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

Should you visit Beirut or Islamabad?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Beirut and Islamabad. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Beirut or Islamabad?

Beirut

Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.

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 Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.


Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Beirut?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, 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 Beirut and Islamabad in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beirut $1.26
    Islamabad $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beirut $2.52
    Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Islamabad

Looking for a hotel in Beirut 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 Beirut


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: Beirut Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Beirut $0.44
    Islamabad $7.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut

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

  • Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
  • Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
  • Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
  • Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
  • Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
  • BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
  • Airport Departure Transfer From Your Beirut Hotel: $10
  • Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
  • Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
  • Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89

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 Beirut or Islamabad?

Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Beirut 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
    Beirut $0.71
    Islamabad $15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut

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

  • Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
  • Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
  • Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal and Hotel Transfers: $142

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beirut $0.26
    Islamabad $9.46

Tours and Activities in Beirut

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

  • 3 Days Lebanon Holiday Tour Package: $250
  • 3 days tour package : Jeita grotto-Byblos-Baalbek & Beirut tour: $295
  • ATV (2 Seat) Full Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $150
  • All in 1 Lebanon Local Multi day Tour, 3 days: $289
  • Baalback Roman temples tour: $128
  • Baalbek Tour: $111
  • Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Group Tour: $95
  • Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Guided Full-Day Tour from Beirut: $90
  • Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Jeita Grotto and Byblos Tour: $170
  • Beirut 3 museums + mini walking tour: $50
  • Beirut : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour With Guide: $24
  • Beirut City Tour with Street Food : $90

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
    Beirut $0.23
    Islamabad $2.88

Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut

Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour in The Bekaa Valley: $50
  • Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $50
  • Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
  • Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
  • Private Wine Tasting Tour: $65
  • From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
  • Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
  • Full-Day Private Bekaa Valley Wine Tour from Beirut: $104
  • Private Tour to Baalbek, Hike in Chouf & Wine Tasting : $120
  • Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $150
  • Wine Tasting and Culture : $150
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beirut and Islamabad, we can see that Islamabad is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut 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 Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Beirut.

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


Which is Bigger, Beirut or Islamabad?

Beirut has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Beirut 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 Beirut or Islamabad?

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

Should I visit Beirut or Islamabad in the Summer?

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

It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. In July, Beirut is generally cooler than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 27°C (81°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 32°C (90°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In Beirut, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Islamabad during summer. Beirut gets 369 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, Beirut usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beirut 27°C (81°F) 
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F)

Should I visit Beirut or Islamabad in the Autumn?

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

Beirut is around the same temperature as Islamabad in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, 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 Beirut this time of the year. In the autumn, Beirut often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun.

Beirut usually gets more rain in October than Islamabad. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beirut 25°C (77°F) 
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Beirut or Islamabad in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Beirut is around the same temperature as Islamabad. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beirut in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Islamabad averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. Beirut usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during winter. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Beirut. In January, Beirut usually receives more rain than Islamabad. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Beirut or Islamabad in the Spring?

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

In April, Beirut is generally much colder than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 17°C (63°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beirut. In the spring, Beirut often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun.

Beirut usually gets more rain in April than Islamabad. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beirut 17°C (63°F) 
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Islamabad and Beirut

Beirut Islamabad
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 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 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)


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