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

Should you visit Kathmandu or Brussels?

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 Brussels 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 Brussels?

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.

Brussels

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and also the sight of the headquarters of the European Union. Generally speaking, it's an expensive city that sees a good amount of travelers. It is also a highly political city that has an air of importance and power. It's an incredibly international city, with people from all over the world flocking to it due to its political, economical, and cultural significance.

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 Belgium, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Brussels 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 Brussels is $191. 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 Brussels in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kathmandu $35
    Brussels $85
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kathmandu $70
    Brussels $170
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Brussels

Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Brussels? 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 Brussels


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 Brussels Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kathmandu $6.09
    Brussels $19
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:

  • Airport Transfers in Kathmandu – Pickup OR Drop-Off Service: $15
  • Buddha Air Mount Everest Experience with Transfers: $193
  • Chitwan to Pokhara Transfer by Private AC Car (One Way): $80
  • Day Trip to Water and Amusement Park and Kirtipur sightseeing with Transfer: $87
  • Deluxe Toyota Coaster Mini Bus Transfer From Kathmandu to Pokhara or V. V.: $22
  • From Everest Flight with Window Seat and Transfer: $69
  • Kathmandu - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $12
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfer: Arrival or Departure Service: $15
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfers: $16
  • Kathmandu VIP Airport Arrival Meet & Greet with Private Transfer: $150
  • Kathmandu to Bandipur One Way Transfer by Private AC Car: $85
  • Kathmandu to Besisahar One Way Transfer by Private AC Car: $80

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brussels

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


  • Subway Pass
    $5.22
  • Atomium train ticket (2)
    $9.28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brussels

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brussels:

  • BRU Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $31
  • Private Airport Transfer to the City: $58
  • Brussels Shuttle Transfer Ghent (1 to 8 PLACES): $63
  • Transfer Shuttle Brussels South Station Mons (1-8 SEATS): $75
  • Shuttle transfer Brussels Gare du Midi Mons (1 to 8 PLACES): $75
  • Brussels Shuttle Transfer Mons (1 to 8 PLACES): $75
  • Brussels Private Transfer from Brussels city centre to Brussels Airport (BRU): $79
  • Departure Private Transfer from Brussels to Brussels Airport BRU by Business Car: $88
  • Departure Transfer: Brussels to Airport BRU by Business Car: $89
  • Transfer Brussels Midi Station Bruges (1 - 8 PL): $94
  • Airport Transfer: Brussels to Brussels Airport BRU by Luxury Van: $95
  • Brussels Airport Transfer (BRU) to or from Brussels (Sedan): $112

Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Brussels?

Prices for flights to both Brussels 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
    Brussels $77
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.

  • Local Foodie Food Tour around Durbar Square: $15
  • Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking & Momo-Making Class: $20
  • Cook and Eat: Cooking Class in Kathmandu near Thamel: $24
  • Best Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Trip: $30
  • Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking Class: $30
  • Momo Cooking Class -The Art Of Making MoMo with Home Chef: $35
  • Secret Food Tour - Food Bites and Sights Kathmandu 14+ Tastings: $35
  • Walking Food Tour in Hidden Local Eateries of Kathmandu: $36
  • Exotic Food Tour Newari Flavors and Evening Trails 15 Tastings: $40
  • Walking Food tour: Food and Drink Tasting with Guide In Kathmandu: $40
  • Walking Street Food Tour in Kathmandu: $48
  • Cooking Class with Vyas: $49

Typical Food Prices in Brussels

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Brussels:


  • Ice Cream & Macaroons
    $5.34
  • Dessert (Turkish Delights)
    $5.51
  • Cheese
    $6.50
  • Olives and Snacks
    $8.10
  • Waffle
    $3.48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brussels

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Chocolate and Beer Food Tour of Brussels: $46
  • City Center Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $74
  • Brussels Food Tour: Main Dish, Beer, Waffle & Chocolate: $93
  • Experience Authentic Belgian Cuisine: Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Ghent Local: $99
  • Brussels Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $100
  • Walking Food Tour with Chocolate, Beer, & Waffles: $111
  • Brussels Food Tour: 10 Tastings of Waffles, Beers, Fries & More: $127
  • Food Tour of 10 Tastings - Waffles, Beers & More: $147
  • Brussels Private Food Tour: Waffles, Fries, Beer & Local History: $152
  • Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $183

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kathmandu $7.04
    Brussels $27
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:

  • All Seven UNESCO Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu Valley: $5.00
  • Private Chandragiri Cable Car and The Monkey Temple Tour: $5.00
  • Full Day Guided Tour in Kathmandu: $5.00
  • Full Day Private Tour of Seven World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu: $5.00
  • Women Thamel Walking Tour: $7.50
  • Private Full Day Kathmandu Day Tour | Top 4 UNESCO Heritage Sites: $9.50
  • Full Day 7 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group: $10
  • Full Day Top 4 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group: $10
  • Full Day 7 UNESCO Heritage Private Tour with Lunch.: $10
  • Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Square Day Tour with Lunch.: $10
  • Private World Heritage Sites Tour/ 4 UNESCO Tour.: $10
  • Kathmandu to Chitwan Tourist Bus Tickets: $11

Tours and Activities in Brussels

Here are a few actual costs in Brussels for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tasting Tour: A Taste of Brussels - by Legends: $2.33
  • Guided Tour through the centre of Brussels, Discover the magic of Brussels: $2.83
  • Evening Tour: The Dark Side of Brussels: $3.53
  • Essential Brussels Tour: $3.53
  • The Most Complete Tour Of Brussels: $3.53
  • Historical Walking Tour: The Story of Brussels - by Legends: $3.53
  • Free tour of Brussels in Italian ( with booking fee): $3.53
  • Brussels Hidden Delights A Self Guided Epicurean Adventure: $3.53
  • Gastronomic Tour: A Taste of Brussels: $3.53
  • Self-Guided Tours In Brussels With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.53
  • Brussels Walking Tour with Guide plus PDF: $3.53
  • Where Comics, Culture & Quirk Collide Walking Tour: $4.65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kathmandu $5.06
    Brussels $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Kathmandu

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

  • Bar Tour & Pub Crawl -Sip, Stroll, Repeat Thamel's Night: $75

Typical Alcohol Prices in Brussels

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


  • Bottle of Wine
    $12
  • Beer
    $6.96

Sample the Local Flavors in Brussels

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brussels:

  • Mario Kart Championship at Micro Brewery & Distillery: $5.31
  • BBQ night at Tipsy Tribe Brewery & Distillery: $15
  • Pub Crawl and Nightlife Party Experience: $23
  • micro brewery & distillery tour + beer tasting: $29
  • Beer Tasting Workshop at a Brussels Microbrewery: $42
  • Immersive Brewery Tour for 2 with Beer Flight - Brussels Area: $44
  • Beer & Chocolate Tasting in a Micro Brewery-Distillery: $48
  • Spirit tasting workshop at a Brussels distillery: $57
  • Sip the Unexpected at a Hidden Leuven Brewery: $59
  • Gin Cocktail Workshop at a Brussels Brewery & Distillery: $67
  • Beer Pong in a Micro Brewery and Distillery: $76
  • Private tasting: Beer & Chocolate in a Micro Brewery-Distillery: $77


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kathmandu and Brussels, we can see that Brussels 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 Brussels 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 Brussels would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brussels 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 Brussels Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or Brussels?

Kathmandu has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Brussels. When comparing the sizes of Kathmandu and Brussels, 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.