Which place is cheaper, Tokyo or Pokhara?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pokhara or Tokyo?
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 Tokyo can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pokhara or Tokyo?
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.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Nepal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Nepal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPokhara $19Tokyo $157
The average daily cost (per person) in Pokhara is $19, while the average daily cost in Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPokhara $3.92Tokyo $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPokhara $7.84Tokyo $152
Compare Hotels in Pokhara and Tokyo
Looking for a hotel in Pokhara or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pokhara $7.65Tokyo $17
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$0.75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pokhara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pokhara:
- From Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek with Transfers: $249
- Pokhara to Kathmandu: One Way Private Transfer: $170
- Direct Transfers Your Private Ride Between Pokhara & Chitwan: $156
- Kathmandu to 1-Way Car Transfer: $131
- Private Transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu: $120
- Kathmandu: Private Transfer From or To Pokhara: $117
- Private Transfer:- Pokhara to Chitwan (Sauraha) by car: $98
- From Bungee Jumping with Hotel Transfers: $94
- One way transfer To or From Chitwan: $78
- Comfortable One-Way Car Transfer from Pokhara to Lumbini: $78
- Private Transfer to Kathmandu by Car, Jeep & Hiace: $78
- Private Transfer to Kathmandu by Car: $78
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo
Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Tokyo to Narita Airport: $221
- Airport transfer between Haneda and Tokyo or Disney or Yokohama: $122
- Departure Private Transfer: Tokyo to Haneda Airport HND in Sedan: $278
- Departure Transfer from Tokyo City to Haneda Airport HND by van: $76
- From Haneda Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Tokyo City: $88
- From Tokyo:Private tour to Kamakura with Round-way transfer: $599
- Fuji-Q Highland 1-Day Pass with Private Transfer: $239
- Hakuba: Private transfer from/to Tokyo/HND by minibus max 9: $815
- Haneda Airport (HND) Private Transfer to Central Tokyo: $107
- Haneda Airport (HND) to/from Tokyo 23 Ward Private Transfer: $107
- Haneda Airport (HND): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Tokyo: $165
- Haneda Airport (HND): Private Transfer to/from Fuji Area: $407
Is it cheaper to fly into Pokhara or Tokyo?
Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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 $8.11Tokyo $37
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$4.51
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Dessert (for 2)$3.01
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Pastries$1.50
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Dinner$6.39
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/ Dal Bhat Cooking Class (Cook with Delight): $25
- Nepali Cooking Class Experience and Momo Making: $28
- Nepalese Kitchen in Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $39
- Nepalese Kitchen in Pokhara Momos or Dal Bhat Cooking Class: $40
- MoMo or Dal Bhat Cooking Class at Aama Kitchen in Pokhara: $41
- 3 Hour Authentic Nepali Thakali Dish Cooking Class: $45
- From Pokhara:3 Hour authentic fish curry cooking class: $51
- Typical Nepali Snack set cooking class in Pokhara: $74
- 1 Day Momo making cooking class: $75
- Tour with Dinner to Trout Fish Farm - Bhujung River : $98
- Organic Farm Tour and Cooking Class at Durku: $115
Typical Food Prices in Tokyo
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:
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Late Night Noodles$5.22
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Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack$5.22
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Meal at Airport$6.80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo
For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $22
- Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $25
- 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $32
- 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $38
- 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $39
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $52
- Tokyo Best Cooking Class！ Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
- Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $58
- Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $59
- Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $65
- Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class: $68
- Private Food Tour in Downtown Yanesen and Nezu Shrine: $72
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pokhara $7.28Tokyo $68
Tours and Activities in Pokhara
Here are a few actual costs in Pokhara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2-Day Private Trekking Tour to Australian Camp & Dhampus: $109
- Pokhara City Sightseeing Day Tour: $72
- "Pokhara Day Bus Sightseeing 8 points": $17
- "Sacred Journey: Exploring Hindu Temples Tour in Pokhara": $72
- 1 Day Pokhara Tour from Kathmandu by flight: $624
- 1 Night 2 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Pokhara: $129
- 1 Night 2 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Pokhara: $144
- 1 Night 2-Day Chitwan National Park Safari Tour: $152
- 1-Day Private Dhampus Trekking Tour: $89
- 2 Day Ghalel Homestay tour from Pokhara or Kathmandu: $234
- 2 Day Tour in Pokhara: $144
- 2 Days 1 Night Private Tour from Pokhara to Ghandruk Trek: $180
Tours and Activities in Tokyo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.
- Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.16
- Asakusa Walking Tour with an Experienced Japanese Comedian: $3.25
- Ancient Orient Museum Admission Ticket: $3.79
- Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.55
- 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.05
- Akihabara Walking Tour with Otaku and Photography: $6.31
- Local Food and Bar Tour in Ginza: $6.32
- Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.32
- Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.32
- Audio Guide Tour: Deeper Experience of Shinjuku Sightseeing: $6.32
- Asakusa（Tokyo）: Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.32
- Harajuku: Audio Guide Tour of Takeshita Street: $6.32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPokhara $6.57Tokyo $33
Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:
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Sake$3.91
Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
- 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
- Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $78
- barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $82
- Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $88
- Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $101
- Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
- Sake Brewery and Spiritual Nature Tour in Okutama Tokyo: $133
- Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
- Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $161
- Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pokhara and Tokyo, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Pokhara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pokhara or Tokyo?
Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Pokhara. When comparing the sizes of Pokhara and Tokyo, 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.