Kathmandu vs Pokhara: cost of living for digital nomads
Kathmandu, Nepal and Pokhara, Nepal, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.
The short version
- Pokhara is about 13% cheaper than Kathmandu for a month of nomad living ($765 vs $880).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $280 in Pokhara against $350 in Kathmandu.
- Both score 7/10 on safety.
- Internet is faster in Pokhara: 60 Mbps typical against 25 Mbps.
- Both have a temperate climate.
Kathmandu wins 0 of the measured lines; Pokhara wins 6.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Kathmandu or Pokhara?
Pokhara is cheaper: about $765/month against $880/month in Kathmandu, roughly 13% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Kathmandu or Pokhara?
Kathmandu and Pokhara score the same on safety, 7/10 each.
Which has faster internet, Kathmandu or Pokhara?
Pokhara has faster typical internet: 60 Mbps against 25 Mbps in Kathmandu.
| Line | Kathmandu | Pokhara |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $880 | $765 |
| Rent | $350 | $280 |
| Food | $220 | $220 |
| Transport | $50 | $25 |
| Coworking | $90 | $60 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 25 | 60 |
| Climate | temperate | temperate |
| City size | metro | mid |
| Setting | mountain | mountain |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 6/10 | 7/10 |
Kathmandu
Budget Himalayan base; power and internet can be patchy.
Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Kathmandu November 1, 2026, Pokhara September 11, 2026.