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.
Jump to 
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.
-
Kathmandu Prices
Nepal PricesWashington Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKathmandu $55Washington $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 personKathmandu $35Washington $113
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKathmandu $70Washington $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.
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 $6.09Washington $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
- Lukla Flight Ticket with Sharing Transfer Service: $270
- Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Pokhara Hotels: $244
- Private Transfer: Kathmandu to Chitwan Hotels: $210
- Buddha Air Mount Everest Experience with Transfers: $185
- Mount Everest Flight with Guaranteed Window Seat & Transfers: $180
- Mount Everest Scenic Flight by Buddha Air with Free Transfers: $180
- Private Sunrise or Sunset Tour of Nagarkot with return transfers from Kathmandu: $158
- Yoga Experience Day Trip with Private Transfer From Kathmandu: $152
- Kathmandu VIP Airport Arrival Meet & Greet with Private Transfer: $150
- Pokhara:Paragliding & River Rafting Adventure with Transfers: $139
- Kathmandu ↔ Chitwan Private Transfer: $131
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 Transfer Washington Airport DCA to Washington DC Hotels: $42
- Private Departure Transfer to Washington Reagan Airport DCA: $48
- Private Departure Transfer to Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
- Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Private Transfer Washington DC to Ronald Reagan Airport DCA: $75
- Airport Transfer from Ronald Reagan Airport DCA - Washington DC: $75
- Washington to Washington Airport (DCA) Departure Private Transfer: $79
- Washington DC: One Way Airport Transfer Service: $80
- Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $82
- Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $87
- Transfer Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington City Center: $87
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 dayKathmandu $13Washington $66
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.
- Saturday Hidden Kathmandu Walk and Food Tour: $10
- Local Foodie Food Tour around Durbar Square: $15
- 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
- Local Women Lead Nepali Cooking Class: $30
- Secret Food Tour - Food Bites and Sights Kathmandu 14+ Tastings: $35
- Momo Cooking Class -The Art Of Making MoMo with Home Chef: $35
- Patan Food Tour Walking and Food Testing: $35
- Walking Food Tour in Hidden Local Eateries of Kathmandu: $36
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
- Donuts, Lights & History: DC’s Holiday Walking Food Tour: $70
- Little Ethiopia Food Tour: $71
- DC: City Cruises Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise: $73
- 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
- City Cruises Washington DC: Buffet Dinner Cruise: $116
- Washington, DC: Downtown DC Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
- City Cruises DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch/Dinner Cruise: $146
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kathmandu $7.03Washington $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$3.29
-
Swayambhunath Stupa$1.32
Tours and Activities in Kathmandu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kathmandu are as follows:
- 1 Day Gay Tour Nepal: $155
- 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 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 Poon Hill Trek with 2 Day Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour: $731
- 2 Days Hindu Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal: $146
- 2 Days Private Tour from Chitlang to Markhu: $210
- 2 Days and 1 Night Chitwan Safari Tour: $125
- 2 Night 3 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Kathmandu: $235
- 2 Nights 3 Days Chitwan Safari Tour from Kathmandu or Pokhara: $254
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- Discover A Self-Guided Tour: $2.32
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Washington: $5.87
- The Pentagon 9/11 Memorial: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington Audio Guided Walking Tour 3h20 and 18 reviews: $6.94
- The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
- The Architecture of Argument: A DC Self-guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- Capitol Hill Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.99
- Form Follows Function: An Audio Tour of D.C.'s Federal Buildings: $9.99
- Washington DC Mall Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $12
- DC - Historical: At your leisure and your pace. Downloadable audiovisual tour.: $15
- Explore Washington DC: Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Washington, D.C: History and Culture Walking Tour With Guide: $15
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKathmandu $5.01Washington $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 & Pub Crawl -Sip, Stroll, Repeat Thamel's 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 By US Ghost Adventures: $29
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
- Haunted DC Pub Crawl Spirits and Scandals in the Capital: $35
- Washington, DC: History Tour Pub Crawl: $49
- Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
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.