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

Should you visit Managua or Rosario?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Managua and Rosario can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Managua or Rosario?

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.

Rosario

Rosario is the third largest city in Argentina. Located at the Parana river and known for its rich architectural heritage and beautiful riverside scenery, Rosario is the birthplace of the Argentinian flag as well as two of the nation's most famous icons, Che Guevara and Lionel Messi. Rosario is still an important river port but has done a great job of regenerating its center, which now has a vibrant cultural and night life. The abandoned buildings of the long riverbank have been converted into galleries, restaurants, skateparks and river beaches, which buzz with life in summer. Dynamic and confident without being showy, culturally rich and the best urban location to cool off in the boiling summers, Rosario is easily overlooked but not to be missed.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua, The Best Tours for Seniors to Argentina, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Argentina.


Which place is cheaper, Rosario or Managua?

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 Managua is $67, while the average daily cost in Rosario is $62. 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 Managua and Rosario in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Managua $23
    Rosario $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Managua $46
    Rosario $94
Compare Hotels in Managua and Rosario

Looking for a hotel in Managua or Rosario? 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 Managua


Hotels in Rosario


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: Managua Hotel Prices and Rosario Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Managua $20
    Rosario $3.14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua

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

  • Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $127
  • Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
  • Nicaragua Private Transfer Service Managua and San Juan del Sur: $100
  • Transfer From Managua International Airport: $90
  • Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $63
  • From One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $59
  • One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
  • San Juan del Sur: One way shared transfer to Managua: $57
  • PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
  • San Jorge Rivas Transfer: $47
  • Granada: One way shared transfer to Managua: $39
  • One way shared transfer to Leon: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Managua or Rosario?

Prices for flights to both Rosario and Managua 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
    Managua $30
    Rosario $6.59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Managua $16
    Rosario $27

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

Tours and Activities in Rosario

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

  • Newell's Old Boys Football Match and Messi Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Managua $11
    Rosario $7.54


When comparing the travel costs between Managua and Rosario, 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 Managua is in Central America and Rosario is in South 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 Managua Expensive? and Is Rosario Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Managua or Rosario?

Rosario has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Managua. When comparing the sizes of Managua and Rosario, 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.