A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alexandria vs. Islamabad for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Alexandria 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 Alexandria and Islamabad can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Alexandria or Islamabad?

Alexandria

There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.

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 Luxury Tours to Egypt, The Best Budget Tours to Egypt, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.


Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Alexandria?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Alexandria is $17, 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 Alexandria and Islamabad in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Alexandria $7.99
    Islamabad $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Alexandria $16
    Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Alexandria and Islamabad

Looking for a hotel in Alexandria 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.

Hotels in Alexandria


Hotels in Islamabad


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: Alexandria Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Alexandria $2.49
    Islamabad $7.68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:


  • Taxi to Train Station
    $0.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:

  • From Private Transfer to Luxor: $250
  • Private transfer from Luxor to Alexandria: $242
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $74
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo/Giza Hotels or Cairo./Giza to Alexandr: $62
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
  • Private Transfer From Alexandria City To Cairo Airport: $40
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria Airport (HBE): $16
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
  • Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • 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 Alexandria or Islamabad?

Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Alexandria 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Alexandria $6.46
    Islamabad $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.

  • Half-Day Food Tour in Alexandria, Egypt: $35
  • Alexandria Food Tour: $50
  • From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Alexandria $3.50
    Islamabad $9.48

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Alamain Private Day Tour from Alexandria Port : $160
  • Day Tour to Alamein and Alexandria: $169
  • National Museum and Egyptian museum Private Tour in Egypt: $258
  • Overnight Tour To Cairo from Alexandria Port: $270
  • Tour to The Qaitbay Citadel in Alexandria: $16
  • 10-Hour Historical Pyramids Tour from Alexandria Port: $130
  • 2 Day Tour Visit the Top Attractions of Alexandria City: $174
  • 6-Hour Day Tour to Alexandria Attractions with Pickup Included: $79
  • 6-Hour Private Day Tour to Rashid from Alexandria: $100
  • 8 Days Ultra Luxury Cairo, Alexandria & Nile cruise: $4,190
  • Alamein full day tour from Alexandria: $95
  • Alexandria : Rosetta Day Tour from Alexandria: $117

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.

  • Half Day Private Instagram Guided City Tour : $80
  • Private Tour: Half Day Islamabad Saidpur Village Exploration Tour: $80
  • Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $85
  • Shopping Tour: Full Day Islamabad Markets Exploration Tour: $90
  • Private Tour: Islamabad Full Day Customized Exploration Tour: $90
  • Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
  • City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $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
  • Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Alexandria $1.35
    Islamabad $2.88


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alexandria and Islamabad, we can see that Islamabad is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Alexandria is in Africa 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 Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Islamabad would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Islamabad than you might in Alexandria.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alexandria Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Alexandria or Islamabad?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Alexandria 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 Alexandria or Islamabad?

Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Alexandria experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Alexandria or Islamabad in the Summer?

Both Islamabad and Alexandria during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Alexandria is cooler than Islamabad. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alexandria in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Islamabad averages at about 32°C (90°F).

Islamabad gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alexandria usually gets less rain in July than Islamabad. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F) 
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Islamabad in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alexandria and Islamabad. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.

In October, Alexandria is generally cooler than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Alexandria average around 22°C (72°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In October, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F) 
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Islamabad in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alexandria as well as Islamabad. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Alexandria is around the same temperature as Islamabad in the winter. The daily temperature in Alexandria averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Islamabad fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Alexandria usually gets more rain in January than Islamabad. Alexandria gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F) 
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Alexandria or Islamabad in the Spring?

Both Islamabad and Alexandria are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.

In the spring, Alexandria is cooler than Islamabad. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alexandria in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Islamabad averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In April, Alexandria usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Alexandria gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F) 
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Islamabad and Alexandria

Alexandria Islamabad
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)