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

Should you visit Antalya or Islamabad?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Antalya or Islamabad? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Antalya or Islamabad?

Antalya

Antalya is the largest city along Turkey's Mediterranean coast and the eighth largest city in the country with over one million people in the metropolitan area. The city dates back to about 200 BC when it was settled by the Attalid Dynasty of Pergamon and soon conquered by the Romans. The city was ruled by several different groups and most recently was transferred to Italian suzerainty following World War I. It became part of Turkey following the War of Independence. The city has seen an influx of development in recent years and it has grown into a tourism mecca with more than 12 million visitors in 2014.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.


Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Antalya?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Antalya is $148, while the average daily cost in Islamabad is $41. 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 Antalya and Islamabad in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Antalya $55
    Islamabad $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Antalya $110
    Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Antalya and Islamabad

Looking for a hotel in Antalya 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 Antalya


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: Antalya Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Antalya $111
    Islamabad $7.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antalya

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

  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kundu Transfer - Limousine: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Akdeniz Port Transfer - Bus/Coach: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya City Center Transfer - Limousine: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Konyaalti Transfer - Bus/Coach: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kundu Transfer - Bus/Coach: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya City Center Transfer - SUV: $296
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Konyaalti Transfer - Limousine: $295
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Beldibi Transfer - Bus/Coach: $295
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya City Center Transfer - Bus/Coach: $295
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Lara Transfer - Limousine: $295
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kaleici Transfer - SUV: $295
  • Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kundu Transfer - SUV: $295

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

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

  • Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
  • Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
  • Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
  • Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Antalya or Islamabad?

Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Antalya 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
    Antalya $26
    Islamabad $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Antalya

For Antalya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Pamukkalea and Salda Lake Tour with Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner: $40
  • Traditional Turkish Tastes at Antalya Food Tour: $47
  • Full day trip to Pamukkale from Side with dinner: $88
  • Pamukkale tour w. Entrance, Lunch, Dinner & Transfer from Antalya: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Antalya $46
    Islamabad $9.46

Tours and Activities in Antalya

For Antalya, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Antalya City Tour: $77
  • Full Day Green Canyon Boat Tour with Lunch Included: $61
  • Full-Day Adventure 3 in 1 activity from Antalya to Köprülü Canyon National Park: $53
  • !!!All inclusive Antalya city tour: $66
  • 2 Days Cappadocia Tour From Antalya /w Cave Hotel & Balloon Ride: $48
  • 2 Days Cappadocia Tour from Antalya: $50
  • 2 in 1 Tour in Antalya Rafting and Buggy Safari Tour with Lunch : $40
  • 3 in 1 Rafting Buggy Safari and Zipline Adventure in Antalya: $38
  • 4-Hour Antalya Short Shopping Tour: $15
  • 4-Hour Guided Antalya Aquarium Tour : $68
  • 6-Hour Kemer Pirate Boat Tour with Open-Buffet Lunch from Antalya: $25
  • 7 Hour Adventure on The Land of Legends Theme Park (Antalya): $121

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

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

  • Best of Islamabad City Landmarks Exploration Tour (Private & Guided).: $95
  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • From 15 Day Trekking Tour of Thalay and Nangma: $3,070
  • From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,065
  • From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
  • From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
  • From Skardu and Baltistan Cultural Tour with Food: $2,339
  • Full Day Private City Tour Of Islamabad: $99
  • Full Day Private Tour Top 10 Wonders of Islamabad: $198
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
  • Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Antalya $21
    Islamabad $2.88


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antalya and Islamabad, we can see that Antalya is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Antalya is in Europe 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 Antalya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antalya 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 Antalya Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Antalya or Islamabad?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Antalya 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 Antalya or Islamabad?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antalya or Islamabad in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Islamabad. Many visitors come to Antalya in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Antalya is cooler than Islamabad. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antalya in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Islamabad averages at about 32°C (90°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Islamabad during summer. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.

Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Antalya usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Antalya 28°C (83°F) 
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F)

Should I visit Antalya or Islamabad in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Islamabad. Most visitors come to Antalya for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Antalya is generally cooler than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 21°C (69°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the autumn, Antalya often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets more rain in October than Islamabad. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Antalya 21°C (69°F) 
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Antalya or Islamabad in the Winter?

Both Islamabad and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Antalya because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Antalya is cooler than Islamabad in the winter. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Islamabad fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. Antalya usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during winter. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Antalya. In January, Antalya usually receives more rain than Islamabad. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Antalya 11°C (51°F) 
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Antalya or Islamabad in the Spring?

Both Islamabad and Antalya during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Antalya this time of year.

In the spring, Antalya is much colder than Islamabad. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antalya in April average around 16°C (62°F), and Islamabad averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the spring, Antalya often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Islamabad. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets more rain in April than Islamabad. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Antalya 16°C (62°F) 
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Islamabad and Antalya

Antalya Islamabad
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 239 mm (9.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 196 mm (7.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 1 mm (0 in) 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 227 mm (8.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)


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