Cost of Living in Kathmandu
How much does it cost to visit Kathmandu? Daily budgets, accommodation costs, and real price examples for 2026.
Photo: Jezael Melgoza / Unsplash
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget
Hostels, street food, free attractions
NPR 2500
per day
Weekly: NPR 17500
Monthly: NPR 75000
Examples
- 🏨Dorm bed at Zostel KathmanduNPR 800
- 🍽️Dal Bhat from a local eatery in ThamelNPR 400
- 🚌Local bus rides around the cityNPR 300
- 🎟️Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)NPR 1000
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, restaurants, guided tours
NPR 6000
per day
Weekly: NPR 42000
Monthly: NPR 180000
Examples
- 🏨Standard room at Hotel Tibet InternationalNPR 3000
- 🍽️Lunch at Fire and Ice Pizzeria and dinner at Krishnarpan RestaurantNPR 2000
- 🚌Taxis for convenient travel within the cityNPR 500
- 🎟️Visit Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath TempleNPR 1500
Luxury
5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours
NPR 15000
per day
Weekly: NPR 105000
Monthly: NPR 450000
Examples
- 🏨Suite at The Dwarika's HotelNPR 10000
- 🍽️Fine dining experience at The Chimney Restaurant and cocktails at the hotel barNPR 3500
- 🚌Private car with driver for the dayNPR 1000
- 🎟️Private guided tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square and a traditional Nepali cooking classNPR 500
Cost by Category
accommodation
1000-4000 NPR
food
800-2000 NPR
Transport
300-800 NPR
activities
400-1500 NPR
Cost by Neighbourhood
| Neighbourhood | Budget Level | vs City Centre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thamel | Mid-range | average | first-timers, budget |
| Patan (Lalitpur) | Mid-range | slightly higher | culture, couples |
| Boudhanath | Mid-range | slightly higher | culture, families |
| Lazimpat | Luxury | higher | luxury, couples |
Money-Saving Tips for Kathmandu
🏨 Accommodation
- Stay in budget neighbourhoods outside the tourist centre
- Book apartments for longer stays (weekly discounts)
- Travel in shoulder season for lower hotel rates
- Compare prices across multiple booking platforms
🍽️ Food & Drink
- Eat where locals eat, away from tourist hotspots
- Try street food and market stalls for cheap eats
- Buy lunch specials instead of evening meals
- Cook some meals if your accommodation has a kitchen
🚌 Transport
- Buy multi-day transit passes for unlimited travel
- Walk between nearby attractions to save fares
- Use public transport over taxis where possible
- Book airport transfers in advance for fixed prices
🎟️ Activities
- Take free walking tours (tip-based)
- Look for free museum days or discounted hours
- Book tours and activities online for lower prices
- Explore parks, markets, and neighbourhoods on foot
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FAQ: Kathmandu Costs
How much does it cost to visit Kathmandu?
Budget travellers can visit Kathmandu for around NPR 2500/day (NPR 17500/week). Mid-range travellers should budget NPR 6000/day, while luxury travel costs around NPR 15000/day.
Is Kathmandu expensive?
Kathmandu is on the expensive side. Budget travellers need at least NPR 2500/day. Consider staying in budget neighbourhoods and eating at local spots to save.
How much should I budget per day in Kathmandu?
For a comfortable mid-range experience in Kathmandu, budget NPR 6000/day. This covers a decent hotel, meals at sit-down restaurants, public transport, and a couple of activities.
What is the cheapest way to visit Kathmandu?
Budget travellers in Kathmandu can get by on NPR 2500/day by staying in hostels or budget hotels, eating street food and local restaurants, using public transport, and choosing free walking tours and public attractions.