Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Aqaba?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Aqaba or Islamabad?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Islamabad, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Aqaba or Islamabad?
Aqaba
Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.
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 Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAqaba $127Islamabad $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $127, 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 Aqaba and Islamabad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAqaba $59Islamabad $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAqaba $118Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Islamabad
Looking for a hotel in Aqaba 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: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Aqaba $24Islamabad $7.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:
- Amman: Day Trip Petra & Wadi Rum Guided Tour with Transfer: $490
- Private Transfer: From Amman City To Wadi Rum: $209
- Private Transfer: Aqaba Airport to Sheikh Hussein Border or vice versa: $193
- Aqaba King Hussein Airport (AQJ): Transfer to Aqaba hotels: $162
- Private Transfer from Araba Border to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $153
- Aqaba Border Yitzhak Rabin Terminal to Petra Private Transfer: $140
- Wadi Araba Border (Eilat) Private Transfer To Petra: $135
- Private Transfer from Wadi Rum to Amman Airport: $133
- Transfers , Meet & Assistance at Wadi Araba Crossing Border : $133
- Private Transfer from Aqaba Airport to Amman Queen Alia Airport: $133
- Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $130
- Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
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 Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- 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 Aqaba or Islamabad?
Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Aqaba 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 dayAqaba $42Islamabad $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.
- Suhaila (connecting through cooking): $50
- Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $64
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight + Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $87
- Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner : $88
- Wadi Rum New Year Eve Party (Jeep Tour + Dinner + Music + Fireworks + Overnight): $112
- From Wadi Rum Full-Day Private Jeep Tour with Dinner: $169
- From Aqaba to Wadi Rum ,Jeep Tour with Dinner (Half Day): $185
- 4 Hours Jeep Tour with Overnight in Bedouin Camp and Dinner: $286
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Aqaba $54Islamabad $9.48
Tours and Activities in Aqaba
Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Day Tour in Jeep Tour with Bedouin Guide: $81
- Discover the Depths: Aqaba's Ultimate private Dive Experience: $55
- Full-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum without Overnight Stay: $85
- 06 Hours Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum : $84
- 2 Days 1 Night in Wadi Rum Jeep Tour: $204
- 2 Days Guided Hiking Tour To Wadi Rum Jebal Al Hash: $103
- 2 Days private tour Petra, Wadi Rum (overnight) from Amman: $682
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour (Morning or Sunset) Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $35
- 2 Hour Jeep Tour - Wadi Rum Desert & Canyon: $35
- 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $28
- 2 hours Jeep tour in Wadi Rum with Bedouin guide (incl. bottled water and tea): $100
- 2-Hour Private Scuba Experience in Aqaba : $48
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 dayAqaba $9.07Islamabad $2.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aqaba and Islamabad, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Aqaba 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 Aqaba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aqaba 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 Aqaba Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Islamabad?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Aqaba. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba 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 Aqaba or Islamabad?
Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Aqaba experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Aqaba or Islamabad in the Summer?
Both Islamabad and Aqaba during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Aqaba because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Aqaba can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Aqaba is generally around the same temperature as Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 33°C (91°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 32°C (90°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aqaba. In the summer, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Islamabad. Aqaba gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 247 hours of full sun.
Islamabad gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aqaba usually gets less rain in July than Islamabad. Aqaba gets 0 mm (0 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 JulyAqaba 33°C (91°F)Islamabad 32°C (90°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Islamabad in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aqaba and Islamabad. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Aqaba year-round.
Aqaba is around the same temperature as Islamabad in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aqaba averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Islamabad fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In Aqaba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aqaba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Islamabad during autumn. Aqaba gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 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 OctoberAqaba 26°C (79°F)Islamabad 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Islamabad in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Aqaba as well as Islamabad. Aqaba attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Aqaba is around the same temperature as Islamabad. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aqaba in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Islamabad averages at about 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aqaba this time of the year. In the winter, Aqaba often gets more sunshine than Islamabad. Aqaba gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun.
Aqaba usually gets less rain in January than Islamabad. Aqaba gets 3 mm (0.1 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 JanuaryAqaba 14°C (57°F)Islamabad 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Aqaba or Islamabad in the Spring?
Both Islamabad and Aqaba are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Aqaba throughout the year.
In April, Aqaba is generally cooler than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Aqaba average around 24°C (75°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aqaba. Aqaba usually receives more sunshine than Islamabad during spring. Aqaba gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Aqaba usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Aqaba gets 1 mm (0 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 AprilAqaba 24°C (75°F)Islamabad 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Islamabad and Aqaba
| Aqaba | Islamabad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 24°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 33°C (91°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.