibar usually receives less sunshine than Managua during spring. Zanzibar gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Zanzibar is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zanzibar in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Managua averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZanzibar 27°C (81°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Zanzibar
| Zanzibar | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 26°C (78°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 25°C (76°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (78°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.