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

Should you visit Kathmandu or Bergen?

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 Bergen 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 Bergen?

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.

Bergen

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, and a major tourist destination due to its proximity and easy access to the fjords in West Norway. The nature that surrounds the city is stunning, and you can easily hop into the nearby countryside for some incredible hikes and outdoor adventures. The city itself is well known for its music and art scenes, making it a cultural haven in the country. There are many reasons to visit Bergen, not the least of which is the people that live there. Bergen is the most hilly city within Norway. It is surrounded by the Seven Mountains, which restrict development and keep the city contained. Situated in the far west of Norway, Bergen can be reached by a very scenic seven hour train ride from Oslo.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.


Which place is cheaper, Bergen or Kathmandu?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $55, while the average daily cost in Bergen is $151. 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 Bergen in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Bergen? 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 Bergen


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 Bergen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kathmandu $6.09
    Bergen $11
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergen:

  • Private One-Way Bergen Airport and City Transfers: $111
  • Private Transfer to/from Bergen Airport and City: $113
  • Private Airport Transfer From Bergen Airport or Hotels in Bergen: $127
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by luxury van: $133
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen to Bergen Airport BGO by business sedan: $144
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Cruise Port to Bergen City by Minibus: $154
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Cruise Port by Minibus: $154
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Bergen Airport BGO to Bergen by Car: $156
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY CAR 1-3 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $163
  • Departure Private Transfer from Bergen City to Bergen Airport BGO by Minivan: $164
  • TRANSFER, STANDARD, 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $172
  • TRANSFER, LUXURY VAN 1-7 PAX: Bergen city transfer: $205

Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Bergen?

Prices for flights to both Bergen 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
    Bergen $61
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergen

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

  • Bergen Food Tour: $182
  • A Taste of Bergen Food Tour with Floibanen Funicular: $226

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kathmandu $7.03
    Bergen $19
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

Tours and Activities in Bergen

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

  • Tip-Based Walking Tour of Bergen: $3.52
  • Bergen's University District: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Off the Beaten Track in A Private Self-Guided Tour: $6.99
  • Pocket Bergen A Self-guided Tour to the Unesco Site of Bryggen: $9.99
  • Walking Tour of Central Bergen: $18
  • Bergen Troll Museum Entry Ticket: $27
  • City Walking Tour - Bergen On Foot: $33
  • Group City Tour- Walking: $35
  • Walking Tour in Bergen of the Past and Present: $38
  • Nordnes: The Hidden Gem of Bergen Walking Tour: $40
  • Bergen walking tour with official local guide.Hidden corners.: $41
  • City Sightseeing Bergen Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kathmandu $5.01
    Bergen $7.93

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 Bergen, we can see that Bergen 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 Bergen 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 Bergen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bergen 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 Bergen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or Bergen?

Kathmandu has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Kathmandu and Bergen, 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.