Is Kathmandu or Wellington cheaper to live in?

Kathmandu is 81% cheaper than Wellington. The average monthly cost in Kathmandu is $365, while Wellington costs $1,965 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Kathmandu or Wellington?

For digital nomads, Wellington offers faster internet at 105 Mbps. Kathmandu is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Kathmandu has a NomadIQ score of 6.5/10 while Wellington scores 6.6/10.

What is the rent difference between Kathmandu and Wellington?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $179/month in Kathmandu and $1,214/month in Wellington. Kathmandu has 85% lower rent.

Is Kathmandu or Wellington safer?

Wellington has a higher safety score of 6.7/10. Kathmandu scores 6.4/10 for safety while Wellington scores 6.7/10.

Should I move to Kathmandu or Wellington as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Kathmandu if budget is important ($365/month). Choose Wellington for better safety. Wellington is better for remote work with 105 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Kathmandu vs Wellington

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Kathmandu

Nepal

$365/mo6.5/10

Wellington

New Zealand

$1,965/mo6.6/10

Kathmandu

Nepal

$365/moNomadIQ 6.5/10

Wellington

New Zealand

$1,965/moNomadIQ 6.6/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Kathmandu

Wellington

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$365

$1,965

Kathmandu

Rent (1BR)

$179

$1,214

Kathmandu

Groceries

$127

$430

Kathmandu

Transport

$10

$150

Kathmandu

Healthcare

$40

$120

Kathmandu

Safety Score

6.4/10

6.7/10

Wellington

Internet Speed

35 Mbps

105 Mbps

Wellington

NomadIQ Score

6.5/10

6.6/10

Wellington

Overall Winner: Kathmandu

Based on our comparison, Kathmandu wins 5 out of 8 categories.Wellington wins 3 categories.

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Kathmandu and Wellington, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Kathmandu

$365/mo

Best Internet

Wellington

105 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Wellington

6.6/10

Our Recommendation: Choose Kathmandu if budget is your top priority, or Wellington if you need the fastest internet for remote work.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Kathmandu vs Wellington

When comparing Kathmandu and Wellington for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Kathmandu offers a more affordable lifestyle at $365/month compared to Wellington's $1,965/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Wellington provides faster connectivity at 105 Mbps compared to Kathmandu's 35 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 6.7/10, Wellington offers better security than Kathmandu (6.4/10).

Overall: Wellington's NomadIQ score of 6.6/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Kathmandu is 81% cheaper than Wellington.

• Kathmandu rent: $179/mo
• Wellington rent: $1,214/mo
• Difference: $1,035/mo

Safety Comparison

Wellington has a higher safety score (6.7/10) compared to Kathmandu (6.4/10).

6.4/10

Kathmandu

6.7/10

Wellington

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Wellington offers faster internet at 105 Mbps vs 35 Mbps.

35 Mbps

Kathmandu

105 Mbps

Wellington

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Based on our analysis, Kathmandu edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.

Kathmandu: Best for budget-conscious expats

Wellington: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Kathmandu vs Wellington

Kathmandu

Wellington

Kathmandu

Wellington

Detailed Comparison

Overall Winner: Kathmandu

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Kathmandu vs Wellington

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Kathmandu vs Wellington