Which place is cheaper, Bangkok 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 Bangkok?
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 Bangkok 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 Bangkok?
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.
Bangkok
Bangkok: a name synonymous with all things exotic. The vibrant and exciting capital of Thailand is not just a hub for Southeast Asia, but also a destination into itself. Known for an active nightlife and party scene, as well as great food, historic temples, and busy markets, Bangkok offers a diversity to entertain even the most experienced travelers.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand.
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Kathmandu Prices
Nepal PricesBangkok Prices
Thailand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKathmandu $55Bangkok $100
The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $55, while the average daily cost in Bangkok is $100. 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 Bangkok in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKathmandu $35Bangkok $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKathmandu $70Bangkok $96
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Bangkok
Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Bangkok? 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 Bangkok Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kathmandu $6.09Bangkok $6.24
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:
- Airport Transfers in Kathmandu – Pickup OR Drop-Off Service: $15
- Buddha Air Mount Everest Experience with Transfers: $185
- Chitwan to Pokhara Transfer by Private AC Car (One Way): $80
- Kathmandu ↔ Chitwan Private Transfer: $131
- Kathmandu - Private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport: $15
- Kathmandu Airport Departure Transfer – Easy, Safe & Hassle-Free: $9.00
- Kathmandu Airport Private Transfer Service: $17
- Kathmandu Airport Private Transfer: Arrival or Departure Service: $15
- Kathmandu Airport Private Transfers: $16
- Kathmandu Airport Transfer (Airport to Hotel or Hotel to Airport): $8.00
- Kathmandu Airport Transfer to hotels – Easy, Safe & Hassle-Free: $20
- Kathmandu VIP Airport Arrival Meet & Greet with Private Transfer: $150
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Bangkok are as follows:
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Tuk Tuk to bus station$2.39
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Skytrain Ticket$4.77
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Chao Phraya River Express Ticket$0.95
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Ferry Ride$0.78
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Taxi From Airport$7.46
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Short Taxi Ride$2.68
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Boat Taxi$1.49
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Trains to airport$4.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bangkok
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bangkok:
- Gems Gallery Phuket with Round Trip Hotel Transfers: $2.30
- Erawan Museum Admission Ticket with Transfer: $13
- BKK/DMK Airport Private Transfer to/from Bangkok/Pattaya: $13
- Museum of Contemporary Art Moca Bangkok Entry Ticket and transfer: $14
- Suvarnabhumi Airport BKK Private Transfer to Bangkok or Pattaya: $14
- Suvarnabhumi BKK Airport Private Transfer to City Center: $15
- Arrival Transfer from BKK Airport to Bangkok Hotel: $15
- Private Transfer from/to Suvarnabhumi Airport(BKK): $15
- Bangkok Ancient City Admission Ticket With Optional Transfers: $15
- Private Bangkok Airport Transfer with Free Tollway: $17
- Private transfer from Hotel in Bangkok to BKK Airport: $17
- Shared Airport Transfer: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Bangkok Hotel: $18
Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Bangkok?
Prices for flights to both Bangkok 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 $13Bangkok $34
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.
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Bangkok
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bangkok:
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Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (for Two)$27
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Casual Lunch of Prawns (for Two)$5.97
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2 Rotis (Bread)$1.34
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Mango & Sticky Rice$0.89
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Lunch at KFC (for Two)$5.97
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Pad Thai$2.09
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Airport Lunch for 2$16
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Lunch for 2$22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bangkok
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bangkok.
- Baiyoke Sky Observation Deck Ticket with Buffet Lunch or Dinner: $23
- Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise with Cabaret Show and Sunset View: $24
- Chao Phraya Princess Bangkok Sunset Dinner Cruise: $25
- Bangkok Sawasdee Sunset Dinner Cruise from ICONSIAM+Beer FreeFlow: $26
- Chao Phraya Princess Sunset and Dinner Cruise: $26
- Alangka Bangkok Sunset Dinner Cruise: $26
- Twilight Dinner Cruise Along Chao Phraya River in Bangkok: $27
- Calypso Cabaret Show with Thai Set Dinner: $28
- Meridian Sunset Cruise Dinner Buffet from Bangkok: $28
- Thai Cooking Class in Bangkok's Old Town with Market Tour: $29
- Bangkok Sunset or Evening Dinner Cruise (The Planet Cruise): $30
- Bangkok Amazing Chaophraya River Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $30
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kathmandu $7.03Bangkok $17
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:
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bangkok
Here are a few typical costs in Bangkok for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Movie Ticket$4.77
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Grand Palace Entrance Ticket$10
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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) Ticket$1.49
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Dusit Zoo Entrance Fee (for Two)$5.97
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Club Cover Charge$11
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Thai Boxing Tickets (for Two)$72
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Fish Pedicure$4.47
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Wat Pho entrance ticket$2.98
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Siriraj Museum (2)$12
Tours and Activities in Bangkok
Here are a few actual costs in Bangkok for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bangkok Chinatown Eats: A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.13
- Bangkok Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.00
- Bangkok Self-Guided Walking Tour Essential Landmarks and Quizzes: $6.57
- A Self-Guided Tour of Bangkok's Most Picturesque Sights: $6.99
- Bangkok Noi Canal: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
- Chinatown & Golden Buddha Self-Guided Audio Tour (entry not incl): $6.99
- Bangkok's Wireless Road: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Bangkok Art and Culture Hidden Gems Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.57
- Erawan Museum Ticket (NON THAI): $9.80
- Bangkok Erawan Museum Ticket (NON-THAI): $9.80
- Bangkok Meland Siam Paragon Entry Ticket: $10
- Bangkok Space and Time Cube Admission Ticket: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKathmandu $5.01Bangkok $5.44
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Bangkok
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Bangkok are as follows:
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Beer$1.19
Sample the Local Flavors in Bangkok
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bangkok:
- The Original Speakeasy & Iconic Venues Pub Crawl: $30
- Bangkok Bar Crawl by Tuk Tuk: $67
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kathmandu and Bangkok, we can see that Bangkok is more expensive. And not only is Kathmandu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Bangkok would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bangkok 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 Bangkok Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or Bangkok?
Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kathmandu. When comparing the sizes of Kathmandu and Bangkok, 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.