Which place is cheaper, Kathmandu or Jaipur?
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 Jaipur 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 Jaipur 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: Jaipur or Kathmandu?
Jaipur
Jaipur, India, famously known as the Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan and is often a highlight for many travelers to the area. Dating back to the eighteenth century, it is part of the Indian Golden Triangle which also includes Delhi and Agra. It's also a stopping off point for travelers venturing into the desert cities of Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. The city has a population of about 6.66 million people, making it the largest city in the state of Rajasthan and the tenth largest city in the country.
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 Budget Tours to India, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New Delhi, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.
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Jaipur Prices
India PricesKathmandu Prices
Nepal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayJaipur $20Kathmandu $55
The average daily cost (per person) in Jaipur is $20, while the average daily cost in Kathmandu is $55. 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 Jaipur and Kathmandu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personJaipur $10Kathmandu $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomJaipur $20Kathmandu $70
Compare Hotels in Jaipur and Kathmandu
Looking for a hotel in Jaipur 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: Jaipur Hotel Prices and Kathmandu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Jaipur $1.28Kathmandu $6.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jaipur
Also for Jaipur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Jaipur Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $8.05
- From Delhi: Private Taj Mahal & Agra Day Trip with Transfer: $9.60
- Private Airport Transfer :- From Jaipur International Airport to Hotel: $10
- Private Transfer Jaipur Airport JAI To Jaipur Hotels: $11
- Private Full-Day City Tour with Guide and Transfers: $11
- One Way Transfer from Jaipur: $16
- Round trip airport Transfer Between Jaipur & Jaipur Airport JAI: $16
- Private Airport Transfer To or From the City Hotel: $17
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Jaipur International Airport: $18
- From Jaipur : Private Transfer To Pushkar: $27
- One Way Transfer Service From Jaipur To Pushkar: $28
- Jaipur to New Delhi/Agra Private Car Transfer with Driver One-Way: $29
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$1.32
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
- Lukla Flight Ticket with Sharing Transfer Service: $270
- Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Pokhara Hotels: $244
- Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Chitwan Hotels: $210
- Private Transfer by Car from Kathmandu to Pokhara: $210
- Kathmandu to Pokhara Transfer by Luxury Private Car: $200
- Buddha Air Mount Everest Experience with Transfers: $193
- Mount Everest Scenic Flight by Shree Airlines with Free Transfers: $188
- Mount Everest Scenic Flight by Buddha Air with Free Transfers: $185
- Private Transfer to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu or Pokhara: $170
- Yoga Experience Day Trip with Private Transfer From Kathmandu: $152
- Kathmandu VIP Airport Arrival Meet & Greet with Private Transfer: $150
Is it cheaper to fly into Jaipur or Kathmandu?
Prices for flights to both Kathmandu and Jaipur 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 dayJaipur $7.66Kathmandu $13
Typical Food Prices in Jaipur
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jaipur:
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Dinner$5.79
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Soda$0.11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jaipur
For Jaipur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Jaipur Street food tour: $4.01
- Culture walking and food tour with guide in Jaipur.: $9.92
- Feast on the Streets: Best Jaipur Food Tour: $14
- Jaipur Home Cooking Experience with Authentic Lunch/Dinner: $14
- Best Food Tour in Jaipur: $15
- Jaipur Half-Day Evening Tour with Sunset and Dinner: $15
- Amber Fort Light & Sound Show with Dinner: $17
- Cooking Class and Cultural Evening with Locals: $17
- Famous Masala Chowk Food Tour: $18
- Cooking class demo with dinner: $18
- Vegetarian Hands on Cooking Class with Local Family in Jaipur: $19
- Jaipur Pink City Cooking Class: $19
Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kathmandu are as follows:
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Dessert$1.18
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Dinner for Two$2.63
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kathmandu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kathmandu.
- Local Foodie Food Tour around Durbar Square: $15
- Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking & Momo-Making Class: $20
- 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
- Momo Cooking Class -The Art Of Making MoMo with Home Chef: $35
- Secret Food Tour - Food Bites and Sights Kathmandu 14+ Tastings: $35
- Walking Food Tour in Hidden Local Eateries of Kathmandu: $36
- Exotic Food Tour Newari Flavors and Evening Trails 15 Tastings: $40
- Walking Food tour: Food and Drink Tasting with Guide In Kathmandu: $40
- Walking Street Food Tour in Kathmandu: $48
- Cooking Class with Vyas: $49
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Jaipur $3.35Kathmandu $7.04
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jaipur
For Jaipur, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Palace Entry for Two$1.05
Tours and Activities in Jaipur
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jaipur.
- Private Half-Day Instagram Tour with Guide: $1.80
- Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour by Tuk Tuk: $2.00
- Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar & City Palace Guided Tour: $2.24
- Amber Fort, Stepwell & Blind Love Temple Guided Tour: $2.40
- Amber Fort Full or Half-Day Guided Tour by Car: $2.40
- Private Full-Day Sightseeing Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $2.40
- Private Guided Half Day Tour in Jaipur: $2.54
- Jaipur City Sightseeing Private Tour (Half/Full Day Option): $2.70
- Private Full Day Jaipur City Tour with Pick-Up &Drop: $2.82
- Private City Tour with Car, Guide, Tickets & Lunch: $2.85
- Private Tour by Tuk-Tuk for Sightseeing in Jaipur: $3.20
- From Private Taj Mahal Sunrise & Agra Fort Tour: $3.30
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$1.32
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Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two$3.29
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Swayambhunath Stupa$1.32
Tours and Activities in Kathmandu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kathmandu are as follows:
- "Off-The-Beaten-Path" Tour around Kathmandu: $70
- 1 Day Gay Tour Nepal: $155
- 1 Day Kathmandu Heritage 4 UNESCO Tour with Lunch: $99
- 1 Day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour: $35
- 1 Day Valley Rim Biking Tour in Kathmandu: $160
- 1 Night 2 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour: $155
- 1 Night 2 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Pokhara or Kathmandu: $141
- 1 Nights 2 Days Private Nagarkot Tour Package from Kathmandu: $150
- 2 Day Poon Hill Trek with 2 Day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour: $731
- 2 Days Hindu Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal: $146
- 2 Days Private Tour from Chitlang to Markhu: $210
- 2 Days and 1 Night Chitwan Safari Tour: $125
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayJaipur $2.51Kathmandu $5.06
Sample the Local Flavors in Jaipur
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Jaipur:
- Pub Crawl Jaipur: $34
- Jaipur Guided Bar Crawl with Hotel Pickup and Drop-off: $147
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 Jaipur and Kathmandu, we can see that Kathmandu is more expensive. And not only is Jaipur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jaipur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaipur 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 Jaipur.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jaipur Expensive? and Is Kathmandu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Jaipur or Kathmandu?
Jaipur has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Kathmandu. When comparing the sizes of Jaipur 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.