Which place is cheaper, Kathmandu or Addis Ababa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Addis Ababa 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.
Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia and also the nation's largest when ranked by its population of over three million. There are also more than 120 international missions and embassies in Addis Ababa, making the city a hub for international diplomacy concerning Africa. Other draws include its thriving marketplaces, spicy food, and rich coffee.
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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.
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 Addis Ababa is $38, while the average daily cost in Kathmandu is $56. 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 Addis Ababa and Kathmandu in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Addis Ababa 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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Addis Ababa are as follows:
Also for Addis Ababa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Kathmandu:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:
Prices for flights to both Kathmandu and Addis Ababa 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Addis Ababa:
For Addis Ababa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kathmandu are as follows:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kathmandu.
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Addis Ababa.
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kathmandu are as follows:
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kathmandu are as follows:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Addis Ababa:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kathmandu:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Addis Ababa and Kathmandu, we can see that Kathmandu is more expensive. And not only is Addis Ababa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Addis Ababa is in Africa 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 Addis Ababa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Addis Ababa 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 Kathmandu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kathmandu than you might in Addis Ababa.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Addis Ababa Expensive? and Is Kathmandu Expensive?.
Addis Ababa has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Kathmandu. When comparing the sizes of Addis Ababa 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.