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

Should you visit Kathmandu or Ghent?

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 Ghent 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 Ghent?

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.

Ghent

Ghent is a large city in the northern part of Belgium (the Flanders region) with a population of about 250,000. This city was one of the most powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, which is portrayed today, mostly through architecture. There is a large university in Ghent with over 60,000 students, and a large portion of the population are young students. However, among the natives and students, there are also many foreigners and artists that you will find walking the streets of the city. Ghent is also Belgium's second largest port city.

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, Ghent 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 Ghent 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 Ghent in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kathmandu $35
    Ghent $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kathmandu $70
    Ghent $166
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Ghent

Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Ghent? 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 Ghent


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 Ghent Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kathmandu $6.09
    Ghent $22
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 - Arrival transfer from airport to hotel: $12
  • Tribhuvan International Airport Transfer Service: $12
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfer: Arrival or Departure Service: $15
  • Airport Transfers in Kathmandu – Pickup OR Drop-Off Service: $15
  • Private car transfer from Kathmandu Airport to hotels in Kathmandu: $15
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfers: $16
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu Domestic Airport to Hotel Vehicle: $20
  • Deluxe Toyota Coaster Mini Bus Transfer From Kathmandu to Pokhara or V. V.: $22
  • Rent a Private Car with Driver for Kathmandu City Transfer: $25
  • Tribhuvan International Airport KTM Private Transfer to Kathmandu: $28
  • Private Transfer: Hotel to Kathmandu Airport Vehicle: $35
  • Private Transfer to Bhaktapur from Kathmandu: $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ghent

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ghent:

  • Transfer Ghent Luxembourg (1 to 8 places): $252

Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Ghent?

Prices for flights to both Ghent 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
    Ghent $69
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ghent

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

  • Walking Food Tour in Ghent: $96
  • Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $111

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kathmandu $7.04
    Ghent $10
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 Ghent

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

  • Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent: $3.53
  • Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent: $3.53
  • Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included: $3.53
  • Guided tour of the medieval secrets of Ghent: $3.54
  • Ghent Highlights Walking Tour with Smartphone App: $5.00
  • Ghent Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self Guided Walking Tour: $5.90
  • TOP Ghent : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: $5.90
  • Ghent Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $12
  • Hidden A Self-Guided Audio Tour Of The Flemish City: $12
  • 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center: $13
  • 40 Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour: $13
  • Pub Trail Kortrijk: an adventure full of surprises: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kathmandu $5.06
    Ghent $21

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Ghent

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ghent:

  • Brewery Visit in Ostend- Two 33cl Beers Included: $21
  • Brewery Visit in Ostend- 3 Beers & Breughel Plate Experience: $41
  • NEW Ghent Brewery Visit, Beer Tasting Tour & Chocolate Pairing: $88


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


Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or Ghent?

Kathmandu has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Kathmandu and Ghent, 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.