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

Jump to  down-arrow

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 $35
    Washington $113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kathmandu $70
    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 $6.10
    Washington $47
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:

  • Kathmandu to Lumbini or Sunauli Border Transfer by Luxury Private Vehicle: $300
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Pokhara Hotels: $244
  • Everest Scenic Flight with Window Seat and Transfer: $239
  • Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Chitwan Hotels: $210
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara Transfer by Luxury Private Car: $200
  • Kathmandu to Chitwan Transfer by Luxury Private Car: $200
  • Mount Everest Scenic Flight with Guaranteed Window Seat &Transfer: $190
  • Buddha Air Mount Everest Experience with Transfers: $190
  • Mount Everest Scenic Flight by Buddha Air with Hotel Transfers: $190
  • Private Transfer to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu or Pokhara: $170
  • Kathmandu–Pokhara Private Transfer by Car, Jeep and HIace: $156
  • 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:

  • Private Transfer to/from IAD or DCA Airport: $40
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Washington Reagan Airport DCA: $48
  • Private Departure Transfer to Washington Reagan Airport DCA: $48
  • Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
  • Airport Transfer from Ronald Reagan Airport DCA - Washington DC: $75
  • Washington to Washington Airport (DCA) Departure Private Transfer: $76
  • Private Airport Transfer from Ronald Reagan DCA to Washington DC: $79
  • Washington DC to Reagan National Airport (DCA) Private Transfer: $79
  • Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $80
  • Washington DC: One Way Airport Transfer Service: $80
  • Transfer Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington City Center: $84
  • Transfer Washington City Center to Dulles Airport (IAD): $84

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
    $2.64

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
  • Authentic Private Nepali Cooking Class in Kathmandu: $23
  • Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking Class: $30
  • Best Nepali Cooking Class in Thamel with Local Market Trip: $30
  • Secret Food Tour - Food Bites and Sights Kathmandu 14+ Tastings: $35
  • Momo Cooking Class -The Art Of Making MoMo with Home Chef: $35
  • Exotic Food Tour Newari Flavors and Evening Trails 15 Tastings: $40
  • Walking Street Food Tour in Kathmandu: $48
  • Newari Cooking Class with a Home Chef- From market to the plate.: $50
  • Yomari and Bara Newari Food Cooking Class Cultural Experience: $50
  • Kathmandu Best Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $52
  • Authentic Kathmandu Cooking Class and Guided Market Tour: $59

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: $59
  • Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $71
  • DC: City Cruises Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $73
  • Donuts, Lights & History: DC’s Holiday Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Washington D.C : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide: $93
  • Washington D.C: Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $95
  • Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $95
  • Washington DC: Food Tour with 6+ Locals Favorites Bites: $99
  • Washington, DC: Downtown DC Food Tour: $125
  • Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
  • Washington DC Christmas Eve Plated Dinner Cruise: $141
  • City Cruises DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch/Dinner Cruise: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kathmandu $7.05
    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
    $1.32
  • Patan Durbar Square Entrance for Two
    $3.30
  • Swayambhunath Stupa
    $1.32

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 7 UNESCO Heritage Tour: $70
  • 1 Day Kathmandu Heritage 4 UNESCO Tour with Lunch: $99
  • 1 Day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour: $35
  • 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 Days Private Tour from Chitlang to Markhu: $210
  • 2 Days and 1 Night Chitwan Safari Tour: $125

Tours and Activities in Washington

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

  • Discover A Self-Guided Tour: $1.12
  • National Mall Democracy Quest Experience in Washington DC: $4.83
  • Capitol Hill Stroll Walking Personalized Self-Guided App Tour: $5.00
  • The Pentagon 9/11 Memorial: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Washington Self Guided Walking Tour Landmarks with Audio and Quiz: $7.98
  • The Assassination of President Garfield: A Washington DC Tour: $7.99
  • The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Georgetown's Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Haunted Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Bureaucracy: Pillars of Policy in D.C Self-Guided Walking tour: $9.99
  • Form Follows Function: An Audio Tour of D.C.'s Federal Buildings: $9.99
  • Private Guided Tidal Basin Walking Tour in DC: $9.99
  • National Mall Washington DC Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $9.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kathmandu $5.02
    Washington $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Kathmandu

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

  • Kathmandu Nightlife and Pub Crawl Tour: $50
  • Bar Tour and Pub Crawl Sip Stroll Repeat Thamel Night: $75

Sample the Local Flavors in Washington

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:

  • Astounding Bar Crawl: Wildin' Out Washington DC: $15
  • DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $29
  • Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • DC Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $36
  • Washington, DC: History Tour Pub Crawl: $49
  • DIY Candle Making Class at a Local Brewery in Washington D.C.: $55
  • Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
  • DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
  • All Inclusive DC Signature Brewery Tour: $120
  • Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour: $255

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.
About BudgetYourTrip.com
Pokhara vs. Kathmandu
Kathmandu vs. Hong Kong
Kathmandu vs. Singapore
Kathmandu vs. Royal Chitwan National Park
Kathmandu vs. Mount Everest
Koh Samui vs. Koh Pha Ngan
Kathmandu vs. Phnom Penh
Koh Samui vs. Koh Phi Phi
Koh Pha Ngan vs. Koh Phi Phi
Phuket vs. Koh Samui
Yaeyama Islands vs. Okinawa
Phuket vs. Koh Phi Phi
Phuket vs. Koh Pha Ngan
Khao Lak vs. Ao Nang
Koh Lanta vs. Koh Phi Phi
Washington vs. New York City
Washington vs. Los Angeles
Washington vs. Miami
Washington vs. San Francisco
Los Angeles vs. San Diego
Washington vs. Chicago
Washington vs. Las Vegas
Washington vs. San Diego
Washington vs. New Orleans
Washington vs. Seattle
Washington vs. Boston
Washington vs. Houston
Washington vs. Portland
Maui vs. Oahu
Los Angeles vs. San Francisco

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.