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

Should you visit Kathmandu or Alesund?

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

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

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.

Alesund

Alesund is a port town on the west coast of Norway, at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It could be the backdrop for a Nordic fairytale – with a modern plot twist. It's known for the art nouveau architectural style in which most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904, as documented at the Jugendstilsenteret museum. And it's no coincidence that Alesund and the surrounding areas are among the most visited sites for tourists in Norway. Many use The Art Nouveau town as a starting point to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Geirangerfjord, the bird sanctuary island of Runde, or the spectacular snow-capped summits of the Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmorsalpene. There are panoramic views of Alesund's architecture, the surrounding archipelago and fjords from the Mount Aksla lookout. The town of Alesund has a beautiful setting across several islands stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean and you find unspoilt and beautiful nature the whole year round.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Alesund or Kathmandu?

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

  • Kathmandu Prices
    Nepal Prices
    Alesund Prices
    Norway Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kathmandu $54
    Alesund $138

The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $54, while the average daily cost in Alesund is $138. 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 Kathmandu and Alesund in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kathmandu $34
    Alesund $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kathmandu $68
    Alesund $120
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Alesund

Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Alesund? 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 Kathmandu


Hotels in Alesund


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: Kathmandu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kathmandu $5.98
    Alesund $29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kathmandu

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:

  • Kathmandu Airport Departure Transfer – Easy, Safe & Hassle-Free: $9.00
  • Private Airport Transfer to Kathmandu Hotels: $12
  • Tribhuvan International Airport Transfer Service: $13
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfer: Arrival or Departure Service: $15
  • Kathmandu - Private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport: $15
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfers: $16
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfer Service: $19
  • Kathmandu Airport Transfer to hotels – Easy, Safe & Hassle-Free: $20
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu Domestic Airport to Hotel Vehicle: $20
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara or Pokhara to Kathmandu Private Transfer: $30
  • Private Transfer: Hotel to Kathmandu Airport Vehicle: $35
  • Kathmandu to Nagarkot One Way Transfer by Private AC Car: $40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alesund

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alesund:

  • Private Transfer from Alesund City Hotels to Alesund Cruise Port: $50
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Cruise Port to Alesund City Hotels: $50
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund Port: $50
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Port to Alesund Vigra Airport (AES): $50
  • Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund - Arrival Private Transfer: $50
  • Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Alesund hotels-Round Trip Transfer: $101
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund (AES) Airport to City centre: $134
  • Aalesund Private Transfer from Aalesund city centre to Aalesund airport: $134
  • Private Transfer To OR From Airport in Ålesund: $183
  • Private Transfer from Alesund Vigra Airport (AES) to Olden Port: $219

Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Alesund?

Prices for flights to both Alesund and Kathmandu 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
    Kathmandu $13
    Alesund $59
Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu

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


  • Dessert
    $1.16
  • Dinner for Two
    $2.59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kathmandu

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

  • Cultural Stay in Kathmandu and experience dinner with family: $18
  • Authentic Private Nepali Cooking Class in Kathmandu: $23
  • Momo, Dhalbhat & Thukpa Cooking Class, Nepal: $25
  • Best Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Trip: $30
  • Secret Food Tour - Food Bites and Sights Kathmandu 14+ Tastings: $35
  • Kathmandu Kitchens Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $39
  • Exotic Food Tour Newari Flavors and Evening Trails 15 Tastings: $40
  • Cooking Class with Vyas: $49
  • Newari Cooking Class with a Home Chef- From market to the plate.: $50
  • Kathmandu Best Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $53
  • Food Tour in Kathmandu: $57
  • Half Day Nepal Cooking Class in Thamel: $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kathmandu $6.92
    Alesund $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kathmandu

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


  • Monkey Temple for Two
    $1.29
  • Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two
    $3.23
  • Swayambhunath Stupa
    $1.29

Tours and Activities in Kathmandu

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

  • Private Chandragiri Cable Car, Temple Visit & Monkey Temple Tour: $5.00
  • Full Day 7 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group: $7.60
  • Full Day Top 4 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group: $7.60
  • Kathmandu Sightseeing | UNESCO World Heritage sites Private/Group: $8.00
  • Private UNESCO World Heritage Tour | Top 4 UNESCO Site: $9.00
  • Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha Hike & Tour - Private/Group: $9.50
  • Kathmandu to Chitwan Tourist Bus Tickets: $9.50
  • Nagarkot Sunrise & Hike to Changu Narayan Day Tour from Kathmandu: $10
  • Chitwan to Bandipur Tourist Bus Luxury Sofa Seater: $10
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites Private & Small Group Tour: $10
  • KATHMANDU FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR (6-hrs): $10
  • Chitwan to Kathmandu Tourist Bus Tickets: $10

Tours and Activities in Alesund

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

  • The Essence of Ålesund Self-Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Ålesund Two Hour Walking City Tour: $49
  • Aksla Viewpoint and Ålesund Go Round Tour: $66
  • Hellesylt Panorama Tour in Ljoen Viewpoint and Oye Village: $77
  • Hellesylt Sightseeing Boat Geirangerfjord: $98
  • Hjørundfjord Fjord Tour Roundtrip from Ålesund: $120
  • Guided Adventure on Fjord Kayaking in Hellesylt, Norway: $131
  • Alesund Shore Excursion The Ultimate Sightseeing Tour: $136
  • Fjord paddle in Hellesylt - the perfect fjord adventure: $137
  • Sightseeing Tour in Trollstigen - Land of Trolls: $142
  • Experience Molde with Coach Travel: $148
  • Kayak tour in Molde: $153

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kathmandu $4.93
    Alesund $14

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 Kathmandu and Alesund, we can see that Alesund is more expensive. And not only is Kathmandu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kathmandu is in Asia and Alesund is in Europe, 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 Alesund would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alesund 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 Kathmandu Expensive? and Is Alesund Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or Alesund?

Kathmandu has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Kathmandu and Alesund, 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.