Is Managua Expensive?

Is Managua expensive to visit?

Managua is a fairly affordable travel destination with an average daily cost of $55. Compared to the rest of Central America, it is a reasonably affordable place to visit. It's ranked in the top 25% of cities in Central America for its affordability, comparable to places like Boquete and Leon.



Managua, Nicaragua

How expensive is Managua?

For a trip to Managua, travelers spend on average $55 per day (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations from previous visitors. As this is an average cost, your individual spending may vary, especially since there's a wide range of accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment options here. If you stick to moderately-priced hotels and restaurants, as well as take advantage of some of free things to do in the area, you can stick close to the average budget. See more travel costs for Managua here to see how all of the average spending costs pan out.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Managua?

On average, a weekend trip to Managua costs about $164 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a weekend trip costs $329.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Managua?

A one week trip to Managua costs about $383 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $767.

Is it expensive to backpack in Managua?

With more than 6 hostels in the area, Managua is a fairly popular backpacker destination for travelers looking to stay on a tight budget and have a fun time along the way. Here, hostels cost an average of $13 per night for a dorm bed, with private rooms being more expensive. (See hostel prices in Managua here.) There's a wide range in prices for beds, as the cheapest hostels cost $7, but the most expensive can be more than $18 per night.

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Managua.

  • $14 for a dorm bed at La Bicicleta Hostal
  • $18 for a dorm bed at Casa Montoco

Are hotels expensive in Managua?

Examining hotel prices in Managua, we can see that they are moderately priced when compared to hotels in other cities. The average cost for a night in a hotel room is approximately $68. The city is equipped with about 1 five-star hotels, boasting an average nightly rate of $147. For travelers aiming for a comfortable yet budget-conscious stay, three-star hotels come in at an average of $68 per night, while two-star hotels offer a more pocket-friendly choice at $41 per night.


Hotels by star rating in Managua
Rating Number of Hotels Average Hotel Price
5 stars 1 $147
4 stars 5 $98
3 stars 16 $68
2 stars 9 $41

Km 9.5 Carretera Norte, Managua
Overall Rating 9.0
Km 11 Carretera Masaya, Managua
Overall Rating 8.8

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Managua?

In Managua, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the area. On average, previous travelers have spent around $16 per day on sightseeing and entertainment, which is more than the country's average of $12.

    • Private Day Tour Exploring Masaya and Granada in Nicaragua: $120
    • Masaya volcano Night Tour: $110
    • Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $155
    • PRIVATE Day trip Granada Isletas +Colonial City tour from Managua: $80
    • PRIVATE Laguna de apoyo day pass + masaya volcano lava tour: $70
    • Private Sandboarding Tour Cerro Negro and the Central Park of León: $160
    • Matagalpa Tour, White Waterfall and Black Forest.: $167
    • Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $88

    Is food expensive in Managua?

    In Managua, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $17 per day on food, which is more than the country's average of $15.

    Is transportation expensive in Managua?

    Local transportation in Managua can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $20 on local transportation per person per day, which is more than the country's average of $10. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

    More for Managua

    If you're planning a trip to Managua, Nicaragua, check out these other informative travel guides.



    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.



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