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

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Should you visit Kathmandu or Seoul?

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 Seoul 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 Seoul?

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.

Seoul

With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.

Which city is cheaper, Seoul or Kathmandu?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $44, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $90. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kathmandu and Seoul in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kathmandu $31
    Seoul $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kathmandu $62
    Seoul $90
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Seoul

Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Seoul? 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 Seoul


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 Seoul Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kathmandu $5.67
    Seoul $13
Typical Local Transportation prices in Kathmandu

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:

  • Airport Transfer from TIA Airport to Hotel: $8.00
  • Private transfer from Kathmandu Airport to any hotels in Kathmandu: $11
  • Kathmandu Airport Transfer: $11
  • Private Kathmandu Airport Transfer (Airport to Hotel or Hotel to Airport): $11
  • Private Airport Transfer Service In Kathmandu: $12
  • Hassle Free Intercity (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Chitwan) Transfer with Tourist Bus: $13
  • Kathmandu airport departure transfer: $14
  • Kathmandu Airport Arrival transfer: $14
  • One-Way Arrival or Departure Airport Transfer: $14
  • Airport Transfer (Airport - Kathmandu city - Airport): $14
  • Private Arrival Transfer Kathmandu Airport to Kathmandu, Nepal: $15
  • Private car transfer from Kathmandu Airport to hotels in Kathmandu: $17

Typical Local Transportation prices in Seoul

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:


  • Subway Card
    $3.79
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $5.30
  • Metro Ride
    $1.02
  • Seoul City Pass Plus
    $7.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:

  • Everland Theme Park Private Transfer: $16
  • Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo International Airport (GMP) to Seoul: $31
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Seoul to Gimpo International Airport (GMP): $31
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN): $41
  • Airport Private Transfer: Seoul to Incheon Int'l Airport: $46
  • Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-6 pax): $65
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City - Gimpo Airport (1-6 pax): $67
  • Private Airport Transfer : Seoul to Gimpo/Gimpo to Seoul (up to 7pax): $68
  • Private transfer in Korea along with a wide range of cars (3~28pax): $75
  • Private Transfer to Airport : Seoul to Incheon Airport ( up to 7pax): $79
  • Private Airport Transfer: Seoul City to Incheon Airport (1-6 pax): $85
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Gimpo International Airport to Seoul Hotels: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Seoul?

Prices for flights to both Seoul 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 $6.92
    Seoul $25
Typical Food prices in Kathmandu

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


  • Dessert
    $1.38
  • Dinner for Two
    $3.06

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kathmandu

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

  • Dinner with Cultural Show Kathmandu: $12
  • Virtual Dal Bhat Private Cooking Class from Kathmandu: $24
  • Half day Nepal cooking class in Thamel: $30
  • Half day cooking class in Thamel kathmandu: $31
  • Cultural Dinner Show Kathmandu: $32
  • Nepal Cooking School: $35
  • Private 3-Hour Cooking Class and Meal in a Kathmandu Grill Restaurant & Wine Bar: $38
  • Cooking Class with HSJ: $40
  • Nepali Cooking Training and local cultural experience in Kathmandu: $40
  • cooking class in Kathmandu: $40
  • Cooking with a Family: $45
  • Nepali Dinner and Cultural Show in Kathmandu: $47

Typical Food prices in Seoul

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


  • Rice with Kimchi & Bacon
    $4.54
  • Waffle
    $0.76
  • Dippin' Dots
    $1.51
  • Chicken Fried Rice
    $4.16
  • Chicken Stick
    $1.51
  • Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew
    $1.44
  • Lunch Buffet
    $4.54
  • Donut
    $0.76
  • Mushroom Burger
    $3.94
  • Green Tea Ice Cream
    $2.50
  • Udon & Sushi
    $5.30
  • Fresh Burger
    $3.63
  • Soba Noodles Lunch
    $3.41
  • Bibimbap Lunch
    $3.79
  • Fried Rice
    $4.16
  • Vietnamese Dinner
    $7.19
  • Breakfast and Coffee for 2
    $7.19
  • Donut
    $1.89

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul

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

  • Night Market Food Tour: $48
  • Traditional Korean Cooking Class (Kimchi) & market tour with chef Joungy: $51
  • Korean Cooking Class with Full-Course Meal & Local Market Tour: $56
  • Small-Group Korean Cooking Class in Seoul: $56
  • Traditional Cooking Experience in Korean Style House in Seoul: $58
  • Secret of Banchan (side dish) cooking!: $61
  • Traditional Korean cooking class and market visit in Seoul: $62
  • Private 3-Hour Korean Cooking Class in Seoul: $68
  • Local Flavors of Seoul at Night: Street Food Tour: $70
  • Eat like a local! Most authentic Seoul food tour: $79
  • Historic Jongro District Authentic Food Tour in Seoul: $81
  • Gwangjang Market Food Tour including Lunch: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kathmandu $6.55
    Seoul $22
Typical Entertainment prices in Kathmandu

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


  • Monkey Temple for Two
    $1.53
  • Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two
    $3.83
  • Swayambhunath Stupa
    $1.53

Tours and Activities in Kathmandu

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

  • Old Explore its winding alleyways on a historic audio walking tour: $5.40
  • Tourist Bus in Nepal: $10
  • Kathmandu Pokhara Tourist Bus Ticket: $10
  • Bus Ticket: $11
  • Kathmandu to Chitwan bus tickets booking: $12
  • Tourist Bus Intercity Hassle free Shuttle all over Nepal: $12
  • Pokhara Tourist Bus Ticket: $13
  • Kathmandu to Sybubesi bus ticket booking: $13
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara Tourist Bus Tickets reservation: $13
  • Tourist Bus Ticket from Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumnini in Nepal: $13
  • Kathmandu to Chitwan or Chitwan to Kathmandu by Tourist bus Ticket Service: $13
  • Kathmandu City Tour in Sharing Bus: $14

Typical Entertainment prices in Seoul

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


  • Palace Tickets
    $6.06
  • Movie Ticket
    $6.06
  • Kimchi Museum
    $2.27

Tours and Activities in Seoul

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

  • Royal Seoul Private Tour: Zombie City Exploration Game: $3.72
  • National Museum of Korea Private Tour: Seoul Exploration Game: $3.72
  • Alternative Uncover the city's alternative culture on an audio tour: $5.00
  • The Dark Side of Seoul Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $6.22
  • Changdeokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
  • N Seoul Tower Ticket Combos in Seoul: $7.01
  • Premium Hanbok Experience in Hanboknam Gyeongbok Palace Branch: $7.18
  • Poopooland Discount Ticket at Insa-dong: $8.00
  • Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Insa-dong: $8.83
  • [Extremely popular Chuncheon trip] Nami Island X Gangchon Railbike One Day Tour: $9.30
  • Alive Museum Discount Ticket at Insa-dong: $9.50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kathmandu $4.67
    Seoul $10

Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul

Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Seoul Pub Crawl and Party with Free Shots: $24
  • Pub Crawl and Party at City's Best Bars and Clubs: $25
  • 3-Hour Small Group Korean Pub Crawl + Food Tasting in Hongdae: $86

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kathmandu and Seoul, we can see that Seoul is more expensive. And not only is Kathmandu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul than you might in Kathmandu.

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Kathmandu vs. Seoul Travel Comparison

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