Kathmandu vs Cape Town

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Kathmandu is roughly 11% more affordable than Cape Town (index 18 vs 20, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Kathmandu
More affordable overall
11% cheaper than Cape Town · Cost index: 18 vs 20

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

18Cost Index20
217Median Income /mo1,620
63Safety Index50
5Income Tax %16
71Internet (Mbps)75
175Coworking /mo110

Price Breakdown

KathmanduCategoryCape Town
$300/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
73% cheaper →
$1,100/month
$0.65/liter
Meal for One
35% cheaper →
$1/liter
$2/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
82% cheaper →
$11/meal
$20/month
Monthly Transit Pass
64% cheaper →
$55/month
$30/month
Utilities (Monthly)
63% cheaper →
$80/month
$30/visit
Doctor Visit
50% cheaper →
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Kathmandu

Internet71 Mbps
Coworking$175/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability62/100

Cape Town

Internet75 Mbps
Coworking$110/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability70/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kathmandu cheaper than Cape Town?

Kathmandu is cheaper than Cape Town. Kathmandu has a cost of living index of 18/100 compared to 20/100 for Cape Town (New York = 100), making it roughly 11% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Kathmandu than Cape Town?

Kathmandu is approximately 11% cheaper than Cape Town based on cost index scores (18 vs 20, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Cape Town could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,667/month in Kathmandu.

What is the rent comparison between Kathmandu and Cape Town?

In Kathmandu, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $300/month. In Cape Town, the equivalent is around $1,100/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Kathmandu or Cape Town?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Kathmandu offers 71 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$175/month. Cape Town offers 75 Mbps and coworking at ~$110/month. Kathmandu has a cost advantage of 11%.

What is the average income in Kathmandu vs Cape Town?

The median net monthly salary in Kathmandu is approximately $217 USD, compared to $1,620 USD in Cape Town.

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