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

Should you visit Kathmandu or Valparaiso?

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 Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso?

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.

Valparaiso

Valparaiso, often referred to as Valpo, is an attractive city on the Pacific Coast in Chile. The city has a population of about 300,000 and is only 120 kilometers west of Santiago. The city's main industries aside from tourism include shipping and petroleum refining.

Valparaiso is popular with travelers because of its bohemian culture and brightly colored homes. It also offers some wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean. Although the city is short on specific sights, the atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a wonderful place to visit.

Valparaiso has a mild Mediterranean climate that is comparable to San Francisco or Santa Barbara. The summer is dry but fog is common year around. Rain can be heavy during the winter season and snow falls occasionally in the highest parts of the city. Winds can also be strong during the winter months.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Valparaiso 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
    Valparaiso Prices
    Chile Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kathmandu $55
    Valparaiso $89

The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $55, while the average daily cost in Valparaiso is $89. 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 Valparaiso in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kathmandu $35
    Valparaiso $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kathmandu $70
    Valparaiso $76
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Valparaiso

Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Valparaiso? 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 Valparaiso


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 Valparaiso Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kathmandu $6.09
    Valparaiso $5.18
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:

  • Airport Transfers in Kathmandu – Pickup OR Drop-Off Service: $15
  • Buddha Air Mount Everest Experience with Transfers: $193
  • Chitwan to Pokhara Transfer by Private AC Car (One Way): $80
  • Deluxe Toyota Coaster Mini Bus Transfer From Kathmandu to Pokhara or V. V.: $22
  • From Everest Flight with Window Seat and Transfer: $69
  • Kathmandu - Private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport: $15
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfer Service: $17
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfer: Arrival or Departure Service: $15
  • Kathmandu Airport Private Transfers: $16
  • Kathmandu Airport Transfer: $30
  • Kathmandu VIP Airport Arrival Meet & Greet with Private Transfer: $150
  • Kathmandu to Bandipur One Way Transfer by Private AC Car: $85

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Valparaiso

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Valparaiso are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valparaiso

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valparaiso:

  • Private Transfer from Viña Del Mar or Valparaiso City Hotel To Santiago City: $89
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Hotel or port To Santiago Airport or Hotel: $110
  • Private transfer from Valparaiso or Viña del Mar to San Antonio: $133
  • Valparaiso to Santiago Private Transfer or Santiago to Valparaiso: $142
  • Private Transfer Viña del Mar to Santiago Airport: $170
  • Private Transfer from Valparaiso Cruise Port to Santiago Hotels: $208
  • Private Transfer Cruise Port to Santiago with Wine tour & tasting: $209
  • Private Transfer from Viña del Mar to Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) Airport: $258
  • Private Valparaiso Port Visit El Cuadro Winery & Transfer: $270

Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Valparaiso?

Prices for flights to both Valparaiso 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
    Valparaiso $41
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.

  • Local Foodie Food Tour around Durbar Square: $15
  • Cultural Stay in Kathmandu and experience dinner with family: $18
  • Home Made Authentic Nepali Dinner (veg/non vegg): $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
  • Best Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Trip: $30
  • Momo Cooking Class -The Art Of Making MoMo with Home Chef: $35
  • Walking Food Tour in Hidden Local Eateries of Kathmandu: $36
  • Women Empowerment Project(Nepali cooking class & jewelry workshop: $50
  • Cooking Class with HSJ: $60
  • Half Day Nepal Cooking Class in Thamel: $60

Typical Food Prices in Valparaiso

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Valparaiso:


  • Empanada
    $2.02

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valparaiso

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

  • Cooking Classes in Viña del Mar Learn to Make Tapas and Desserts: $75
  • 3hr Viña del Mar Cooking Class with local : Ceviche & Leche Asada: $85
  • Learn to Cook Like a Local: Cooking Class in a Viña del Mar Home: $132

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kathmandu $7.04
    Valparaiso $20
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:

  • Full Day Private Tour of Seven World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu: $5.00
  • Private Chandragiri Cable Car and The Monkey Temple Tour: $5.00
  • Full Day Guided Tour in Kathmandu: $5.00
  • All Seven UNESCO Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu Valley: $5.00
  • Chandragiri Cable Car Ride & Monkey Temple Tour - Private/Group: $5.00
  • From 2 Stupas & Kopan Monastery Spiritual Tour: $7.00
  • Private Full Day Kathmandu Day Tour | Top 4 UNESCO Heritage Sites: $9.50
  • Private World Heritage Sites Tour/ 4 UNESCO Tour.: $10
  • Full Day 7 UNESCO Tour with Lunch - Private/Group: $10
  • Monkey Temple - Swayambhunath Tour - Private/Small Group: $11
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara Premium sofa bus ticket: $12
  • Kathmandu to Chitwan luxurious tourist bus tickets reservation: $12

Typical Entertainment Prices in Valparaiso

Here are a few typical costs in Valparaiso for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Boat Tour
    $4.50

Tours and Activities in Valparaiso

Here are a few actual costs in Valparaiso for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Tour in Street Art, funiculars and port: $25
  • Valparaiso Highlights Walking Tour with A Guide: $30
  • Valparaiso : Private Custom Tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $36
  • Guided Panoramic Tour in Valparaíso: $40
  • Famous Viña del Mar! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $40
  • Cultural Tour of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar: $40
  • Famous Valparaíso! Premium Walking Tour with a Native Guide: $40
  • Valparaiso in Depth : Walking Tour Exclusive: $40
  • Walking Tour Valparaiso, History & Art - Private Optional: $42
  • Explore Valparaíso and Viña del Mar Tour: $58
  • Private Gastronomic Tour Valparaiso: $70
  • Valpo in 1 day: Authentic + Famous! Semi-private walking tour & public transport: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kathmandu $5.06
    Valparaiso $8.36

Typical Alcohol Prices in Valparaiso

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Valparaiso are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.07

Sample the Local Flavors in Valparaiso

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Valparaiso:

  • A Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tour Service from Casablanca: $75
  • Private Wine Tour in Valparaiso: $273
  • Santiago: Valparaíso Walking Tour & Casablanca Wine Tasting: $320


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


Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or Valparaiso?

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