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

Should you visit Jerusalem or Kathmandu?

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

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

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.

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 Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Budget Tours to Israel, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.


Which place is cheaper, Kathmandu or Jerusalem?

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

  • Jerusalem Prices
    Israel Prices
    Kathmandu Prices
    Nepal Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Jerusalem $159
    Kathmandu $55

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $159, 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 Jerusalem and Kathmandu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $78
    Kathmandu $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $156
    Kathmandu $70
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Kathmandu

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem


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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Kathmandu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $8.18
    Kathmandu $6.09
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Local Bus
    $3.85
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $83
  • Private Transfer From Amman or Dead Sea To Petra and Wadi Rum: $85
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport Private Departure Transfer: $85
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $94
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Tel Aviv Airport: $130
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer to Allaenby Bridge: $130
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Dead Sea: $130
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Airport: $143
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer to Amman with VIP Service: $175
  • Private Airport Transfers to/from Hotel: $183

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kathmandu

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:

  • Kathmandu Airport Transfer (Airport to Hotel or Hotel to Airport): $8.00
  • Kathmandu Airport Departure Transfer – Easy, Safe & Hassle-Free: $9.00
  • Airport Transfers in Kathmandu – Pickup OR Drop-Off Service: $15
  • Kathmandu - Private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport: $15
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfer: Arrival or Departure Service: $15
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfers: $16
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfer Service: $17
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu Domestic Airport to Hotel Vehicle: $20
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu Hotels to Domestic Airport Vehicle: $20
  • Kathmandu Airport Transfer to hotels – Easy, Safe & Hassle-Free: $20
  • Tribhuvan International Airport Transfer Service: $20
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu International Airport to Hotel: $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Kathmandu?

Prices for flights to both Kathmandu and Jerusalem 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
    Jerusalem $67
    Kathmandu $13
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Orange Juice
    $3.26
  • Watermelon
    $4.90
  • Lunch
    $14
  • Food at Market
    $19
  • Juice
    $3.26
  • Bagels
    $9.79
  • Lunch for 2
    $18
  • Snacks
    $6.86

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

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

  • Mahane Yehuda Market Walking Food Tour in Jerusalem: $63
  • Mahane Yehuda Market Guided Food Tour: $89
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $107
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $127
  • Christmas Eve Jerusalem and Bethlehem with Dinner from Jerusalem: $180
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $231
  • The Best Food Tour in Jerusalem-Perfect for Viral Travel Content: $237

Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu

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


  • Dessert
    $1.18
  • 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.

  • Saturday Hidden Kathmandu Walk and Food Tour: $10
  • Dinner with Cultural Show Kathmandu: $17
  • Home Made Authentic Nepali Dinner (veg/non vegg): $18
  • Cultural Stay in Kathmandu and experience dinner with family: $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
  • Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking Class: $30
  • Best Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Trip: $30
  • Patan Food Tour Walking and Food Testing: $35
  • Walking Food Tour in Hidden Local Eateries of Kathmandu: $36
  • Kathmandu Kitchens Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $10
    Kathmandu $7.03
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

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


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $41

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

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

  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
  • Jerusalem’s Old City Walls: An Audio Tour Through Time and Faith: $9.99
  • Skip the Line:1.5Hour AudioTour - Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center Ticket: $11
  • Jerusalem Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum Tour: $12
  • In The Footsteps of Jesus - Self Guiding Tour: $13
  • Classic Jerusalem Old City - Self Guiding Tour: $13
  • Tram Tour of The Old City of Jerusalem: $30
  • Old City Highlights Tour: $39
  • Old City Morning Tour: $39
  • Bethlehem Half Day Christian Guided Tour: $40
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour: $40
  • Jerusalem Jewish Orthodox Neighborhood Walking Tour: $49

Typical Entertainment Prices in Kathmandu

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


  • Monkey Temple for Two
    $1.32
  • Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two
    $3.29
  • Swayambhunath Stupa
    $1.32

Tours and Activities in Kathmandu

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

  • Chandragiri Cable Car Ride & Monkey Temple Tour - Private/Group: $5.00
  • Full Day Guided Tour in Kathmandu: $5.00
  • Full Day 7 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group: $8.00
  • Tourist Bus Kathmandu to Chitwan: $9.50
  • Private Full Day Kathmandu Day Tour | Top 4 UNESCO Heritage Sites: $10
  • Full Day 7 UNESCO Heritage Private Tour with Lunch.: $10
  • Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha Hike & Tour - Private/Group: $10
  • Kathmandu UNESCO Tour with 1 Hour Sound Healing Session: $10
  • VIP Sofa Tourist Bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara: $11
  • Chitwan to Kathmandu Tourist Bus Luxury Sofa Seater: $11
  • Chitwan to Kathmandu Tourist Bus Tickets: $11
  • Tourist Bus Kathmandu to Pokhara (Luxury Sofa Seat): $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $19
    Kathmandu $5.01
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Beer
    $5.88

Sample the Local Flavors in Kathmandu

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

  • Kathmandu Nightlife and Pub Crawl Tour: $50


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

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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Kathmandu?

Kathmandu has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem 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.