Which place is cheaper, Lima or Kathmandu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Kathmandu or Lima?
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 Lima 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Kathmandu Prices
Nepal PricesLima Prices
Peru Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKathmandu $55Lima $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $55, while the average daily cost in Lima is $96. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKathmandu $35Lima $53
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKathmandu $70Lima $106
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kathmandu $6.10Lima $6.16
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kathmandu
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Kathmandu:
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Taxi Ride$1.32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:
- Kathmandu Airport Departure Transfer – Easy, Safe & Hassle-Free: $9.00
- Private Airport Transfer to Kathmandu Hotels: $12
- Tribhuvan International Airport Transfer Service: $13
- Kathmandu Airport Private Transfer: Arrival or Departure Service: $15
- Kathmandu - Private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport: $15
- Kathmandu Airport Private Transfers: $16
- Kathmandu Airport Transfer Service: $18
- Kathmandu Airport Private Transfer Service: $19
- Kathmandu Airport Transfer to hotels – Easy, Safe & Hassle-Free: $20
- Tribhuvan International Airport KTM Private Transfer to Kathmandu: $28
- Kathmandu to Pokhara or Pokhara to Kathmandu Private Transfer: $30
- Private Transfer: Hotel to Kathmandu Airport Vehicle: $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.83
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Taxi Ride$5.83
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Short Taxi Ride$4.37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- QuickLlama: Transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores Kennedy Park: $5.95
- QuickLlama: Door-to-door transfer from Lima Airport to Miraflores: $5.95
- Transfer: Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima City Center: $15
- Lima Airport Transfer Service Available 24 7: $15
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima City hotels: $16
- Private Transfer from Callao Port to Lima Airport (LIM): $16
- Private Transfer from Lima City Hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $16
- Private Transfer from Callao Port to Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM): $17
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Callao Port: $17
- Transfer from Hotel/Airbnb Miraflores/San Isidro/Barranco to Airport: $21
- Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Lima - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
- Lima Hotels to Lima Airport (LIM)- Departure Private Transfer: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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
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Food Meals for one dayKathmandu $13Lima $33
Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kathmandu are as follows:
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Dessert$1.19
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Dinner for Two$2.64
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
- Authentic Private Nepali Cooking Class in Kathmandu: $23
- Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking Class: $30
- Best Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Trip: $30
- Secret Food Tour - Food Bites and Sights Kathmandu 14+ Tastings: $35
- Momo Cooking Class -The Art Of Making MoMo with Home Chef: $35
- Exotic Food Tour Newari Flavors and Evening Trails 15 Tastings: $40
- Walking Street Food Tour in Kathmandu: $48
- Newari Cooking Class with a Home Chef- From market to the plate.: $50
- Yomari and Bara Newari Food Cooking Class Cultural Experience: $50
- Kathmandu Best Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $52
- Authentic Kathmandu Cooking Class and Guided Market Tour: $59
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.66
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Ice cream$3.79
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Coffee$3.21
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Donut$1.02
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Off the Radar Lima Food Tour Hidden Spots Pisco and Local Vibes: $4.00
- Dinner at Café del Museo Larco restaurant: $30
- Dinner with Folkloric Show at Casa Tambo Restaurant: $43
- Andean Breads Cooking Class in Lima: $44
- Miraflores Cooking Class Ceviche, Tartar & Pisco Sour: $48
- #1 Rated Lima Cooking Class: Make Ceviche, Causa & Pisco Sours!: $49
- Lima Street Food Tour : Try the best Peruvian street food: $49
- Lima Market Tour & Ceviche Cooking Class with Pisco Sour: $50
- Lima : Cooking Class, Chef Le Cordon Bleu, Tuk Tuk and Fiesta: $51
- Food Tour and Market Experience: 12 Peruvian Snacks: $55
- Barranco Food Tour: $60
- Dinner at the Huaca Pucllana Restaurant: $62
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kathmandu $7.05Lima $9.30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kathmandu
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kathmandu are as follows:
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Monkey Temple for Two$1.32
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Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two$3.30
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Swayambhunath Stupa$1.32
Tours and Activities in Kathmandu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kathmandu are as follows:
- Full Day 7 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group: $7.60
- Full Day Top 4 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group: $7.60
- Kathmandu Sightseeing | UNESCO World Heritage sites Private/Group: $8.00
- Kathmandu to Pokhara Tourist Bus Ticket Luxury Sofa: $8.40
- Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha Hike & Tour - Private/Group: $9.50
- Kathmandu to Chitwan Tourist Bus Tickets: $9.50
- Chitwan to Bandipur Tourist Bus Luxury Sofa Seater: $10
- KATHMANDU FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR (6-hrs): $10
- Patan & Bhaktapur Heritage Tour with Lunch.: $10
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites Private & Small Group Tour: $10
- Private UNESCO World Heritage Tour | Top 4 UNESCO Site: $10
- Kathmandu to Lumbini Tourist Bus Ticket Luxury Sofa: $10
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$17
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Movie Tickets$2.48
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Walking Tour Hidden Lima Downtown: $2.50
- Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Lima: $5.00
- Barranco Walking Tour with Sunset Option: $5.00
- Street Art Walking Tour in Barranco: $5.00
- Gastronomic Walking Tour A Taste of Lima: $5.00
- Lima Cathedral Museum Entrance Ticket: $10
- Beach tour and surfboards for rent in Lima, Peru: $14
- Miraflores Guided Walking Tour and Surquillo Market Experience: $15
- Walking Tour to Miraflores and Barranco with a beer: $15
- Miraflores and Barranco Private Bike Tour: $19
- Private Beach Guided Bike Tour in Lima: $19
- Tour in Lima with Visit to the Catacombs of San Francisco: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKathmandu $5.02Lima $6.05
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
- Bar Tour and Pub Crawl Sip Stroll Repeat Thamel Night: $75
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.84
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Beer$4.37
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Cocktail$3.50
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Free Pub Crawl: $5.00
- Barranco Bohemian Bar Crawl: 4 Bars & Live Music: $24
- Lima Anti Pub Crawl: $60
- From Lima Paracas and Huacachina Oasis Dunes and Wine Tour: $89
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kathmandu and Lima, we can see that Lima 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 Lima is in South America, 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 Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima 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 Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kathmandu. When comparing the sizes of Kathmandu and Lima, 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.