Which place is cheaper, Washington 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 Washington?
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 Washington 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 Washington?
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.
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.
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Kathmandu Prices
Nepal PricesWashington Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKathmandu $59Washington $226
The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $59, while the average daily cost in Washington is $226. 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 Washington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKathmandu $38Washington $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKathmandu $76Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Washington
Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Washington? 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 Washington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kathmandu $6.56Washington $47
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 to Lumbini or Sunauli Border Transfer by Luxury Private Vehicle: $300
- Private Transfer by Car from Kathmandu to Pokhara: $210
- Private Transfer to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu or Pokhara: $170
- Everest Scenic Flight By Buddha Air with Free Hotel Transfers: $165
- Yoga Experience Day Trip with Private Transfer From Kathmandu: $152
- Private Car Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara or To Chitwan or To Lumbini & V V: $145
- Pokhara:Paragliding & River Rafting Adventure with Transfers: $139
- Kathmandu to Manthali Private Transfer Service: $130
- Private Sunrise or Sunset Tour of Dhulikhel with return transfers from Kathmandu: $124
- Private Car Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara or Chitwan or Vv: $90
- Private Luxury Car Transfer all over Nepal: $88
- Kathmandu to Bandipur One Way Transfer by Private AC Car : $85
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- DCA Airport Private Transfer to Washington D.C.: $37
- Private Transfer Washington Airport DCA to Washington DC Hotels: $42
- Private Arrival Transfer from Washington Reagan Airport DCA: $48
- Private Departure Transfer to Washington Reagan Airport DCA: $48
- Airport Transfer from Ronald Reagan Airport DCA ⇄ Washington DC: $65
- Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $67
- Washington to Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) - Departure Private Transfer: $67
- Washington DC: One Way Airport Transfer Service: $80
- Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
- Transfer Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington City Center: $88
- Transfer Washington City Center to Dulles Airport (IAD): $89
- Washington to Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) - Departure Private Transfer: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Washington?
Prices for flights to both Washington 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 $14Washington $66
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 Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: City Cruises Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $60
- DC: City Cruises Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $71
- Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $71
- Adams Morgan Food Tour: $78
- Dupont Circle Food Tour: $84
- Washington D.C: Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $95
- DC: Eastern Market Eats Food Tour (5 Food Stops + Dessert): $99
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $104
- City Cruises Washington DC: Signature Dinner Cruise: $121
- City Cruises Washington DC: Premier Dinner Cruise: $127
- Eastern Market Neighborhood Food Tour (5 Food Stops + Dessert): $129
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kathmandu $7.58Washington $24
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:
- 4 Days Kathmandu Nagarkot Tour : $235
- 4-Hour Private Car Sunrise tour over Mount Everest in Nagarkot: $129
- Discover Kathmandu Valley: A Day Tour Through Time and Tradition: $96
- Hire Tour Guide Nepal : $81
- Manakamana Darshan- Day Tour: $180
- Nagarkot & Bhaktapur Tour with Private Transport: $60
- One Day Tour inside Chitwan National Park: $116
- "Off-The-Beaten-Path" Tour around Kathmandu : $70
- 1 Day Gay Tour Nepal: $155
- 1 Day Valley Rim Biking Tour in Kathmandu: $160
- 1 Night 2 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Kathmandu: $155
- 1 Night 2 Days Daman Tour: $215
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Washington: $6.00
- The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Washington DC Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
- Georgetown's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $9.75
- Reflections on a Nation Self-Guided National Mall Highlights Tour: $9.99
- Washington DC Mall Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $12
- National Mall Democracy Quest Experience in Washington DC: $12
- Washington DC Audio Tour: Washington, D.C. Audio Tour Adventure: $15
- DC - Historical: At your leisure and your pace. Downloadable audiovisual tour.: $15
- Washington DC Monuments Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $15
- City Cruises DC: Water Taxi from Wharf or Old Town Alexandria: $20
- Washington D.C.: Washington Wizards Basketball Game Ticket: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKathmandu $5.45Washington $19
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 Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl By US Ghost Adventures: $36
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $56
- DC Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kathmandu and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or Washington?
Kathmandu has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Kathmandu and Washington, 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.