Travel Budget for Managua Visit Managua on a Budget or Travel in Style

Managua, Departamento de Managua, Nicaragua

Managua is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Managua?

You should plan to spend around $55 (C$2,007) per day on your vacation in Managua. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $17 (C$637) on meals
  • $20 (C$722) on local transportation
  • $46 (C$1,677) on hotels

A one week trip to Managua for two people costs, on average, $766 (C$28,098). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $55
    C$2,007
  • One Week Per person
    $383
    C$14,049
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $766
    C$28,098
  • One Month Per person
    $1,641
    C$60,210
  • One Week For a couple
    $766
    C$28,098
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,532
    C$56,196
  • One Month For a couple
    $3,282
    C$120,420
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Managua cost?

A one week trip to Managua usually costs around $383 (C$14,049) for one person and $766 (C$28,098) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Managua on average costs around $766 (C$28,098) for one person and $1,532 (C$56,196) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Managua will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Managua on average costs around $1,641 (C$60,210) for one person and $3,282 (C$120,420) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Managua expensive to visit?

Managua is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

Managua has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $22 (C$825) per day, mid-range travelers spend $55 (C$2,007) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $125 (C$4,611) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Managua.

Within Central America, Managua is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Central America for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Roatan, but there are also more expensive cities, such as San Pedro.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Managua Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Managua?

The average Managua trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Managua travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Managua cost?

Managua on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$9
(C$348)
$23
(C$839)
$51
(C$1,874)
Local Transportation 1 $8
(C$286)
$20
(C$722)
$49
(C$1,809)
Food 2 $7
(C$259)
$17
(C$637)
$41
(C$1,511)
Entertainment 1 $7
(C$258)
$16
(C$586)
$30
(C$1,096)
Alcohol 2 $2-7
(C$89-267)
$6-17
(C$204-611)
$11-32
(C$389-1,167)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Managua cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.

What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $22 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Fortunately, there are plenty of hostels available in Managua, such as La Bicicleta Hostal, Hotel Mozonte, and Casa Montoco. In these hostels, you can discover cheap dorm accommodations and a great social atmosphere, though amenities may be few.

What Makes You an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. A trip to Managua wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $55 per person, per day.

Managua offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Wayak Hotel & Suites is an excellent choice, while Hotel El Almendro Managua is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Managua.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $125. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a more luxurious budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Full Day Granada city +lake +handicraft market +catarina - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Managua

In Managua, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $68 and peak season rising to an average of $127. Prices typically range from $44 to $200, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Managua for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $46 (C$1,677). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $23 (C$839) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $23
    C$839
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $46
    C$1,677

Hotels in Managua

Looking for a hotel in Managua? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Managua

The average hotel room price in Managua based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $68 in the low season and $127 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Managua include:

  • Camino Real Managua starting at $111
  • Hotel Contempo starting at $88
  • Hilton Princess Managua starting at $109
  • Crowne Plaza Managua starting at $87
  • Hotel Colibri Managua starting at $42
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Managua

If you plan to avoid and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Managua

The public transit system in Managua is not very good.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $20 (C$722) per person, per day, on local transportation in Managua. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Managua is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $20
    C$722

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • Private Transfer in Nicaragua for $110 details
  • Transfer From Managua International Airport for $90 details
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer for $56 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Managua
How much does it cost to go to Managua? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Managua
The price of renting a car in Managua will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Managua

One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Managua can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Managua is $17 (C$637) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $17
    C$637

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Managua is around $17 (C$637) per person, with previous travelers spending from $7 to $41. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Managua are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $2 to $5
  • Lunch: $3 to $7
  • Dinner: $5 to $12
  • Coffee: $1
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $3

There are plenty a delicious and reasonably priced restaurants and bars around town. The typical breakfast in Managua is Leche Agria, which is a homemade yogurt based drink. You can pick one up at any number of places, and many people enjoy it with a tortilla. Pupusas, fruit juices, roast chicken, and steakhouses are all available as well. There are some good international restaurants as well, including a popular French restaurant, Le Cafe de Paris. This high price restaurant has a good wine selection, foie gras, and pepper steak, among other French favorites.

Food & Dining Tips

Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.

Keep a water bottle with you to cut down on drink purchases. It's also better for the environment.

Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Managua

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Managua typically cost an average of $16 (C$586) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $16
    C$586

There are some fascinating sights around Managua, many of which highlight the colonial architecture around the city. Make sure you head to the Catedral de Managua, which is now in ruins after the 1972 earthquake. Today the Palacio Nacional is a museum with a multitude of exhibits you can visit. Visit the Rotonda Ruben Dario at night when the fountain is lit up and quite pleasant to see. A fun place to see is Tiscapa Lagoon which is a freshwater lagoon and volcano crater lake. It has ziplines nearby which can be fun. There's also a New Cathedral worth visiting and Parque de la Paz, also worth a visit.



It can be fun to shop for handicrafts in Managua. Mercado Huembes has everything from local souvenirs to hammocks or art work. Galeria Codice is a great place to buy art. They have high quality work from all over Nicaragua.

Managua has many casinos throughout the city. Casinos range in size from small to large and several have poker games, while most of them have slot machines.

A nice way to explore destinations in Managua is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Private Day Tour Exploring Masaya and Granada in Nicaragua for $120 details
  • Masaya volcano Night Tour for $110 details
  • Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya. For $155 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Managua

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $11 (C$407) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Managua per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $11
    C$407
Nightlife Tips

Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.



Budgeting and Travel Tips for Managua

  • Expect higher prices and larger crowds during the peak season of . To keep your budget in check and avoid the hustle and bustle, try going during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Taking your time to travel can help you save, allowing you to relish the area's beauty while you unwind. Cramming too many activities into your day often leads to higher costs. By slowing down, you can typically enjoy your trip more while spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Managua doesn't have many public transport options available. You may want to consider setting up transportation ahead of time, like booking a tour or private driver. Just be aware that this might affect your budget elsewhere.
  • Managua isn't known for its abundance of hostels, so if you're hoping to crash in a budget-friendly dorm, you might need to rethink your strategy. Consider looking for an affordable hotel or an apartment rental instead.
Traveling in Managua
Managua Managua, Nicaragua

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.

While Managua has a reputation for being a dangerous city, it has actually made a great effort to get this problem under control. Today you will see a heavy police presence throughout the entire city. Crime is now relatively low, but common sense is still important. Stay alert when you're traveling around the city, particular at night. Travel in groups when you can and it is best to have someone with you who speaks Spanish. Also make sure you understand which neighborhoods you will be wandering through so you know what risks you may be taking.

Managua has a tropical climate. The temperatures are relatively constant throughout the year, averaging between 82 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. There is a dry season that is between November and April and a wet season from May to October. Temperatures are warmest in March and April.



Neighborhoods & Around

Managua has a population of about 1,800,000, making it the second largest city in Central America after Guatemala City. Following the 1972 earthquake, many residential and business areas grew in the outskirts of the city. Barrio Martha Quezada and Barrio Jorge Dimitrove are both quiet, but less safe parts of the city. If you find yourself in these areas, it's best not to wander around after dark. The TicaBus Station is located in Barrio Jorge Dimitrov and there are many budget hotels nearby, so if you arrive in this area, it's best not to travel alone and make sure you take taxis at night.

If you're looking for bars and restaurants, then you'll find many in the area south of the big BAC building downtown. Zona Rosa is a growing area with bars and restaurants in a predominantly residential neighborhood. Zona Viva also has several options.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.