As of November 12, 2026, Nicaragua is cheaper than Colombia for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $62 in Nicaragua against $96 in Colombia, a gap of 54.7%. Over the past year Nicaragua has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+0.7% after inflation, against −14.4%). Both sit at US advisory Level 3. Colombia is the easier of the two to travel.
| Measure | Colombia | Nicaragua |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $96 | $62 |
| Lean day | $41 | $29 |
| Comfortable day | $233 | $134 |
| Real change, 12 months | −14.4% | +0.7% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | −12.4% | +0.5% |
| Versus 5-year average | −28.3% | −1.0% |
| US advisory | Level 3 · Reconsider travel | Level 3 · Reconsider travel |
| Ease of travel | 3.9 · Well set up | 2.9 · Rough edges |
| Index score | 37 | 56 |
| Best months | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Jul, Aug | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder months | Jun, Sep | May, Nov |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
Mountains, Caribbean coast and coffee country, with a peso that rewards timing.
The catchThe advisory reflects crime and kidnapping risk that is strongly regional. Stick to established routes and never accept drinks from strangers.
Colonial towns, surf and volcanoes at Central America's lowest prices.
The catchThe elevated advisory reflects arbitrary enforcement of laws and the risk of wrongful detention, not street crime. Read it before booking.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.