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

Should you visit Kathmandu or London?

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 London 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 London?

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.

London

The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, London 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
    London Prices
    UK Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kathmandu $55
    London $292

The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $55, while the average daily cost in London is $292. 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 London in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kathmandu $35
    London $169
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kathmandu $70
    London $338
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and London

Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or London? 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 London


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 London Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kathmandu $6.09
    London $35
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:

  • Lukla Flight Ticket with Sharing Transfer Service: $270
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Pokhara Hotels: $244
  • Everest Scenic Flight with Window Seat and Transfer: $239
  • Private Transfer by Car from Kathmandu to Pokhara: $210
  • Buddha Air Mount Everest Experience with Transfers: $185
  • Mount Everest Flight with Guaranteed Window Seat & Transfers: $180
  • Mount Everest Scenic Flight by Buddha Air with Free Transfers: $180
  • Private Transfer to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu or Pokhara: $170
  • Yoga Experience Day Trip with Private Transfer From Kathmandu: $152
  • Kathmandu VIP Airport Arrival Meet & Greet with Private Transfer: $150
  • Private Sunrise or Sunset Tour of Dhulikhel with return transfers from Kathmandu: $144
  • Kathmandu to Lumbini One Way Transfer by Private AC Car: $140

Typical Local Transportation Prices in London

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $20
  • Heathrow Express
    $24
  • Luggage Storage
    $11
  • London Map
    $1.74
  • Oyster Card
    $48
  • Train to Gatwick Airport (2)
    $29
  • Oyster Card
    $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in London

Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Heathrow Airport to/from Renaissance Hotel: $9.15
  • Bus Transfer between Heathrow Airport & Premier Inn: $9.15
  • Bus Transfer Between Heathrow Airport & Radisson RED: $9.15
  • Stansted airport: Bus transfer from/to Cambridge: $12
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Birmingham: $15
  • Gatwick Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Bristol: $16
  • Manchester Airport : Bus transferring to/from London: $17
  • Bus Transfer between Heathrow & Luton Airports: $17
  • Luton Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Birmingham: $18
  • Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Bristol City Center: $18
  • Luton Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Oxford Gloucester Green: $26
  • Departure Private Transfer Argostoli to Kephalonia Airport EFL in Business Car: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or London?

Prices for flights to both London 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
    London $80
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.

  • Saturday Hidden Kathmandu Walk and Food Tour: $10
  • Dinner with Cultural Show Kathmandu: $17
  • Home Made Authentic Nepali Dinner (veg/non vegg): $18
  • Cultural Stay in Kathmandu and experience dinner with family: $18
  • Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking & Momo-Making Class: $20
  • Authentic Private Nepali Cooking Class in Kathmandu: $23
  • Cook and Eat: Cooking Class in Kathmandu near Thamel: $24
  • Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking Class: $30
  • Best Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Trip: $30
  • Patan Food Tour Walking and Food Testing: $35
  • Walking Food Tour in Hidden Local Eateries of Kathmandu: $36
  • Kathmandu Kitchens Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $39

Typical Food Prices in London

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:


  • Lunch at Starbucks
    $18
  • Tea
    $8.09
  • Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason
    $53
  • Morning Tea
    $8.56
  • Pastry
    $6.74
  • Sushi Dinner for One
    $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London

For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • London Food Tour of Soho & Covent Garden: $19
  • Hard Rock Cafe London Old Park Lane with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $42
  • Ultimate London Cheese Crawl : Guided Food Tour: $48
  • Sky Garden Access Ticket & 2 Course Dinner at Larch Restaurant: $60
  • Hidden West London & Food Tour - by a Local: $62
  • Italian Pizza Dinner & Comedy Show Experience, Covent Garden: $71
  • London River Thames Cruise with Afternoon Tea or Dinner: $88
  • London Sweet Treats Food Tour: Covent Garden & West End: $89
  • London Borough Market Holiday Food Tour: Sweet Treats & Tea Tour: $89
  • Peruvian Fusion Dinner & Comedy Show Experience, Covent Garden: $89
  • Authentic Japanese Cooking Class in North London Home: $94
  • 2 Hour Soho and Chinatown Food Tour with 4 Tastings in London: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kathmandu $7.03
    London $44
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:

  • 1 Day Gay Tour Nepal: $155
  • 1 Day Kathmandu 7 UNESCO Heritage Tour: $70
  • 1 Day Kathmandu Heritage 4 UNESCO Tour with Lunch: $99
  • 1 Day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour: $35
  • 1 Day Valley Rim Biking Tour in Kathmandu: $160
  • 1 Night 2 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Pokhara or Kathmandu: $141
  • 1 Night 2 Days Daman Tour: $215
  • 1 Nights 2 Days Private Nagarkot Tour Package from Kathmandu: $150
  • 2 Day Kathmandu City with Nagarkot Sunrise, Changu Narayan and Bhaktapur Tour: $236
  • 2 Day Kathmandu Sightseeing with Panauti, Namobuddha Tour from Kathmandu: $163
  • 2 Day Poon Hill Trek with 2 Day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour: $731
  • 2 Days and 1 Night Chitwan Safari Tour: $125

Typical Entertainment Prices in London

For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Two Tickets to a Concert
    $112
  • London Symphony Orchestra
    $46
  • London Pass
    $63
  • Comedy Show
    $11

Tours and Activities in London

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.

  • London's Hidden Gems Self Guided City Tour: $2.31
  • London Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.51
  • Bohemian Bloomsbury: Literary London Walking Audio Tour: $5.00
  • A Camp Self-Guided Tour of London with Paul Baker: $5.00
  • London Mob Revenge in Westminster: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.27
  • National Gallery Audio Tour (No Entry Ticket): $5.48
  • London British Empire Walking Tour: Hidden History: $5.87
  • Jack the Ripper in Quest Experience: $5.98
  • London’s West End at War: Self-Guided WWII Puzzle Adventure: $5.98
  • London Walking Tour: Self-Guided City Game: $5.98
  • Thomas Cubitt’s Pimlico: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.99
  • Tales from the Thames Riverbank: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kathmandu $5.01
    London $20

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

Sample the Local Flavors in London

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

  • An Epic Bar Crawl in London United Kingdom: $15
  • City of London Historic Pub Tour: $16
  • The Jack the Ripper Pub Tour - Taverns and Dark Tales: $27
  • The Original Shoreditch Pub Crawl: $34
  • London PUB CRAWL Shots Pints & Good Times: $34
  • Sipsmith Distillery Tour and Complimentary Tasting: $41
  • Potter Pub Tour for Muggles: London: $44
  • North London Craft Brewery Tour: $67
  • Soho Rock and Roll Pub Tour: $81
  • London Soho Rock and Roll Pub Tour with Guide: $81
  • London Historical Pub Tour with Pilgrims and Pirates: $81
  • Devour London Historical Pub Tour:Traditional British Food & Ales: $94


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


Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or London?

London has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kathmandu. When comparing the sizes of Kathmandu and London, 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.