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

Should you visit Kathmandu or New Orleans?

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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans?

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.

New Orleans

New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, and it is a cultural city that is the home of jazz, unique cuisine, and Mardi Gras in the U.S. It was established in 1718 and is one of the oldest cities in the country. The culture of the city has a mix of French, Creole, African American, Caribbean, Irish, Haitian, German and Vietnamese. There's an energy and atmosphere that is unlike any place else.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, New Orleans or Kathmandu?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $57, while the average daily cost in New Orleans is $239. 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 New Orleans in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kathmandu $40
    New Orleans $125
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kathmandu $80
    New Orleans $250
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and New Orleans

Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or New Orleans? 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 New Orleans


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 New Orleans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kathmandu $6.95
    New Orleans $51
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:

  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Pokhara Hotels: $244
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Chitwan Hotels: $210
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu International Airport to Hotel : $25
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu Hotels to Domestic Airport Vehicle: $20
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu Domestic Airport to Hotel Vehicle : $20
  • Private Car Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara or Chitwan or Vv: $90
  • Pokhara: One way transfer To or From Kathmandu: $117
  • One-Way Flight Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara: $130
  • Mount Everest Scenic Tour by Plane with Transfers: $88
  • Mount Everest Scenic Tour by Plane with Transfers: $99
  • Everest Mountain Flight with Private Transfers: $164
  • Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Transfers: $1,999

Typical Local Transportation Prices in New Orleans

Some typical examples of transportation costs in New Orleans are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in New Orleans

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

  • Private Transfer in (Rover RSD) New Orleans MSY/Home/Hotel/Work : $47
  • Private Transfer from Louis Armstrong Airport: $50
  • 1-Way Private Airport Transfer: $50
  • Private Airport Transfer From New Orleans: $60
  • Private Departure Transfer to Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport MSY: $67
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport: $67
  • Private Transfer in a Luxury Sedan from Louis Armstrong Airport: $69
  • New Orleans hotels to NOLA Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $74
  • New Orleans Port to New Orleans Airport Departure Transfer: $75
  • New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport (MSY) to New Orleans - Arrival Private Transfer : $75
  • New Orleans to New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) - Departure Private Transfer: $75
  • Cruise Port to New Orleans L.Armstrong Airport(MSY) - Departure Private Transfer: $75

Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or New Orleans?

Prices for flights to both New Orleans 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 $8.30
    New Orleans $45
Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu

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


  • Dessert
    $1.35
  • Dinner for Two
    $3.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kathmandu

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

  • Half-Day Nepali Cooking Class & Momo Making: $7.50
  • Momo Making & Cooking class in Thamel with Pickup: $8.57
  • Half Day cooking class in Kathmandu by Local Chefs & Pickup: $9.35
  • 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
  • Cooking Class in Thamel Kathmandu by Local Chef with pickup: $22
  • Nepali cooking class and Homestay experience : $22
  • Half Day Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Visit: $23
  • Food Tour In Kathmandu With Walking Local Market: $23
  • Momo, Dhalbhat & Thukpa Cooking Class, Nepal: $25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in New Orleans

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

  • Cajun and Creole Cooking Class with Meal: $38
  • New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal: $42
  • Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Dinner Cruise in New Orleans: $55
  • Evening Jazz Boat Cruise with Optional Dinner: $55
  • Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option: $55
  • French Quarter Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans: $59
  • The Premier New Orleans Food Tour: $77
  • Taste Of New Orleans Food Tour and Experience: $80
  • Private New Orleans Food Tour of the French Quarter : $85
  • French Quarter Food Tour with Tastings: $89
  • New Orleans' Lower Garden Food Tour: $89
  • Lower Garden District Food Tour: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kathmandu $8.03
    New Orleans $55
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:

  • 4 Days Kathmandu Nagarkot Tour : $235
  • Day tour Namo Buddha : $90
  • Hire Tour Guide Nepal : $81
  • Manakamana Darshan- Day Tour: $199
  • One Day Tour inside Chitwan National Park: $110
  • 1 Day Cycling Tour in Kathmandu: $312
  • 1 Day Everest base camp helicopter tour: $2,143
  • 1 Day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour: $70
  • 1 Day Rock Climbing Tour near Kathmandu Valley: $190
  • 1 Day Volunteer Tour at Orphanage in Kathmandu: $273
  • 1 Night 2 Days Daman Tour: $215
  • 1 day Kathmandu World Heritage guided tour group join : $65

Typical Entertainment Prices in New Orleans

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for New Orleans's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Zoo & Aquarium Tickets (2)
    $75
  • Riverboat Cruise
    $70
  • French Quarter City Tour
    $100

Tours and Activities in New Orleans

For New Orleans, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Self-Guided Walking Tour French Quarter In New Orleans: $6.75
  • Ghosts of Self-Guided Haunted Audio/App Walking Tour: $6.75
  • Struttin' Down Royal Street Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Struttin' Down Royal Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Stories of Faith and Courage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Metairie Cemetery Stories: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in New Orleans in 6 Languages: $9.00
  • Self Guided Audio Ghost Tour in New Orleans in 6 Languages: $9.00
  • Secret Historical Garden District Audio Tour: $9.99
  • New Orleans Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in New Orleans by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • Discover Tremé's Soul: A Self-Guided Audio Experience: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kathmandu $5.77
    New Orleans $60

Sample the Local Flavors in Kathmandu

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

  • Explore 4 Heritage Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $75

Sample the Local Flavors in New Orleans

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in New Orleans:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl In-App Audio Tour (ENG): $13
  • Guided Rum Distillery Tour and Tasting: $15
  • Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting: $15
  • New Orleans Distillery Tour and Rum Tasting with Guide: $15
  • Private New Orleans Seafood Bar Crawl: $15
  • Spooky Ghost and Haunted Pub Crawl Tour: $17
  • New Orleans Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of The Irish Channel: $25
  • Haunted Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $26
  • Adults Only True Crime Pub Crawl: $27
  • New Orleans Bar Crawl: $28
  • True Crime Pub Crawl in New Orleans: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl: $30


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


Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or New Orleans?

Kathmandu has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of New Orleans. When comparing the sizes of Kathmandu and New Orleans, 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.