Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Islamabad?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Islamabad can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Islamabad?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Islamabad $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Islamabad is $42. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Abu Dhabi and Islamabad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Islamabad $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Islamabad
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Islamabad? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Islamabad $7.68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Skydive in Abu Dhabi | Tandem Skydive with transfer: $817
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Tickets with Private Transfers: $289
- Private Transfer from Talal Liwa to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $271
- Private Transfer from Jebel Dhanna Resort to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $271
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Sharjah: $271
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Qasr Al Sarab: $271
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Fujairah: $271
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Talal Liwa: $271
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Jebel Dhanna Resort: $271
- Ferrari World Theme Park and Seaworld Park Ticket with Transfer: $250
- Warner Bros World Ticket's -Abu Dhabi Without Transfer: $220
- Private Transfer: Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport DXB in Luxury Van: $210
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Islamabad?
Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Abu Dhabi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAbu Dhabi $45Islamabad $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner in Abu Dhabi: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner : $62
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Islamabad $9.48
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Abu Dhabi Louvre Museum Entrance Ticket: $41
- Abu Dhabi Tour-Sheik Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace With Louvre Musuem: $115
- Ferrari World Entrance ticket : $95
- Full Day Abu Dhabi City & Louvre Museum Tour: $90
- Private Full-Day Tour in Abu Dhabi: $234
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- 4 Hour Cultural Tour of Abu Dhabi - Private Tour: $160
- 8 Hour Ticket/Pass For Yas Water World In Dubai.: $103
- 8 Hours Al Ain City Tour without lunch : $117
- 8 hours Private Tour: Ferrari World and Louvre Museum with Pickup: $270
- 8-Hours Tickets to Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi: $107
- ABU DHABI CITY TOUR [FULL DAY]: $111
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Private Tour: Half Day Islamabad Saidpur Village Exploration Tour: $80
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $85
- Private Tour: Islamabad Full Day Customized Exploration Tour: $90
- Shopping Tour: Full Day Islamabad Markets Exploration Tour: $90
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
- Best of Islamabad City Landmarks Exploration Tour (Private & Guided).: $95
- Guided Top 5 Wonders Exploration Tour: $95
- Full Day Private City Tour Of Islamabad: $98
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Islamabad $2.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Islamabad, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Islamabad is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Islamabad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Islamabad?
Abu Dhabi has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Islamabad, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi or Islamabad?
Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Abu Dhabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Islamabad in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Islamabad. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Islamabad in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Islamabad fluctuates around 32°C (90°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the summer, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Islamabad. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 247 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Islamabad. Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in July than Islamabad. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Islamabad 32°C (90°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Islamabad in the Autumn?
Both Islamabad and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Islamabad. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Islamabad averages at about 26°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Islamabad during autumn. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Islamabad 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Islamabad in the Winter?
Both Islamabad and Abu Dhabi during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Abu Dhabi is generally a little warmer than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the winter, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Islamabad. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets less rain in January than Islamabad. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Islamabad 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Islamabad in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Islamabad. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.
Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Islamabad in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Islamabad fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Islamabad during spring. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Islamabad 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Islamabad and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Islamabad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.