A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cochin vs. Pokhara for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cochin or Pokhara?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cochin or Pokhara, 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: Cochin or Pokhara?

Cochin

Cochin is a large city in Kerala, India. It's a cosmopolitan commercial port city with a population of over two million and is a major tourist destination. The city has a diverse population that has migrated from elsewhere in Kerala, as well as the rest of India. The city continues to become more cosmopolitan with fashion shifting to western styles. There are also many large shopping malls as well as an enthusiasm for sports such as football (soccer) or cricket.

Pokhara

Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and is strategically located near the popular Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Circuit, or the "Apple Pie Trail", is a popular trek through the Annapurna Valley that makes a circular route through stunning mountainous landscapes. Several other trekking options can be found in this region, too. Many people use Pohkara as a place to prepare or recover from their recently completed treks because it is less intimidating than the larger city of Kathmandu.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to India, The Best Budget Tours to India, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.


Which place is cheaper, Pokhara or Cochin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cochin is $36, while the average daily cost in Pokhara is $19. 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 Cochin and Pokhara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cochin $15
    Pokhara $3.92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cochin $30
    Pokhara $7.84
Compare Hotels in Cochin and Pokhara

Looking for a hotel in Cochin or Pokhara? 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 Cochin


Hotels in Pokhara


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: Cochin Hotel Prices and Pokhara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cochin $9.90
    Pokhara $7.65

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pokhara

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.75

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pokhara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pokhara:

  • Comfortable One-Way Car Transfer from Pokhara to Lumbini: $78
  • Direct Transfers Your Private Ride Between Pokhara & Chitwan: $156
  • From Kathmandu: Luxury Sofa Seater Bus Transfer to Pokhara: $23
  • From Bungee Jumping with Hotel Transfers: $94
  • From Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Transfers: $249
  • Kathmandu to 1-Way Car Transfer: $131
  • Kathmandu: Private Transfer From or To Pokhara: $117
  • Pokhara Airport Shuttles & Private Transfer: $15
  • Pokhara Airport To Lakeside Transfer Service: $27
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu: One Way Private Transfer: $170
  • Ayurvedic Spa Retreat with Transfers: $48
  • One way transfer To or From Chitwan: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Cochin or Pokhara?

Prices for flights to both Pokhara and Cochin 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
    Cochin $12
    Pokhara $8.11

Typical Food Prices in Pokhara

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


  • Dinner for Two
    $4.51
  • Dessert (for 2)
    $3.01
  • Pastries
    $1.50
  • Dinner
    $6.39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pokhara

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

  • Nepali cultural dinner night in Pokhara: $21
  • Nepalese Momos/ Dal Bhat Cooking Class (Cook with Delight): $25
  • Nepali Cooking Class Experience and Momo Making: $28
  • Nepalese Kitchen in Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $39
  • Nepalese Kitchen in Pokhara Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $40
  • MoMo or Dal Bhat Cooking Class at Aama Kitchen in Pokhara: $41
  • 3 Hour Authentic Nepali Thakali Dish Cooking Class: $45
  • From Pokhara:3 Hour authentic fish curry cooking class: $51
  • Typical Nepali Snack set cooking class in Pokhara: $74
  • 1 Day Momo making cooking class: $75
  • Tour with Dinner to Trout Fish Farm - Bhujung River : $98
  • Organic Farm Tour and Cooking Class at Durku: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cochin $10
    Pokhara $7.28

Tours and Activities in Pokhara

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

  • Tourist Bus Ticket (From Kathmandu Sofa Bus ): $0.12
  • Full Day Pokhara City Sightseeing by Sharing Bus Group Tour: $6.71
  • Guided Evening Walking Tour in Lakeside: $8.12
  • Sightseeing tour (Unguided) in Sharing Bus: $9.26
  • Visit Best Seven Tourist Destination by Sharing Bus: $10
  • Group Joining Sarangkot Sunrise Tour : 3-Hour From Pokhara: $10
  • Group Joining Sarangkot Sunrise Himalayas Tour: $11
  • Pokhara/Baidam: Himalayas Sunrise Views from Sarangkot Tour: $12
  • Sarangkot Sunrise Spectacle: Unforgettable Tour from Pokhara: $12
  • Budget Unguided Tour By Sharing Bus: $12
  • City Tour in Sharing Bus : $12
  • Pokhara to Kathmandu Tourist Bus Ticket : $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cochin $8.79
    Pokhara $6.57


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cochin or Pokhara?

Cochin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Pokhara. When comparing the sizes of Cochin and Pokhara, 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.