Which place is cheaper, Managua or Playa del Carmen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Managua?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Managua? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Playa del Carmen or Managua?
Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is in Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's a popular resort town and is about seventy kilometers south of Cancun. It has a European atmosphere with many small hotels and a nice relaxed feel. It was originally a small fishing town but tourism began with the introduction of a passenger ferry to Cozumel. The area developed rapidly and there are many luxury hotels, condos, and resorts. There are also American chains and a variety of shopping opportunities nearby.
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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Adventure Tours to Nicaragua, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Nicaragua.
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Playa del Carmen Prices
Mexico PricesManagua Prices
Nicaragua Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPlaya del Carmen $89Managua $67
The average daily cost (per person) in Playa del Carmen is $89, 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 Playa del Carmen and Managua in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPlaya del Carmen $36Managua $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPlaya del Carmen $72Managua $46
Compare Hotels in Playa del Carmen and Managua
Looking for a hotel in Playa del Carmen 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: Playa del Carmen Hotel Prices and Managua Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Playa del Carmen $22Managua $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Playa del Carmen
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Playa del Carmen:
- Private Van Transfer to Mahahual: $476
- Private Van Transfer to Bacalar: $476
- Private Van Transfer to Merida: $340
- Cancún: Cozumel 2-Tank Diving Tour with Lunch & Transfers: $327
- Private Van Transfer to Valladolid: $306
- Private Van Transfer to Chiquilá (Holbox): $306
- Private Van Transfer to El Cuyo: $300
- Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila Ferry Dock: $299
- Private Transfer roundtrip to Xoximilco. from PLAYA and CANCUN: $260
- Private Transfer to Chiquila one-wey, from Cancún and Playa: $260
- Private Transfer From Chetumal to Mahahual With a 2 Hour Stop: $240
- Cielo y Cielito With Transfer, Catamaran, 5 hours Open Bar and Lunch: $217
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Managua
Also for Managua, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport transfer or hotels in managua Nicaragua: $35
- From Leon: One way shared transfer to Managua: $39
- From One way shared transfer to Granada: $39
- From One way shared transfer to San Jorge: $59
- Granada: One way shared transfer to Managua: $39
- Managua Augusto Airport (MGA) to Managua-Round-Trip Transfer: $127
- Managua Augusto Sandino Airport(MGA) to Managua- Arrival Transfer: $63
- Managua-San juan del sur: Airport private transfer: $125
- One way shared transfer to Leon: $39
- One way shared transfer to San Juan del Sur: $57
- Nicaragua Private Transfer Service Managua and San Juan del Sur: $100
- PRIVATE San Juan Del Sur Transfer: $56
Is it cheaper to fly into Playa del Carmen or Managua?
Prices for flights to both Managua and Playa del Carmen 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 dayPlaya del Carmen $37Managua $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Playa del Carmen
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Playa del Carmen.
- Cenotes by Bike and Mayan Cooking Class Half-Day Guided Tour: $56
- Flavors of Playa del Carmen, Mexican Food Tour: $63
- Playa Del Carmen Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $75
- Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour: $79
- Yucatecan Cooking Class & Unlimited Margaritas – Playa del Carmen: $85
- Playa del Camen Vegan Mexican Food Tour: $85
- Temazcal Mayan Ceremony and Dinner in Mayan Village: $89
- Mayan Cooking Class: Chicken Pibil in Secret Cenote: $95
- PDC Traditional Mexican Cooking Experience: $109
- Riviera Maya Luxury Sunset Sailing plus Light Dinner and Open Bar: $109
- Mexican Cooking Class: $120
- Isa’s Authentic Mexican Cooking Class: $120
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Playa del Carmen $15Managua $16
Tours and Activities in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few actual costs in Playa del Carmen for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- ATV Mayan Jungle Adventure: $180
- Buggy Ride through Playa del Carmen Tour: $139
- Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club: $85
- Cozumel Buggy Tour: $155
- Park Xenses Tour Play with your Senses from Playa del Carmen: $126
- Romantic tour in Akumal: $115
- The Best Ruins Tour : Coba Sunset Cultural / Extreme : $140
- "Tulum Adventures: Between Jungle, Cenotes and Mayan Mysteries": $110
- 3 in 1 Private Tour Tulum Cenote and Snorkeling in the reef: $210
- 4 ADVENTURES 1 DAY Tulum Coba Cenote and Playa del Carmen : $16
- 4 amazing places for 1 price and 1 full day tour Tulum, Coba, Cenote and PDC: $40
- 4 to 7 Day Beach Cruiser Rental (Up to 7 Days, includes Ulock): $45
Tours and Activities in Managua
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Managua.
- Masaya volcano tour: $38
- Apoyo Lagoon + Lava tour: $48
- Discover the Best of Managua on a Private City Tour: $60
- Granada lake +Colonial City + Lava tour Masaya volcano: $60
- Private Capital City Tour Managua: $60
- Granada Isletas and City tour: $68
- PRIVATE Boat ride + Colonial city tour at Granada+Catarina lookout: $68
- Masaya Volcano Night Tour The Impressive Power of Nature: $80
- Managua City Tour: $84
- PRIVATE Boat tour + Granada City + Catarina lookout: $85
- full tour Somoto Canyon Nicaragua: $86
- Amazing Masaya Volcano at Night "Private Tour" : $88
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPlaya del Carmen $19Managua $11
Sample the Local Flavors in Playa del Carmen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Playa del Carmen:
- Madness tour bar crawl Playa del carmen open bar: $99
- Tour to the Brewery with Tasting and Fifth Avenue: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Managua, we can see that Playa del Carmen is more expensive. And not only is Managua much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Playa del Carmen is in North America 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 Playa del Carmen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Managua Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Managua?
Managua has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Playa del Carmen. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Managua?
Playa del Carmen has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Managua experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Managua in the Summer?
Both Managua and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Managua year-round.
In the summer, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the summer temperatures in Playa del Carmen in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Managua averages at about 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa del Carmen. In the summer, Playa del Carmen often gets more sunshine than Managua. Playa del Carmen gets 223 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 175 hours of full sun.
Managua gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in July than Managua. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Managua receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPlaya del Carmen 28°C (82°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Managua in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Managua. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Managua attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In October, Playa del Carmen is generally around the same temperature as Managua. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 26°C (79°F), and Managua fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
In Playa del Carmen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa del Carmen usually receives more sunshine than Managua during autumn. Playa del Carmen gets 233 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Managua receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Managua. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Managua receives 197 mm (7.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October is the hurricane season in Playa del Carmen.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPlaya del Carmen 26°C (79°F)Managua 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Managua in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Managua. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Managua throughout the year.
Playa del Carmen is cooler than Managua in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Managua fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Managua. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Carmen this time of the year. In the winter, Playa del Carmen often gets less sunshine than Managua. Playa del Carmen gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Managua receives 244 hours of full sun.
Playa del Carmen usually gets more rain in January than Managua. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Managua receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPlaya del Carmen 23°C (73°F)Managua 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Managua in the Spring?
Both Managua and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Managua because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the spring, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Managua. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa del Carmen in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Managua averages at about 29°C (84°F).
It's quite sunny in Managua. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Managua during spring. Playa del Carmen gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Managua receives 242 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Managua. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Managua receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPlaya del Carmen 27°C (81°F)Managua 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Managua and Playa del Carmen
| Playa del Carmen | Managua | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 23°C (73°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 24°C (75°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 144 mm (5.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 197 mm (7.8 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 24°C (75°F) | 21 mm (0.8 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.