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

Should you visit Kathmandu or Havana?

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 Havana 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 Havana?

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.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Kathmandu?

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

  • Kathmandu Prices
    Nepal Prices
    Havana Prices
    Cuba Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kathmandu $59
    Havana $74

The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $59, while the average daily cost in Havana is $74. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kathmandu $38
    Havana $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kathmandu $76
    Havana $84
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Havana? 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 Havana


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kathmandu $6.56
    Havana $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kathmandu

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Kathmandu:


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:

  • Chandragiri Hill Cable Car Tour with Hotel Transfers from Kathmandu: $60
  • Chitwan to Pokhara Transfer by Private AC Car (One Way): $80
  • Deluxe Toyota Coaster Mini Bus Transfer From Kathmandu to Pokhara or V. V. : $22
  • Everest Scenic Flight By Buddha Air with Free Hotel Transfers: $165
  • Kathmandu - Private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport : $15
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfers: $16
  • Kathmandu to Bandipur One Way Transfer by Private AC Car : $85
  • Kathmandu to Besisahar One Way Transfer by Private AC Car : $80
  • Kathmandu to Besisahar Private AC Luxury Transfer - One Way: $75
  • Kathmandu to Chitwan Transfer by Private AC Car One Way: $70
  • Kathmandu to Gorkha Transfer by Private AC Car One Way: $70
  • Kathmandu to Lumbini or Sunauli Border Transfer by Luxury Private Vehicle: $300

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $0.68

Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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 $14
    Havana $18
Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu

Some typical examples of dining costs in Kathmandu are as follows:


  • Dessert
    $1.28
  • Dinner for Two
    $2.84

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kathmandu

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

  • Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking & Momo-Making Class: $8.00
  • Cultural Stay in Kathmandu and experience dinner with family: $18
  • Secret Food Tour - Food Bites and Sights in Kathmandu: $27
  • Private Nepali Cooking Class in Kathmandu in Peace & quiet place: $30
  • Best Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Trip: $30
  • Kathmandu Food Tour : $32
  • Cook and Eat: Cooking Class in Kathmandu near Thamel: $34
  • Walking Street Food Tour in Kathmandu: $48
  • Cooking Class with Vyas: $49
  • Half Day Nepal Cooking Class in Thamel: $60
  • Cooking Class with HSJ: $60
  • Local Cooking Class in Chitwan with Local Style Wood Fire: $65

Typical Food Prices in Havana

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


  • Pizza
    $0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kathmandu $7.58
    Havana $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kathmandu

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kathmandu are as follows:


  • Monkey Temple for Two
    $1.42
  • Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two
    $3.54
  • Swayambhunath Stupa
    $1.42

Tours and Activities in Kathmandu

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

  • Full Day Guided Tour in Kathmandu: $5.00
  • Full Day 7 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group: $5.00
  • Full Day Private Tour of Seven World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu: $5.00
  • Bhaktapur & Nagarkot Day Tour with Lunch - Private/Group: $5.00
  • Scenic Swayambhunath & Chandragiri Cable Car Tour: $5.00
  • Chandragiri Cable Car Ride & Monkey Temple Tour - Private/Group: $5.00
  • Nepali Tea Tasting Lifetime Experience : $8.00
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square Walking Tour: $10
  • Private World Heritage Sites Tour/ 4 UNESCO Tour. : $10
  • Walking Tour from Bazaar to Hippie Hub Ason and Freak Street: $10
  • Privet Day Tours in Kathmandu Nepal : $10
  • Private Kathmandu City Tour/ 7 UNESCO World Heritage Tour : $10

Tours and Activities in Havana

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

  • Private: City Tour with Lunch, Rum, and Chocolate: $2,000

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kathmandu $5.45
    Havana $5.76

Sample the Local Flavors in Kathmandu

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

  • Local Food and Wine Tasting in Kathmandu : $65

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:


  • Mojito
    $0.15


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


Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or Havana?

Havana has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Kathmandu. When comparing the sizes of Kathmandu and Havana, 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.