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

Should you visit Kathmandu or Valletta?

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 Valletta 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 Valletta?

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.

Valletta

A harbor city and the capital city of the island of Malta, Valletta dates back to the 16th-century with a preserved architectural heritage that earned the city a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is best known for its museums, palaces, and churches.

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


Which place is cheaper, Valletta 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 Valletta is $124. 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 Valletta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kathmandu $40
    Valletta $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kathmandu $80
    Valletta $140
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Valletta

Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Valletta? 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 Valletta


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 Valletta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kathmandu $6.95
    Valletta $25
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valletta

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

  • Valletta Cruise Port to Malta Intl Airport (MLA) - Departure Private Transfer : $14
  • Private Transfer from Valletta Cruise Port to Malta Airport (MLA): $14
  • Private Transfer from Malta Airport (MLA) to Valletta Cruise Port: $14
  • Malta Intl Airport (MLA) to Valletta Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $28
  • Private Airport Transfer: Malta International Airport (MLA) to Valletta: $31
  • Private Transfer: Valletta to Malta International Airport (MLA): $31
  • Malta Airport Transfers : $38
  • Afternoon Harbours Cruise with Guide and Roundtrip Transfers: $39
  • The Three Fortified Cities of Malta Half Day Tour Incl. Boat Trip and Transfers: $39
  • Malta Private Airport Transfer - Arrival: $44
  • Departure Transfer: Malta Island to Malta Airport MLA by Van: $47
  • Arrival Transfer: Malta Airport MLA to Malta Island by Van: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Valletta?

Prices for flights to both Valletta 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
    Valletta $35
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 Valletta

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

  • Valletta Food Tour - Eat like a local: $46
  • Valletta Food Tour: $49
  • Folklore Evening Dinner Show at a Traditional Maltese Restaurant Incl. Transfers: $67
  • Maltese Traditional Dinner and Folklore Show with Transfers: $71
  • Fireworks Festival Cruise Including Dinner, Drinks and Transport: $77
  • The Ultimate Valletta Evening Food Tour: $81
  • Fernandes Sunset Cruise including Dinner with Open Bar: $81
  • Christmas Tour in Gozo (afternoon) inc. Dinner: $87
  • Blue Lagoon & Sunset Quad Tour in Gozo/Dinner: $101
  • From Blue Lagoon and Gozo Tour w/Quads and Dinner: $118
  • The Valletta Food Tour Experience, a private tour: $150
  • Private Valletta Food Tour: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kathmandu $8.03
    Valletta $29
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

Tours and Activities in Valletta

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.46
  • Reliving The Sacra Infermeria Augmented Reality Tour: $6.55
  • 30-Minute Mdina Experience Audio-Visual Show Ticket (Open Ticket): $6.55
  • Valletta Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $7.10
  • The Knights of Malta Museum Entry Ticket: $7.10
  • City Nobles App Tour + Malta5D Entry (optional): $7.53
  • Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour (Audio Guide): $7.53
  • City Nobles App Tour + Optional Malta 5D Show Ticket: $7.64
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Tour: $8.07
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour, Map and Directions: $8.61
  • Entry Ticket for The Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens : $9.85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kathmandu $5.77
    Valletta $17

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 Valletta

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

  • Valletta Pub Crawl: $22
  • Malta Pub Crawl: $22
  • The Brewery Experience Self-Guided Tour with Tasting & Transport: $35
  • The Brewery Experience & beer tasting including transport: $35
  • Malta: The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour: $44


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


Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or Valletta?

Kathmandu has a larger population, and is about 210 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Kathmandu and Valletta, 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.