Which place is cheaper, Kathmandu or Santorini?
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 Santorini or Kathmandu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Santorini or Kathmandu, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Santorini or Kathmandu?
Santorini
Santorini is a volcanic island that is part of the Cyclades group of the Greek Islands. It has some spectacular views, beautiful sunsets, and excellent beaches. As one of the most popular of the Greek Islands to visit, Santorini sees many tourists every year. However, it's for a good reason, as the famous white-washed buildings that spill down the hill, some with blue domes that match the gorgeous color of the water, are set against the beautiful mountainous backdrop of one of the most scenic areas of the Mediterranean. Home to several of these small and scenic towns such as Oia, Kamari, Perissa, and Fira, visitors can explore the large island, enjoy delicious food, swim at the beaches, hike the hills, and sail the blue waters.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.
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Santorini Prices
Greece PricesKathmandu Prices
Nepal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySantorini €250Kathmandu €50
The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €250, while the average daily cost in Kathmandu is €50. 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 Santorini and Kathmandu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSantorini €118Kathmandu €32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSantorini €236Kathmandu €64
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Kathmandu
Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Kathmandu? 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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Kathmandu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Santorini €35Kathmandu €5.59
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini
Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Economy Departure Transfers To Santorini Airport: $16
- Transfer From or To Santorini Airport Designed By You: $16
- Prestige Transfers Tours Airport Port Hotel and Cruise Ship: $18
- Departure Transfer To Santorini Airport: $19
- Private Transfer from Santorini Airport (JTR) to Santorini Port: $22
- ~ Airport Transfer to all destinations ~: $22
- Santorini, Private Transfer with Luxury Airconditioned Vehicle: $23
- Shuttle Transfers From Santorini Port: $23
- Private transfer Port/Airport or any destination in Santorini: $23
- Private Transfer from Port or Airport to Santorini : $24
- Private Arrival Transfer From Santorini Airport To All Destinations: $24
- Shared Departure Transfer: Santorini Hotel to Airport or Cruise Port: $24
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€1.21
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Kathmandu?
Prices for flights to both Kathmandu and Santorini 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 daySantorini €96Kathmandu €12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini
For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Greek Night live Music & Dinner Show in Santorini: $60
- Santorini Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $94
- The Aegean Cooking Class: $119
- Santorini Flavors, a Cooking Class in a Dreamy Setting: $131
- Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $131
- Santorini Sunset Sailing Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers: $143
- Santorini Food Tour: Fira Half-Day Small-Group Tour with Tastings: $149
- Luxury Santorini Sunset Cruise: Dinner, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers: $155
- Authentic Santorini Cooking Class Experience: $179
- Santorini : Cooking Class & Easy Hike: $185
- Traditional Kouzina Santorini Cooking Experience: $185
- Santorini Private Wine Tasting with Dinner at Venetsanos Winery : $203
Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kathmandu are as follows:
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Dessert€1.09
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Dinner for Two€2.42
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Santorini €35Kathmandu €6.46
Tours and Activities in Santorini
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.
- Caldera, Villages and Sunsets Experience in Santorini: $7.17
- Private Self-Guided Audio Tour in Santorini: $9.56
- Skip the Line Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $17
- Guided Art Tour Contemporary Art Meets a Quiet Santorini Village: $36
- Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port: $36
- Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $42
- E-Ticket to Akrotiri with Audio Tour on your Phone: $42
- The Beer And The History semi private Experience: $42
- Santorini Tour of Caldera with Glass bottom Boat: $44
- Santorini for Cruise Ships: Avoid Cable Car Lines and Crowds!: $47
- Santorini Top Attractions Tailor-made Private Tour made by locals: $48
- Santorini Volcano Tour: $48
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€1.21
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Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two€3.02
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Swayambhunath Stupa€1.21
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySantorini €25Kathmandu €4.64
Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini
Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $73
- Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting option: $90
- Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $90
- Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini : $92
- Art and Wine Tour in a Historic Santorini Winery: $96
- Premium Wine Tasting with Caldera Views: $106
- Santorini Wine Tour with sunset in Oia: $131
- Santorini Private Tailor Made Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $155
- Santorini Private Wine Tasting Tour in two or three Wineries : $161
- Santorini 3-Winery Tour with 12 Wine Tastings and Oia Sunset: $179
- Half-Day Virtual Reality Tour and Wine Tasting: $179
- Small Group Local Wine Tasting Tour In Santorini : $179
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santorini and Kathmandu, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. And not only is Kathmandu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santorini is in Europe and Kathmandu is in Asia, 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 Santorini would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Santorini 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 Santorini Expensive? and Is Kathmandu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Santorini or Kathmandu?
Kathmandu has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini and Kathmandu, 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.