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

Should you visit Cairo or Kathmandu?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cairo and Kathmandu 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: Cairo or Kathmandu?

Cairo

Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.


Which place is cheaper, Kathmandu or Cairo?

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

  • Cairo Prices
    Egypt Prices
    Kathmandu Prices
    Nepal Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cairo $31
    Kathmandu $54

The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $31, while the average daily cost in Kathmandu is $54. 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 Cairo and Kathmandu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cairo $11
    Kathmandu $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cairo $22
    Kathmandu $70
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Kathmandu

Looking for a hotel in Cairo 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 Cairo


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: Cairo Hotel Prices and Kathmandu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cairo $3.55
    Kathmandu $6.04
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:


  • Metro Ride
    $0.08
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:

  • Transfer from Cairo Airport to Hotel at Cairo or Giza: $6.00
  • Cairo CAI Airport Private Transfer to/from Cairo/El Omraniya: $8.82
  • Cairo Airport (CAI) Private Transfer From or To All Cairo Hotells: $9.53
  • Cairo Airport Private Transfer ( One-Way comfort ride ): $10
  • Private Cairo Airport Transfers & Limousine to Anywhere in Cairo or vice versa: $10
  • Private Transfer from Cairo Airport to Hotels in Cairo: $10
  • Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis: $12
  • Private transfer from Cairo Airport to Osiris Hotel: $12
  • VIP Meet and assist with transfer from Cairo and SPX Airport: $12
  • Cairo Airport Arrival or Departure private Transfer: $12
  • Private transfer from Cairo Airport to The Nile Ritz-Carlton Hotel: $12
  • Private Cairo Airport Arrival or Departure Transfer: $12

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kathmandu

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:

  • Airport Transfers in Kathmandu – Pickup OR Drop-Off Service: $15
  • Chitwan to Pokhara Transfer by Private AC Car (One Way): $80
  • Day Trip to Water and Amusement Park and Kirtipur sightseeing with Transfer: $87
  • Kathmandu ↔ Chitwan Private Transfer: $131
  • Kathmandu - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $12
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfer: Arrival or Departure Service: $15
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfers: $16
  • Kathmandu Airport Transfer — Private Pickup or Drop: $17
  • Kathmandu Airport Transfer Service: $18
  • Kathmandu VIP Airport Arrival Meet & Greet with Private Transfer: $150
  • Kathmandu to Besisahar One Way Transfer by Private AC Car: $80
  • Kathmandu to Chitwan Transfer by Luxury Private Car: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Kathmandu?

Prices for flights to both Kathmandu and Cairo 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
    Cairo $17
    Kathmandu $13
Typical Food Prices in Cairo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:


  • Juice
    $0.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo

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

  • Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer show on Nile river: $5.00
  • Quad Bike ATV ,Camel Ride ,Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $7.00
  • Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Camel Ride,ATV Bike,Shopping, Dinner cruise: $7.00
  • Night Dinner Nile cruise with belly dancer and folklore show: $7.00
  • 2 Hour Cairo Dinner Cruise on Nile river with live band: $7.00
  • Private Nile Cruise with Dinner and Folk Show from Cairo: $7.50
  • Cairo Dinner Cruise show with belly dancer show on Nile river: $8.00
  • 2-hours night dinner cruise show : Eat , Dance and Sing: $8.00
  • food tour private tour from cairo or giza hotel: $8.00
  • Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Camel Ride,ATV Bike,Shopping,Dinner cruiseII: $8.00
  • 5 Star Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo Night Tour: $8.00
  • Romantic Nile Dinner Cruise Experience: $8.00

Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu

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


  • Dessert
    $1.17
  • Dinner for Two
    $2.61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kathmandu

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

  • Saturday Hidden Kathmandu Walk and Food Tour: $10
  • Local Foodie Food Tour around Durbar Square: $15
  • Cultural Stay in Kathmandu and experience dinner with family: $18
  • Home Made Authentic Nepali Dinner (veg/non vegg): $18
  • Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking & Momo-Making Class: $20
  • Authentic Private Nepali Cooking Class in Kathmandu: $23
  • Cook and Eat: Cooking Class in Kathmandu near Thamel: $24
  • Best Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Trip: $30
  • Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking Class: $30
  • Patan Food Tour Walking and Food Testing: $35
  • Secret Food Tour - Food Bites and Sights Kathmandu 14+ Tastings: $35
  • Walking Food Tour in Hidden Local Eateries of Kathmandu: $36

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cairo $8.51
    Kathmandu $6.98
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo

Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Camel Market for Two
    $0.79
  • Egyptian Museum Entry for Two
    $6.06

Tours and Activities in Cairo

Here are a few actual costs in Cairo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Best-Selling Giza Pyramids Tour: Camel Ride, Lunch &Private Guide: $2.50
  • VIP Luxury Shopping Tour –Local Markets + Gourmet Lunch & Drinks: $4.00
  • Day tour to Giza pyramids & sphinx, saqqara and Memphis: $4.00
  • Private Tour in Pyramids of Giza with Lunch and Camel Ride: $4.50
  • Full Day Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sakkara & Memphis: $4.50
  • Luxury Private Tour Giza Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum: $4.74
  • Private Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Grand Egyptian Museum Tour: $5.00
  • Customized Shopping Tour and Egyptian Souvenir from Cairo Giza hotels: $5.00
  • Budget-Friendly Giza Pyramids & Sphinx Tour: $5.00
  • VIP Private Tour Giza Pyramid camel ride and inside 3rd Pyramid: $5.00
  • Giza Pyramids and Sphinx Half Day Tour: $5.00
  • Egyptian Spicy Shop Shopping Private Tour: $5.00

Typical Entertainment Prices in Kathmandu

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


  • Monkey Temple for Two
    $1.30
  • Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two
    $3.26
  • Swayambhunath Stupa
    $1.30

Tours and Activities in Kathmandu

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kathmandu are as follows:

  • Chandragiri Cable Car Ride and Monkey Temple Tour Private orGroup: $5.00
  • Kathmandu Heritage Highlights: Best of Kathmandu Private Day Tour: $8.00
  • Full Day 7 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group: $8.00
  • Kathmandu City Tour: UNESCO World Heritage Sites Private/Group: $8.00
  • Chitwan to Pokhara Tourist Bus Sofa seater: $9.00
  • Kathmandu to Chitwan Tourist Bus Tickets: $9.50
  • Kathmandu UNESCO Tour with 1 Hour Sound Healing Session: $10
  • Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Square Day Tour with Lunch.: $10
  • Chitwan to Bandipur Tourist Bus Luxury Sofa Seater: $10
  • Private sightseeing Day Tour | Top 4 UNESCO Heritage: $10
  • Chitwan to Kathmandu Tourist Bus Tickets: $10
  • Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha Hike & Tour - Private/Group: $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cairo $1.38
    Kathmandu $4.97

Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:

  • Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $69

Sample the Local Flavors in Kathmandu

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

  • Bar Tour & Pub Crawl -Sip, Stroll, Repeat Thamel's Night: $75


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cairo and Kathmandu, we can see that Kathmandu is more expensive. And not only is Cairo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cairo 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 Cairo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cairo 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 Cairo.

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


Which is Bigger, Cairo or Kathmandu?

Cairo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kathmandu. When comparing the sizes of Cairo 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.