Which place is cheaper, Florence or Kathmandu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Kathmandu or Florence?
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 Florence 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 Florence?
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.
Florence
Florence is the capital of Tuscany and one of the most well known cities in Italy for its art and cultural scenes. The city is rooted in history and you can see this in the architecture, statues, gardens, and art that are everywhere around town. This city truly is a living museum. You should allow yourself at least a couple of days to explore Florence and if you can afford more, it is well worth the time. In particular, if art history is your passion then you will need a week or more to satisfy your interest as the museums and architecturally impressive buildings throughout the city are endless.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKathmandu $57Florence $167
The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $57, while the average daily cost in Florence is $167. 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 Florence in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKathmandu $40Florence $94
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKathmandu $80Florence $188
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Florence
Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Florence? 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 Florence Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kathmandu $6.95Florence $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kathmandu
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Kathmandu:
-
Taxi Ride$1.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:
- Kathmandu to Lumbini or Sunauli Border Transfer by Luxury Private Vehicle: $300
- Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Chitwan Hotels: $210
- Kathmandu to Chitwan (Sauraha) Private Transfer: $197
- 3-Day Chitwan Safari Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
- Kathmandu to Pokhara Transfer by Luxury Private Car: $180
- From Bungee Jump over Bhotekosi River & Transfer: $160
- From One-Way Private Transfer to Pokhara: $148
- One-Way Flight Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara: $130
- From Private car transfer to Pokhara: $117
- Pokhara: One way transfer To or From Kathmandu: $117
- Kathmandu to Pokhara transfer by private air conditioned car: $110
- Kathmandu Airport to Nagarkot Hotel Transfer: $109
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Florence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:
-
Taxi Ride Within City$8.67
-
Taxi from Airport$27
-
In City Parking (Full Day)$32
-
Bus Pass (Full Day)$5.42
-
Bus From Airport$5.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence
Also for Florence, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Bus Transfer to/from Rome with Wi-Fi and Sockets: $4.22
- Shared Bus Transfer to/from Pisa Airport: $16
- Private Arrival Transfer: Florence Train Station: $35
- Private Departure Transfer: Florence Train Station: $35
- Florence Airport (FLR) to Florence hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Florence hotels to Florence Airport (FLR) - Departure Private Transfer: $40
- Florence Airport Private Departure Transfer: $48
- Florence Airport Private Transfer to the City: $48
- Private Transfer from SMN Train Station to Florence: $51
- From La Spezia: Round-Trip Bus Transfer to Florence: $52
- Private Transfer from your Hotel in Florence to the Airport: $59
- Private Florence Airport to Hotel Transfer: $59
Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Florence?
Prices for flights to both Florence 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 dayKathmandu $8.31Florence $39
Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kathmandu are as follows:
-
Dessert$1.35
-
Dinner for Two$3.01
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kathmandu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kathmandu.
- Momo Making & Cooking class in Thamel with Pickup: $8.58
- Half Day cooking class in Kathmandu by Local Chefs & Pickup: $9.36
- Best Half-Day Nepali Cooking Class & Hotel Pickup: $9.50
- Best Half day cooking class in Thamel Kathmandu with Pickup: $10
- Dinner with Cultural Show Kathmandu : $12
- Cultural Dinner Show with Traditional Dance: $17
- Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel, Kathmandu with Pickup: $19
- Half Day Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Visit: $23
- Cooking Class in Thamel Kathmandu by Local Chef with pickup: $25
- Kathmandu Culinary Adventure: A Cooking Class Experience: $27
- Private Cooking class with Pickup and Drop: $29
- Cooking class in kathmandu( Women empowerment project): $30
Typical Food Prices in Florence
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:
-
Panini Sandwich$7.04
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence
For Florence, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Florence with Set Lunch or Dinner: $30
- Florence Street Food Tour: Market & City Center: $33
- Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $35
- Virtual Italian Meatballs Cooking Class, Live from Tuscany: $37
- Florence Bike Tour with Hands-On Pasta Gelato and Cooking Class : $38
- Italian Fresh Pasta Private Virtual Cooking Class: $40
- Street Food Tour with Local Expert Guide: $40
- Street Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Expert Guide in 2.5 hours : $41
- Florence Street Food Tour with Walking Sightseeing and Local Guide: $46
- Florence Street Food Tour and sightseeing with Central Market: $46
- Food Tour in Santo Spirito: $47
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kathmandu $8.04Florence $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kathmandu
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kathmandu are as follows:
-
Monkey Temple for Two$1.50
-
Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two$3.76
-
Swayambhunath Stupa$1.50
Tours and Activities in Kathmandu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kathmandu are as follows:
- Luxury Tourist Bus to Chitwan from Kathmandu : $22
- One Day Tour inside Chitwan National Park: $117
- Two Days Sightseeing in Kathmandu Tour UNESCO Heritage sites: $150
- "Off-The-Beaten-Path" Tour around Kathmandu : $70
- 1 Day Cycling Tour in Kathmandu: $312
- 1 Day Kathmandu Shopping Tour Experience: $100
- 1 Day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour: $70
- 1 Day Volunteer Tour at Orphanage in Kathmandu: $273
- 1 Night 2 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Kathmandu: $155
- 1 Night 2 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Pokhara or Kathmandu: $141
- 1 Night 2 Days Daman Tour: $215
- 1 day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour: $150
Typical Entertainment Prices in Florence
For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Admission to Uffizi$12
-
Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi$4.33
-
Firenze Card (for Two)$108
-
Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)$22
-
Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee$6.50
-
Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee$7.58
Tours and Activities in Florence
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.
- The Best tour in Renaissance & Medici Tales - guided by a STORYTELLER: $0.02
- Dark Mysteries and Legends Guided Walking Tour: $2.66
- Renaissance and Medici Tales Guided Walking Tour: $2.66
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
- Private Tour to the Laboratory of Artistic Ceramics in Tuscany: $3.26
- Florence Walking Tour: $3.27
- Experience Florence’s Art and Architecture on a Walking Tour: $3.28
- Smartphone self guided Tour: $4.25
- Florence Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.50
- The Towers of Florence Self-Guided Tour: $4.58
- Galleria dell' Accademia Audio Guide (Ticket NOT included): $5.99
- Uffizi Gallery Highlights Audio Guide (Ticket NOT included): $5.99
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKathmandu $5.77Florence $20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Florence
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:
-
Glass of Chianti$4.55
-
Bottle of Wine$8.12
Sample the Local Flavors in Florence
Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting by CarusVini in San Casciano in val di Pesa: $16
- Winery tour and wine tasting of organic Chianti wines and extra virgin oil: $22
- Wine Tasting Activity at Chianti Rufina: $23
- Great wine tasting at Tenuta Moriano: $25
- Wine Tasting Experience near Florence: $27
- 3 Types Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $29
- From Florence to Chianti Rufina: Wine Tasting Experience: $32
- Classic Wine Tasting in Montalcino: $33
- Discover Artimino wine tasting, a few steps from Florence: $33
- Cellar Wine Tour: $33
- Three Types of Tuscany Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers: $37
- Wine Tasting and Paring Class Guided Tour in Florence: $42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kathmandu and Florence, we can see that Florence 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 Florence 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 Florence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florence 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 Florence Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or Florence?
Kathmandu has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Kathmandu and Florence, 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.