Which place is cheaper, Auckland or Kathmandu?
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 Kathmandu or Auckland?
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 Auckland 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 Auckland?
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.
Auckland
Auckland is located on the North Island of New Zealand on an isthmus between the Northland Peninsula and the other parts of the North Island. Auckland is not only a city but also a region. In 2010 New Zealand combined what had previously been four separate cities into one region. These cities include the southern city of Manukau, the western city of Waitakere, the North Shore in the north, and Auckland City. The City of Auckland is the largest city in Polynesia and is very diverse with many expatriates from elsewhere in Polynesia. This diversity becomes most apparent in Auckland's many festivals and sporting events.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.
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Kathmandu Prices
Nepal PricesAuckland Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKathmandu $54Auckland $162
The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $54, while the average daily cost in Auckland is $162. 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 Auckland in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKathmandu $34Auckland $94
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKathmandu $68Auckland $188
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Auckland
Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Auckland? 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: Kathmandu Hotel Prices and Auckland Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kathmandu $5.98Auckland $16
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$1.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:
- Yoga Experience Day Trip with Private Transfer From Kathmandu: $152
- Rent a Private Car with Driver for Kathmandu City Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Pokhara Hotels: $244
- Private Transfer: Kathmandu Domestic Airport to Hotel Vehicle: $20
- Private Transfer: Hotel to Kathmandu Airport Vehicle: $35
- Private Transfer to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu or Pokhara: $170
- Private Sunrise or Sunset Tour of Nagarkot with return transfers from Kathmandu: $168
- Private One-Way Transfer: Kathmandu to Pokhara/Chitwan/Lumbini: $80
- Private Luxury Car Transfer all over Nepal: $88
- Private Car Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara or Chitwan or Vv: $90
- Private Arrival Transfer Kathmandu Airport to Kathmandu, Nepal: $65
- Private Airport Transfer to Kathmandu Hotels: $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Auckland
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Auckland:
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Bus from Airport$8.99
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Airport Shuttle$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Auckland
Also for Auckland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Auckland Airport One-Way Private Transfer: Airport to CBD Hotels: $23
- AKL Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $26
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Airport: $26
- Auckland:City Hotel Transfers to/from Cruise Ship in Minivan: $32
- Private Transfer from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Auckland Port: $41
- Private Transfer from Auckland Port to Auckland Airport (AKL): $41
- Airport Private Transfer: $43
- Private Transfer from Auckland Cruise Port to Auckland: $51
- Transfer from Auckland Airport AKL to Auckland City by suv: $53
- Auckland Airport Taxi Transfers for Stress-Free Travel: $57
- Auckland:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Minivan: $58
- Airport Private Transfer: $63
Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Auckland?
Prices for flights to both Auckland 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
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Food Meals for one dayKathmandu $13Auckland $43
Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kathmandu are as follows:
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Dessert$1.16
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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.
- Saturday Hidden Kathmandu Walk and Food Tour: $10
- Authentic Private Nepali Cooking Class in Kathmandu: $23
- Momo, Dhalbhat & Thukpa Cooking Class, Nepal: $25
- Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking & Momo-Making Class: $25
- Best Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Trip: $30
- Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking Class: $30
- Secret Food Tour - Food Bites and Sights Kathmandu 14+ Tastings: $35
- Momo Cooking Class -The Art Of Making MoMo with Home Chef: $35
- Everest Eats Kathmandu Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $39
- Exotic Food Tour Newari Flavors and Evening Trails 15 Tastings: $40
- Walking Street Food Tour in Kathmandu: $48
- Cooking Class with Vyas: $49
Typical Food Prices in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Breakfast$4.49
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Auckland
For Auckland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Auckland Dinner Cruise Scenic Views and Seasonal Buffet: $54
- Harbour Sailing Cruise with 3-Course Dinner: $93
- Flavours of the City Walking Food Tour: $101
- Auckland Harbour Sailboat Cruise Including Three Course Dinner: $103
- Auckland Downtown Food Tour with 5 Locals Favorite Dishes: $123
- Ponsonby Road Food Tour in Auckland: $135
- Gourmet Auckland Food Tour A Place at our Table: $243
- [PRIVATE] SUNSET. Wine. Hot Pool. Dinner: $263
- Waiheke Island: Private Sunset Wine Tour & 2 Course Dinner: $392
- Māori Evening Dinner and Private Show Experience: $519
- From Kiwi Bird Encounter & 3-Course Dinner Tour: $550
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kathmandu $6.92Auckland $26
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$1.29
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Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two$3.23
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Swayambhunath Stupa$1.29
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 7 UNESCO Heritage Tour: $70
- 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 Nights 2 Days Private Nagarkot Tour Package from Kathmandu: $150
- 2 Day Kathmandu Sightseeing with Panauti, Namobuddha Tour from Kathmandu: $163
- 2 Day Poon Hill Trek with 2 Day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour: $731
- 2 Days Hindu Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal: $146
- 2 Days and 1 Night Chitwan Safari Tour: $125
Typical Entertainment Prices in Auckland
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Auckland's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Auckland Sky Tour (for 2)$31
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Waiheke Island Tour (for 2)$113
Tours and Activities in Auckland
For Auckland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Auckland to Volcanoes: North Island Self-Guided Adventure: $1.12
- Podcast Tour Auckland Neon Shadows and Concrete Dreams: $5.48
- Auckland Walking Tour 1h30 and 17 audio reviews: $6.75
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket: $9.27
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket and Guided Tour: $14
- Maritime Museum Entry Ticket: $14
- A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Auckland's Hidden Stories: $15
- Waitematā Harbour Cruise with Live Commentary: $20
- Auckland Takapuna: Escape Game Adventure: $23
- Scenic Boat Cruise to the Riverhead Tavern: $25
- Auckland CBD: Escape Game Adventure: $26
- Auckland Sunset Harbour Cruise: $26
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKathmandu $4.93Auckland $13
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
- Bar Tour & Pub Crawl -Sip, Stroll, Repeat Thamel's Night: $75
Sample the Local Flavors in Auckland
Also in Auckland, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Auckland Coastal Brewery Kayak Tour: $68
- Waiheke Island: Scenic Island Wine Tour & Local Wine Tasting: $110
- Ultimate Auckland Experience Full Day Tour with Brewery Lunch: $143
- Waiheke Island: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour: $159
- Waiheke Island: Wine Tour & Lunch at Award Winning Venue: $168
- From Small Group Kumeu Wine Tour with Lunch: $180
- Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch: $183
- Auckland Coastal Experience - Small Group City & Beach Tour Incl. Wine Tasting: $204
- City Tour with Wine Tasting and Black Sand Beach: $217
- Shore Excursion from Auckland - Private Tour & Wine Tasting: $278
- Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: $301
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kathmandu and Auckland, we can see that Auckland 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 Auckland is in Pacific, 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland 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 Auckland Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or Auckland?
Kathmandu has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Kathmandu and Auckland, 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.