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

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Should you visit Kathmandu or Washington?

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 Washington 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 Washington?

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.

Washington

Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Washington 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
    Washington Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kathmandu $55
    Washington $226

The average daily cost (per person) in Kathmandu is $55, while the average daily cost in Washington is $226. 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 Washington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kathmandu $36
    Washington $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kathmandu $72
    Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Kathmandu and Washington

Looking for a hotel in Kathmandu or Washington? 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 Washington


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 Washington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kathmandu $6.14
    Washington $47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kathmandu

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kathmandu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kathmandu:

  • Kathmandu to Lumbini or Sunauli Border Transfer by Luxury Private Vehicle: $300
  • Trishuli River Rafting Day Trip from Kathmandu with Transfers: $279
  • Lukla Flight Ticket with Sharing Transfer Service: $270
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Pokhara Hotels: $244
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Chitwan Hotels: $210
  • Kathmandu to Chitwan Transfer by Luxury Private Car: $200
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara Transfer by Luxury Private Car: $200
  • Buddha Air Mount Everest Experience with Transfers: $193
  • Mount Everest Scenic Flight by Shree Airlines with Free Transfers: $188
  • Mount Everest Scenic Flight by Buddha Air with Free Transfers: $185
  • Private Transfer to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu or Pokhara: $170
  • Yoga Experience Day Trip with Private Transfer From Kathmandu: $152

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington

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


  • Metro Day Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington

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

  • DCA Airport Private Transfer to Washington D.C.: $37
  • Washington DC: One Way Airport Transfer Service: $80
  • Transfer Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington City Center: $86
  • Washington, D.C.: DCA Airport Private Transfer to Downtown: $110
  • DCA to Baltimore Downtown | Private Luxury Airport Transfer: $140
  • private Ronald Reagan, Washington National Airport transfer: $150
  • Washington DC: Private Transfer to Airports or Baltimore: $160
  • Arrival Transfer Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by Sedan: $176
  • Arrival Transfer from Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by SUV: $198
  • Private Transfer Washington Airport BWI to Washington DC by Sedan: $198
  • Washington Airport (IAD) to Washington RoundTrip Private Transfer: $254
  • Nation’s Capital Guided Tours and Airport Transfers: $280

Is it cheaper to fly into Kathmandu or Washington?

Prices for flights to both Washington 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
    Washington $66
Typical Food Prices in Kathmandu

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


  • Dessert
    $1.19
  • Dinner for Two
    $2.65

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: $9.50
  • Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking & Momo-Making Class: $20
  • 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
  • Momo Cooking Class -The Art Of Making MoMo with Home Chef: $35
  • Secret Food Tour - Food Bites and Sights Kathmandu 14+ Tastings: $35
  • Walking Food Tour in Hidden Local Eateries of Kathmandu: $36
  • Exotic Food Tour Newari Flavors and Evening Trails 15 Tastings: $40
  • Walking Food tour: Food and Drink Tasting with Guide In Kathmandu: $40
  • Walking Street Food Tour in Kathmandu: $48
  • Women Empowerment Project(Nepali cooking class & jewelry workshop: $50

Typical Food Prices in Washington

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


  • Water
    $2.00
  • Snacks on Monuments Tour
    $6.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington

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

  • DC: City Cruises Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $60
  • DC: City Cruises Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $71
  • Washington D.C: Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $95
  • Washington D.C Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $96
  • DC: Eastern Market Eats Food Tour (5 Food Stops + Dessert): $99
  • Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $104
  • City Cruises Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise: $116
  • Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
  • Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
  • Eat Like a Local: Downtown DC Food Tour with 4 Tastings: $149
  • DC: Evening Local Neighborhood Food Tour with DrinkEatWalk: $149
  • Washington DC: Thanksgiving Gourmet Dinner River Cruise: $205

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kathmandu $7.09
    Washington $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kathmandu

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


  • Monkey Temple for Two
    $1.33
  • Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two
    $3.32
  • Swayambhunath Stupa
    $1.33

Tours and Activities in Kathmandu

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

  • "Off-The-Beaten-Path" Tour around Kathmandu: $70
  • 1 Day Gay Tour Nepal: $155
  • 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 Hindu Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal: $146

Tours and Activities in Washington

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

  • Skip-the-Line Washington Monument Tickets + Self Guided Book: $18
  • Washington D.C.: Washington Wizards Basketball Game Ticket: $20
  • Arlington National Cemetery Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $22
  • Washington DC: Arlington Nat. Cemetery Ticket & Tram Tour: $22
  • Washington, DC: Haunted Ghost Tour by Lantern Light: $25
  • Washington DC: National Mall Walking Tour: $25
  • No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook: $25
  • Washington DC: Presidential Homes Tour: $25
  • Washington DC: Presidential Crime Scenes Walking Tour: $25
  • Dreaded Dead Descent of the District: DC Ghost Tour: $27
  • Washington DC: Georgetown Spies and Ghosts Walking Tour: $28
  • Washington D.C.: The Ghosts of Washington D.C. Walking Tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kathmandu $5.09
    Washington $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Kathmandu

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

  • Bar Tour & Pub Crawl -Sip, Stroll, Repeat Thamel's Night: $75

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $56
  • DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105

How are these travel costs calculated?

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


Which is Bigger, Kathmandu or Washington?

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

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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