Quito vs Kathmandu

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Quito is roughly 13% more affordable than Kathmandu (index 16 vs 18, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Quito
More affordable overall
13% cheaper than Kathmandu · Cost index: 16 vs 18

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

16Cost Index18
604Median Income /mo217
45Safety Index63
15Income Tax %5
45Internet (Mbps)71
150Coworking /mo175

Price Breakdown

QuitoCategoryKathmandu
$730/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
59% ← cheaper
$300/month
$0.8/liter
Meal for One
19% ← cheaper
$0.65/liter
$8/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
75% ← cheaper
$2/meal
$25/month
Monthly Transit Pass
20% ← cheaper
$20/month
$45/month
Utilities (Monthly)
33% ← cheaper
$30/month
$30/visit
Doctor Visit
$30/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Quito

Internet45 Mbps
Coworking$150/mo
Café WiFifair
Englishlow
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Kathmandu

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Quito cheaper than Kathmandu?

Quito is cheaper than Kathmandu. Quito has a cost of living index of 16/100 compared to 18/100 for Kathmandu (New York = 100), making it roughly 13% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Quito than Kathmandu?

Quito is approximately 13% cheaper than Kathmandu based on cost index scores (16 vs 18, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Kathmandu could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,625/month in Quito.

What is the rent comparison between Quito and Kathmandu?

In Quito, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $730/month. In Kathmandu, the equivalent is around $300/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Quito or Kathmandu?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Quito offers 45 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$150/month. Kathmandu offers 71 Mbps and coworking at ~$175/month. Quito has a cost advantage of 13%.

What is the average income in Quito vs Kathmandu?

The median net monthly salary in Quito is approximately $604 USD, compared to $217 USD in Kathmandu.

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