Which place is cheaper, Seattle or Kathmandu?
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 Kathmandu or Seattle?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kathmandu and Seattle can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Kathmandu or Seattle?
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital and largest city in the country of Nepal. Its metropolitan area forms one large urban area that includes the area of Patan to the south. As of 2011 there were 2.5 million residents in the Kathmandu metropolis and over 3 million in the entire metropolitan area. Kathmandu is likely to be your entry point into Nepal and is a great place to pick up supplies and arrange the details for any treks you hope to do. Many travelers rush through Kathmandu, turned off by the pollution and crowds, but to skip Kathmandu is to miss a major cultural, financial, and influential part of what defines the country of Nepal. The city itself is quite fun to explore if you allow it enough time and an open mind.
Seattle
Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.
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Kathmandu Prices
Nepal PricesSeattle Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKathmandu $59Seattle $242
The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $59, while the average daily cost in Seattle is $242. 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 Kathmandu and Seattle in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKathmandu $38Seattle $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKathmandu $76Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Seattle
Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Seattle? 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: Kathmandu Hotel Prices and Seattle Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kathmandu $6.56Seattle $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kathmandu
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Kathmandu:
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Taxi Ride$1.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:
- Kathmandu - Private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport : $15
- Private Airport Transfers – TIA Kathmandu Arrival & Departure: $15
- Mount Everest Scenic Tour by Plane with Transfers: $15
- Kathmandu Airport Private Transfers: $16
- Private Transfer: Kathmandu Hotels to Domestic Airport Vehicle: $20
- Private Transfer: Kathmandu Domestic Airport to Hotel Vehicle : $20
- Deluxe Toyota Coaster Mini Bus Transfer From Kathmandu to Pokhara or V. V. : $22
- Rent a Private Car with Driver for Kathmandu City Transfer : $25
- Private Arrival Transfer Kathmandu Airport to Kathmandu, Nepal: $45
- Kathmandu to Namobuddha Transfer by Private AC Car One Way: $50
- Chandragiri Hill Cable Car Tour with Hotel Transfers from Kathmandu: $60
- Kathmandu to Chitwan Transfer by Private AC Car One Way: $70
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:
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Lightrail from Airport (for 2)$5.50
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Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)$15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:
- One - Way Transfer from Pier 66 to SeaTac international Airport : $27
- Transfer Pier 91 to International SeaTac Airport One Way: $27
- One-Way Seattle Airport Transfer Service: $27
- One-Way Transfer: Pier 91 to Airport : $28
- SEA Airport Private Transfer to Seattle City|Hotels: $37
- Private Transfer from Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Hotels: $38
- Private Transfer from Seattle hotels to Smith Cove Terminal: $38
- Private Transfer from Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle Airport SEA: $38
- Private Transfer from Seattle Airport SEA to Smith Cove Terminal: $38
- Seattle SEA Airport to Downtown|Pier 91|Bellevue Private Transfer: $42
- Seattle Airport Transfer – One Way or Round Trip (SUV / VAN): $45
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport private transfer. Pick up: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Seattle?
Prices for flights to both Seattle and Kathmandu 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 dayKathmandu $14Seattle $88
Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kathmandu are as follows:
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Dessert$1.28
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Dinner for Two$2.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kathmandu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kathmandu.
- Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking & Momo-Making Class: $8.00
- Cultural Stay in Kathmandu and experience dinner with family: $18
- Secret Food Tour - Food Bites and Sights in Kathmandu: $27
- Private Nepali Cooking Class in Kathmandu in Peace & quiet place: $30
- Best Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Trip: $30
- Kathmandu Food Tour : $32
- Cook and Eat: Cooking Class in Kathmandu near Thamel: $34
- Walking Street Food Tour in Kathmandu: $48
- Cooking Class with Vyas: $49
- Half Day Nepal Cooking Class in Thamel: $60
- Cooking Class with HSJ: $60
- Local Cooking Class in Chitwan with Local Style Wood Fire: $65
Typical Food Prices in Seattle
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:
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Expresso & cookie at Pier 70$7.00
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Cashews at Pike Place Market$6.00
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6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market$3.25
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Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)$21
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Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)$32
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Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)$37
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.
- Bite-Sized Seattle History & Food Tour: $26
- Meet Me at the Market Food Tour: $44
- Taste Pike Place Walking Food Tour: $63
- Seattle Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
- Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour: $71
- Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market: $72
- Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $73
- Gnocchi Cooking Class With Local Chef in Seattle: $75
- Japanese Ramen Cooking Class With Local Chef: $75
- Seattle Pike Market Food Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours: $75
- Street Food Tour of South Lake Union- Area of Amazon Spheres : $77
- Plant Based in Pike Place Food Tour (GF available): $79
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kathmandu $7.58Seattle $16
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kathmandu
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kathmandu are as follows:
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Monkey Temple for Two$1.42
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Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two$3.54
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Swayambhunath Stupa$1.42
Tours and Activities in Kathmandu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kathmandu are as follows:
- Full Day Guided Tour in Kathmandu: $5.00
- Full Day 7 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group: $5.00
- Full Day Private Tour of Seven World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu: $5.00
- Bhaktapur & Nagarkot Day Tour with Lunch - Private/Group: $5.00
- Scenic Swayambhunath & Chandragiri Cable Car Tour: $5.00
- Chandragiri Cable Car Ride & Monkey Temple Tour - Private/Group: $5.00
- Nepali Tea Tasting Lifetime Experience : $8.00
- Kathmandu Durbar Square Walking Tour: $10
- Private World Heritage Sites Tour/ 4 UNESCO Tour. : $10
- Walking Tour from Bazaar to Hippie Hub Ason and Freak Street: $10
- Privet Day Tours in Kathmandu Nepal : $10
- Private Kathmandu City Tour/ 7 UNESCO World Heritage Tour : $10
Tours and Activities in Seattle
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:
- Historic Ballard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring Seattle's Quirky History: $5.99
- Seattle Time Travel Exploration Game and Tour: $7.16
- Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Everett by Operation City Quest: $10
- Downtown Seattle Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $13
- Uncover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Seattle Audio Tour on Capital Hill Adventure: $15
- Seattle Kraken Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $19
- National Nordic Museum Entry Ticket: $20
- Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket: $20
- Smith Tower Observatory Admission Ticket: $22
- Seattle City Walking Tour: Along the Waterfront: $22
- Seattle Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKathmandu $5.45Seattle $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Kathmandu
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kathmandu:
- Local Food and Wine Tasting in Kathmandu : $65
Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:
- Seattle Bar Crawl Belltown Bar Blitz: $15
- Seattle Terrors Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour : $45
- Diverse Wine Tasting Experience Near Pike Place Market: $75
- Diverse Wine Tasting Experience with Bites: $75
- Woodinville Guided Wine Tour with Optional Tastings: $109
- Bainbridge Island Discovery and Wine Tour: $159
- Hollywood Artisan Wine Tasting Experience: $249
- All-inclusive Wine Tasting and Lunch Experience: $249
- Private Wine Tour on Whidbey Island, WA 7hrs: $288
- From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $344
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kathmandu and Seattle, we can see that Seattle is more expensive. And not only is Kathmandu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kathmandu is in Asia and Seattle is in North 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 Kathmandu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kathmandu 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle than you might in Kathmandu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kathmandu Expensive? and Is Seattle Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or Seattle?
Kathmandu has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Kathmandu and Seattle, 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.
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.