A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mount Everest vs. El Nido for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mount Everest or El Nido?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mount Everest and El Nido. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Mount Everest or El Nido?

Mount Everest

More commonly known as Mount Everest, Qomolangma is the highest mountain in the world with a peak reaching 8,848 meters above sea level. Pilgrims trek long distances to worship its divine aura, climbing enthusiasts run great risks to challenge its high altitude, and visitors from all over come to see where the tallest reaches of earth meet the heavens.

El Nido

El Nido is a coastal destination on the Philippine island of Palawan. It consists of about 45 islands and islets all with beautiful beachfront scenery and plenty of opportunities for experiencing nature above and below the water. Some of the island's best features include limestone karst cliffs, coral reefs, lagoons, coves, and waterfalls.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Kathmandu, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Pokhara, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, El Nido or Mount Everest?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mount Everest is $56, while the average daily cost in El Nido is $47. 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 Mount Everest and El Nido in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mount Everest $6.46
    El Nido $14
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mount Everest $13
    El Nido $28
Compare Hotels in Mount Everest and El Nido

Looking for a hotel in Mount Everest or El Nido? 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.

Hotels in Mount Everest


Hotels in El Nido


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: El Nido Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mount Everest -
    El Nido $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Nido

Also for El Nido, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • El Nido Town: Transfers to/from Nacpan Beach: $12
  • To Puerto Princesa 1-Way Shared Van Transfer: $14
  • Lio Airport to/from Hotel Transfers: $35
  • Island Hopping Tour B Snake Island with transfer: $39
  • El Nido Tour with Lunch and Transfers: $44
  • El Nido Tour C with Lunch and Transfers: $44
  • El Nido (Lio) Airport Transfers: $50
  • Island Hopping TOUR A with Lunch, Transfer & EDTF: $53
  • Private Van Transfer : From El Nido to Puerto Princesa Palawan: $170
  • Private Transfer from El Nido to Port Barton Palawan: $170
  • El Nido Big Lagoon and Tropical Island Private Tour with Transfer: $179

Is it cheaper to fly into Mount Everest or El Nido?

Prices for flights to both El Nido and Mount Everest 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Mount Everest $43
    El Nido $20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in El Nido

For El Nido, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • El Nido, Sibaltan: Family Dinner, Bonfire and Karaoke: $39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mount Everest $17
    El Nido $5.34

Tours and Activities in El Nido

For El Nido, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Sharing/Joiner Island Hopping Tour A w/BUFFET LUNCH: $21
  • Tour D with Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach & More: $21
  • El Nido Island Tour A: $21
  • Tour A (Big & Secret Lagoon, Shimizu, 7 Commando): $21
  • El Nido Island Tour D: $21
  • Big Lagoon Kayaking & Island Adventure: $22
  • Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches: $22
  • Hidden Beaches and Lagoons Boat Hopping Tour D: $23
  • Tour B with Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, and More: $24
  • Shared El Nido Tour A: $24
  • El Nido Island Tour B: $24
  • El Nido:Private Tour D with Highlights Small & Cadlao Lagoon: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mount Everest -
    El Nido $8.31


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mount Everest and El Nido, we can see that Mount Everest is more expensive. And not only is El Nido much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to El Nido would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in El Nido 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 Mount Everest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mount Everest than you might in El Nido.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mount Everest Expensive? and Is El Nido Expensive?.