Which place is cheaper, Queenstown or Pokhara?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Pokhara or Queenstown?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pokhara and Queenstown can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pokhara or Queenstown?
Pokhara
Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and is strategically located near the popular Annapurna Circuit. The Annapurna Circuit, or the "Apple Pie Trail", is a popular trek through the Annapurna Valley that makes a circular route through stunning mountainous landscapes. Several other trekking options can be found in this region, too. Many people use Pohkara as a place to prepare or recover from their recently completed treks because it is less intimidating than the larger city of Kathmandu.
Queenstown
Queenstown is a popular tourist destination on New Zealand's South Island. It is beautifully surrounded by the Southern Alps and sits on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Across the lake you will find a stunning view of the Remarkables, a dramatic mountain range. The town itself is quite touristy, but prices still remain reasonable. There are options for all travel budgets, whether you're a backpacker hoping to save a few dollars or a family looking for some luxury accommodation. Despite its natural and tranquil setting, Queenstown is actually very much a party town, particularly during the peak seasons. Don't be surprised to find people out enjoying themselves until the early hours of the morning. If you're not into the party scene and are hoping to get a decent night's sleep, consider staying a little outside of town. About an hour outside of Queenstown you'll find Wanaka, which is a much smaller and peaceful town without the party scene.
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 New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.
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Pokhara Prices
Nepal PricesQueenstown Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPokhara $22Queenstown $127
The average daily cost (per person) in Pokhara is $22, while the average daily cost in Queenstown is $127. 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 Pokhara and Queenstown in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPokhara $3.42Queenstown $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPokhara $6.84Queenstown $108
Compare Hotels in Pokhara and Queenstown
Looking for a hotel in Pokhara or Queenstown? 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: Pokhara Hotel Prices and Queenstown Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pokhara $6.67Queenstown $9.93
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pokhara
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Pokhara:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pokhara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pokhara:
- Airport Transfer by Private Car: $11
- Transfer To Kathmandu (VIP Sofa Tourist Bus) & Back: $12
- Pokhara Airport Shuttles & Private Transfer: $15
- Pokhara ↔️ Kathmandu: VIP Luxury Sofa Bus Transfer (Rainbow): $16
- Annapurna Foothills Day Hike with Transfers: $38
- Intercity transfer by private car all over Nepal: $54
- From Private Car Transfer To Chitwan: $59
- Comfortable Private Transfer from Pokhara to Chitwan: $66
- Private Transfer:- Pokhara to Chitwan (Sauraha) by car: $68
- Half Day Pokhara White Water River Rafting with Hotel Transfers: $70
- White Water Rafting Half Day with Hotel Transfers: $70
- Private Transfer: Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara by Car, Jeep & Hiace: $73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:
- From Cardrona Ski/Snowboard Rentals & Transfer: $165
- One way transfer to Remarkable or Coronet Peak Ski Fields: $192
- Private Queenstown Airport to Hotel Transfers: $72
- Private Transfer from Queenstown Central to Wanaka: $175
- Private Transfer from Wanaka to Queenstown Airport: $175
- QUEENSTOWN Best Private Airport Transfer:1 Way from/to Hotel: $51
- Queenstown Airport to Towncenter Transfer: $77
- Queenstown private transfer: $76
- Queenstown to Mt Cook One Way Scenic Transfer: $121
- Queenstown/Wanaka Airport Transfer: $207
- Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer: $901
- Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight Transfers: $1,016
Is it cheaper to fly into Pokhara or Queenstown?
Prices for flights to both Queenstown and Pokhara 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
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Food Meals for one dayPokhara $12Queenstown $60
Typical Food Prices in Pokhara
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Pokhara:
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Dinner for Two$3.93
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Dessert (for 2)$2.62
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Pastries$1.31
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Dinner$5.57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pokhara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Pokhara.
- Nepali cultural dinner night in Pokhara: $21
- Nepalese Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class (Cook with Delight): $25
- Nepali Nights: Dinner & Cultural Dance Delight in Pokhara: $26
- MoMo or Dal Bhat Cooking Class at Aama Kitchen in Pokhara: $29
- Nepalese Kitchen in Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $29
- 3 Hour MoMo cooking class: $31
- Nepali Cooking Class and Momo Making Workshop: $42
- 3 Hour Authentic Nepali Thakali Dish Cooking Class: $45
- Pokhara Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path and Local Food Tour: $50
- 2 hours Momo cooking class in Pokhara: $60
- 3 Hours Momo Cooking class in Pokhara: $70
- 1 Day Momo making cooking class: $75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Queenstown.
- Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $17
- Skyline Queenstown Gondola with Lunch or Dinner: $80
- Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $112
- Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch: $129
- Queenstown Dinner & Wine Experience (Adults Only) 3 Iconic Venues: $284
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pokhara $6.35Queenstown $21
Tours and Activities in Pokhara
Here are a few actual costs in Pokhara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Sarangkot Sunrise with Half or Full-Day City Tour: $7.47
- From Sarangkot Sunrise Himalayas Tour: $7.84
- Sarangkot Sunrise Himalayas: Tour 3 hour private tour: $9.16
- Quick Devi’s Water Fall Tour: $9.26
- Visit Best Seven Tourist Destination by Sharing Bus: $9.52
- Guided Evening Walking Tour in Lakeside: $9.52
- Paragliding, Bungy Jump and Zipline Combo Adventure: $10
- City Sightseeing Group Budget Bus Tour: $10
- City Sightseeing Group Bus Tour: $10
- Pokhara City Tour in Sharing Bus: $10
- Sarangkot Sunrise Himalayas Group Joining Tour: $10
- Pokhara to Kathmandu VIP Sofa Tourist Bus | Daily Departure: $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Queenstown
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:
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Skyline Gondola (for 2)$29
Tours and Activities in Queenstown
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Queenstown are as follows:
- Queenstown on Foot: An Audio Tour: $5.00
- Queenstown to Wānaka: A Self-Guided Gibbston Valley Driving Tour: $7.99
- Hidden Underwater Theatre Experience: $8.47
- Queenstown Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
- From the Green to the Grave: An Audio Tour of Queenstown: $12
- Escape Adventure: $20
- The Dreamery Interactive Sensory Journey Entry Ticket: $22
- Fear Factory Haunted House Admission Ticket: $23
- Private Race Car Simulation Experience: $25
- Odyssey Sensory Maze Entry Ticket: $28
- Kawarau Zipride! (Family Fun Experience): $28
- Gibbston Valley Wines - Winery Tour: $28
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPokhara $5.73Queenstown $8.67
Sample the Local Flavors in Queenstown
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:
- Kinross Winery: Classic Central Otago Wine Tasting Experience: $18
- Ice Bar Crawl: $23
- Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Queenstown: $62
- Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $73
- Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting: $95
- Queenstown's Original Premium Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $101
- Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese: $127
- Small Group Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting: $129
- Classic Wine Tour: $135
- Arrowtown Wine Tour: $141
- Queenstown Boutique Wine Tour - All-Inclusive 4 Wineries & Lunch: $149
- Small Group Wine Tasting Tour with 18+ tastings: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pokhara and Queenstown, we can see that Queenstown is more expensive. And not only is Pokhara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Pokhara is in Asia and Queenstown is in Pacific, 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 Pokhara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pokhara 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 Queenstown would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Queenstown than you might in Pokhara.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pokhara Expensive? and Is Queenstown Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pokhara or Queenstown?
Pokhara has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Pokhara and Queenstown, 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.