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

Should you visit Grand Cayman or Managua?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Grand Cayman and Managua. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Grand Cayman or Managua?

Grand Cayman

When people think of the Cayman Islands, they typically think of offshore bank accounts and sunny, cruise ship ports. Grand Cayman has more to offer travelers than a playground for the wealthy or a short stopover for cruise passengers. This tropical island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, it is a shopper's heaven, a center for global finance and an ideal vacation spot.

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 Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.


Which place is cheaper, Managua or Grand Cayman?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Grand Cayman is $242, while the average daily cost in Managua is $67. 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 Grand Cayman and Managua in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Grand Cayman $149
    Managua $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Grand Cayman $298
    Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Grand Cayman and Managua

Looking for a hotel in Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman


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: Grand Cayman Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Grand Cayman $31
    Managua $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman

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

  • Private Transfer from Airport to morritts: $180
  • Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $103

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • Transfer, Transportation, Shuttle and Tours : $30
  • Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
  • San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Managua: $57
  • San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • Nicaragua Private Transfer Service Managua and San Juan del Sur: $100
  • One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
  • One way shared transfer to Leon: $39
  • Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $63
  • Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $127
  • Granada: One way shared transfer to Managua: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Grand Cayman or Managua?

Prices for flights to both Managua and Grand Cayman 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
    Grand Cayman $67
    Managua $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Grand Cayman $41
    Managua $16

Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman

For Grand Cayman, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • StingrayCity ,Coral Garden & Starfish Tour. : $69
  • 2 Stop Reef Snorkel and Glass Bottom Boat Adventure: $35
  • 3 Stop Boat Tour Stingray City Coral Gardens and Starfish Point: $65
  • Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $79
  • Cayman 2 in 1 Combo Tour Stingray City Reef Snorkel Adventure: $77
  • Cayman 3 in 1 Combo Adventure Stingray City Reef Snorkeling: $104
  • Cayman Adventure Stingrays Starfish plus Crystal Caves : $89
  • Cayman Bioluminescent Bay Night Tour: $144
  • Cayman Combo Tour: Starfish Point, Stingray City & Coral Gardens: $119
  • Cayman Crystal Caves Tour in Grand Cayman: $143
  • Cayman's Classic Food Tasting & Cultural Experience: $179
  • CaymanVisitor Hide & Seek GeoTour Self-Drive Tour: $13

Tours and Activities in Managua

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

  • Granada + Boat ride+Handicraft Market+Catarina+ Lava tour: $120
  • Granada lake +Colonial City + Lava tour Masaya volcano: $60
  • 3 full day tour at Granada, Lava tour and Leon : $210
  • Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $88
  • Apoyo Lagoon + Lava tour: $48
  • Between Volcanoes Tours; Granada-Masaya.: $155
  • Complete Tour of Granada and Masaya: History, Beauty & Tradition: $115
  • Discover the Best of Managua on a Private City Tour: $60
  • Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
  • Managua Capital City Private Tour: $90
  • Managua City Tour: $98
  • Managua City Tour: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Grand Cayman $13
    Managua $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:


  • Beer
    $4.95

Sample the Local Flavors in Grand Cayman

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Grand Cayman:

  • Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only: $24
  • Cayman Art and Wine Tour: $150


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


Which is Bigger, Grand Cayman or Managua?

Managua has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Grand Cayman 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 Grand Cayman or Managua?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Managua in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Grand Cayman and Managua. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Grand Cayman year-round. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Managua receives a lot of rain in the summer. Grand Cayman gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Managua. Grand Cayman gets 179 mm (7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In the summer, Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Grand Cayman in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Managua in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Grand Cayman as well as Managua. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.

It's quite rainy in Managua. Grand Cayman receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in October than Managua. Grand Cayman gets 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Grand Cayman is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in Grand Cayman average around 27°C (81°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F) 
    Managua 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Managua in the Winter?

Both Managua and Grand Cayman are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In January, Grand Cayman usually receives more rain than Managua. Grand Cayman gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Grand Cayman is around the same temperature as Managua in the winter. The daily temperature in Grand Cayman averages around 24°C (76°F) in January, and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F) 
    Managua 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Grand Cayman or Managua in the Spring?

Both Managua and Grand Cayman during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.

Grand Cayman usually gets more rain in April than Managua. Grand Cayman gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Grand Cayman is cooler than Managua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Grand Cayman in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Managua averages at about 29°C (84°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F) 
    Managua 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Managua and Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Managua
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in) 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Mar 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Apr 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 29°C (84°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in) 27°C (81°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.8 in)
Nov 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in) 31°C (88°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)