A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Agra vs. Kathmandu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Agra or Kathmandu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Agra 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: Agra or Kathmandu?

Agra

In the north of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh is the city of Agra. This land is home to great tales of emperors and majestic temples. It is the home to a magnificent past and the greatest symbol of love known to man, the Taj Mahal.

While this incredible structure is the main draw to this area, there is much more to see. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra can claim three different UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikiri.

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 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.


Which place is cheaper, Kathmandu or Agra?

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 Agra is $55, while the average daily cost in Kathmandu is $62. 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 Agra and Kathmandu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Agra $15
    Kathmandu $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Agra $30
    Kathmandu $80
Compare Hotels in Agra and Kathmandu

Looking for a hotel in Agra 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.

Hotels in Agra


Hotels in Kathmandu


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: Agra Hotel Prices and Kathmandu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Agra $10
    Kathmandu $6.85
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Agra

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Agra:


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Agra

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

  • From Delhi: Private Taj Mahal & Agra Day Trip with Transfers: $2.07
  • Delhi: Same Day Taj Mahal, Agra Tour with Pickup & Transfer.: $2.07
  • Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Sunrise Tour with Transfers: $2.36
  • Private Taj Mahal and Agra Day Tour with Transfer: $2.48
  • From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Trip with Transfers: $3.60
  • From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Tour with Transfer: $4.49
  • Agra Airport: One-Way Transfer Arrival and Departure: $5.91
  • From Delhi: Same Day Taj Mahal and Agra Fort with Transfers: $5.91
  • Round Trip Transfers Between Agra Hotels & Agra Airport AGR: $6.05
  • Private Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour with Guide & Transfer: $6.18
  • From Delhi: Taj Mahal & Agra Private Day Trip with Transfer: $6.87
  • From Delhi: Taj Mahal Agra Day Trip with Guide & Transfer: $7.09

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kathmandu

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Kathmandu:


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:

  • Kathmandu : Everest Mountain Flight - with Private Transfers: $321
  • Lukla Flight Ticket with Sharing Transfer Service: $307
  • Kathmandu to Lumbini or Sunauli Border Transfer by Luxury Private Vehicle: $300
  • Private Transfer by Car from Kathmandu to Pokhara: $225
  • 3-Day Chitwan Safari Tour with Hotel Transfers: $190
  • Private Transfer to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu or Pokhara: $170
  • Yoga Experience Day Trip with Private Transfer From Kathmandu: $152
  • Private cycle tour from Nagarkot to Bhaktapur via Changu Narayan with transfers: $151
  • Private Transfer to Ramechhap and Manthali By Car,: $150
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Pokhara: $146
  • Kathmandu to Lumbini One Way Transfer by Private AC Car : $140
  • One-Way Flight Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Agra or Kathmandu?

Prices for flights to both Kathmandu and Agra 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
    Agra $27
    Kathmandu $14
Typical Food Prices in Agra

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Agra:


  • Breakfast for Two
    $2.13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Agra

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

  • Agra Food Tour & Spice Market: $5.91
  • Agra best Cooking class after Taj Mahal: $5.91
  • From Local Street Food Tour By TUK-TUK: $11
  • Agra Cooking Classes (Pick up and Drop available): $14
  • Street Food Tour with Spice Market on Tuk-Tuk: $19
  • Local Food Tour with Cooking Class in Home Agra: $21
  • Tuk-Tuk Ride and Street Food Tour with Spice Market: $22
  • The Spirit of Agra - Old Market Walking and Food Tour: $26
  • From Delhi: Taj Mahal Tour with Indian Cooking Class: $27
  • Cooking Workshop and Vegetarian Dinner in Agra with Family: $30
  • Indian Food Private Cooking Class: $30
  • Agra's best cooking classes: $30

Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu

Some typical examples of dining costs in Kathmandu are as follows:


  • Dessert
    $1.33
  • Dinner for Two
    $2.96

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kathmandu

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kathmandu.

  • Nepali Cooking Class with Momo Making & Pickup: $4.99
  • Nepali Cooking Class & Momo Making with Pickup: $5.00
  • Nepali Cooking Class and Momo Making Workshop: $6.00
  • Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel, Kathmandu with Pickup: $8.00
  • Traditional Nepali Cooking & Momo Making Class: $9.00
  • Dinner with Cultural Show Kathmandu : $14
  • Cultural Dinner Show with Traditional Dance: $18
  • Nepali and Newari Cooking Class with Optional …: $21
  • Momo, Dhalbhat & Thukpa Cooking Class, Nepal: $25
  • Cooking Class in Nepal: $25
  • Private Half -Day Cooking Class with Meals: $26
  • Private Nepali Cooking Class (Dal Bhat and MoMo): $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Agra $19
    Kathmandu $7.92
Typical Entertainment Prices in Agra

For Agra, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entry to the Red Fort for Two
    $7.10
  • Taj Mahal for Two
    $18

Tours and Activities in Agra

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Agra.

  • From Same Day Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Sunrise Tour: $0.12
  • Mughal Carpet Co. Agra :- Handmade Rugs Demonstration Tour: $0.83
  • Taj Mahal Skip-the-Line Entry with Guided Tour: $1.18
  • Agra : Taj Mahal tour with guide: $1.18
  • Taj Mahal and Mausoleum Tour with Skip-the-Line Entry: $1.65
  • Private Taj Mahal Skip-The-Line Tour: $1.77
  • From Delhi: Same Day Taj Mahal, Agra Tour By Car with Option: $2.00
  • From Delhi: Taj Mahal Sunrise & Agra Day Tour by Car: $2.00
  • Taj Mahal and Agra Private Guided Tour from Delhi by AC Car: $2.00
  • Sunset Taj Mahal Tour with Skip-The-Line & Lateral Entry: $2.01
  • Skip-the-Line Taj Mahal Guided Tour with Multi Options: $2.03
  • Taj Mahal & Mausoleum Skip-The-Line Tickets & guided tour: $2.07

Typical Entertainment Prices in Kathmandu

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kathmandu are as follows:


  • Monkey Temple for Two
    $1.48
  • Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two
    $3.70
  • Swayambhunath Stupa
    $1.48

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
  • Hire Tour Guide Nepal : $81
  • Kathmandu to Annapurna Base Camp Trek 7 Days Tour: $300
  • One Day Tour inside Chitwan National Park: $116
  • Private Full Day Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square Sightseeing from Kathmandu: $145
  • Private Full Day Tour In Kathmandu City: $115
  • Two Days Sightseeing in Kathmandu Tour UNESCO Heritage sites: $150
  • 1 Day Cycle Tour in Kathmandu: $384
  • 1 Day Kathmandu Shopping Tour Experience: $100
  • 1 Day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour: $70
  • 1 Day Valley Rim Biking Tour in Kathmandu: $160

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Agra $9.52
    Kathmandu $5.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Kathmandu

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kathmandu:

  • Nightlife and Pub Crawl Tour: $33


When comparing the travel costs between Agra and Kathmandu, we can see that Kathmandu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Agra or Kathmandu?

Kathmandu has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Agra. When comparing the sizes of Agra 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.