A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mount Everest vs. El Nido for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Mount Everest or El Nido?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mount Everest and El Nido. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Mount Everest or El Nido?

Mount Everest

More commonly known as Mount Everest, Qomolangma is the highest mountain in the world with a peak reaching 8,848 meters above sea level. Pilgrims trek long distances to worship its divine aura, climbing enthusiasts run great risks to challenge its high altitude, and visitors from all over come to see where the tallest reaches of earth meet the heavens.

El Nido

El Nido is a coastal destination on the Philippine island of Palawan. It consists of about 45 islands and islets all with beautiful beachfront scenery and plenty of opportunities for experiencing nature above and below the water. Some of the island's best features include limestone karst cliffs, coral reefs, lagoons, coves, and waterfalls.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Kathmandu, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Pokhara, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines.


Which place is cheaper, El Nido or Mount Everest?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mount Everest is $40, while the average daily cost in El Nido is $39. 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 Mount Everest and El Nido in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mount Everest $6.84
    El Nido $14
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mount Everest $14
    El Nido $28
Compare Hotels in Mount Everest and El Nido

Looking for a hotel in Mount Everest or El Nido? 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 Mount Everest


Hotels in El Nido


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: El Nido Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mount Everest -
    El Nido $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in El Nido

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

  • El Nido Town: Transfers to/from Nacpan Beach: $11
  • Private Transfer From El Nido Lio Airport To El Nido Hotels: $20
  • Lio Airport to/from Hotel Transfers: $36
  • El Nido (Lio) Airport Transfers: $50
  • Private Van Transfer : From El Nido to Puerto Princesa Palawan: $150
  • Private Transfer from El Nido to Port Barton Palawan: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Mount Everest or El Nido?

Prices for flights to both El Nido and Mount Everest 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
    Mount Everest $26
    El Nido $12

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mount Everest $18
    El Nido $5.38

Tours and Activities in El Nido

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

  • Island Hopping Tour A with lunch BEST PRICE!: $22
  • Island Hopping Tour A Lagoons and Beaches: $23
  • Shared El Nido Tour A: $23
  • Big Lagoon and Shimizu Island Tour with Kayaking: $23
  • Hidden Beaches and Lagoons Boat Hopping Tour D: $23
  • Island Hopping Tour B Cudognong Cave & More: $25
  • El Nido Tour A: $27
  • El Nido Island Hopping Tour A: $27
  • El Nido Tour D Full Day w/ Beach Lunch: $28
  • El Nido Island Tour B w/ Fees included (No Hidden Charges): $28
  • Island Hopping Tour C (Shared tour) BEST PRICE!: $28
  • El Nido Island Hopping Tour C: Hidden Beaches & Shrine: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mount Everest -
    El Nido $8.36


When comparing the travel costs between Mount Everest and El Nido, we can see that Mount Everest is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mount Everest Expensive? and Is El Nido Expensive?.