As of November 12, 2026, Nicaragua is cheaper than Guatemala for travelers: a mid-range day costs about $62 in Nicaragua against $72 in Guatemala, a gap of 17.0%. Over the past year Guatemala has moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor (+0.9% after inflation, against +0.7%). Both sit at US advisory Level 3. Guatemala is the easier of the two to travel.
| Measure | Guatemala | Nicaragua |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $72 | $62 |
| Lean day | $33 | $29 |
| Comfortable day | $166 | $134 |
| Real change, 12 months | +0.9% | +0.7% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +0.2% | +0.5% |
| Versus 5-year average | 0.0% | −1.0% |
| US advisory | Level 3 · Reconsider travel | Level 3 · Reconsider travel |
| Ease of travel | 3.2 · Workable | 2.9 · Rough edges |
| Index score | 55 | 56 |
| Best months | Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Shoulder months | May, Oct | May, Nov |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
Volcanoes, a highland lake and Maya ruins on a backpacker budget.
The catchViolent crime is the reason for the elevated advisory. Use tourist shuttles, not chicken buses, and do not travel after dark.
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.