Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Bucharest?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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: Bucharest or Islamabad?
Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital and largest city in the country of Romania. With about 2 million residents living in the city and about 2.4 million in the surrounding urban area, it is also one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe. As such, it is the economic, industrial and commercial center for the country. As a visitor, you will likely enter Romania by arriving in Bucharest. The city continues to grow and change, and there are ongoing infrastructure projects that continue to modernize the city. It is not uncommon to find historic churches on the same block as modern office buildings and Communist style apartment buildings. There are also many sights around town and the city continues to grow as a trendy and fascinating city.
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBucharest $139Islamabad $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Bucharest is $139, 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 Bucharest and Islamabad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBucharest $63Islamabad $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBucharest $126Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Bucharest and Islamabad
Looking for a hotel in Bucharest 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: Bucharest Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bucharest $26Islamabad $7.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bucharest
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bucharest:
- Bucharest to Sofia - Private Transfer: $584
- Bucharest to Sofia Private Transfer: $451
- Bucharest to Mihail Kogalniceanu - Private Transfer: $346
- Mihail Kogalniceanu to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $346
- Bucharest to Veliko Tarnovo - Private Transfer: $325
- Bucharest to Fetesti - Private Transfer: $325
- Bucharest to Craiova - Private Transfer: $303
- Transfer Bucharest Airport to Brasov: $290
- Bucharest to Tulcea - Private Guided Transfer - Driver and Car : $285
- Bucharest (Romania) to Veliko Tarnavo (Bulgaria) - Private Guided Transfer : $285
- Bucharest to Brasov - Private Transfer from Henri Coanda International Airport: $274
- Bucharest to Fetesti - Private Transfer - Car and Driver: $274
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
- 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 Bucharest or Islamabad?
Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Bucharest 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 dayBucharest $59Islamabad $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bucharest
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bucharest.
- Dinner at the Museum of Communism - Traditional Food Tour: $54
- Bohemian Bucharest Markets and Mahallas Traditional Food Tour: $60
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner: $64
- Cooking Class traditional food: $66
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $74
- Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner - 3 hours: $87
- Private Walking Food Tour - Culture, History & Traditions: $99
- Discover Private Highlights and Traditional Food Tour: $109
- Private Bucharest Food Tour with a Local Foodie: $116
- Historical and Cultural Tour with Romanian Cuisine dinner: $142
- 4-Hour Walking Food Tour in the Old Town: $203
- Bucharest City Tour & Traditional Home-made Cooking Experience: $229
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bucharest $15Islamabad $9.48
Tours and Activities in Bucharest
Here are a few actual costs in Bucharest for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bears Sanctuary, Dracula's Castle, Brasov Day Trip Private Tour from Bucharest: $251
- Bucharest Panoramic Sightseeing - Private City Tour: $93
- Transylvania Heritage Tour at Peles Bran and Cantacuzino Castles: $93
- 1 Day 4x4 Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $174
- 1 Day ATV Tour in Carpathian Mountains: $208
- 10h Bucharest City Tour & Snagov Monastery (Dracula's Grave): $260
- 14 Days Private Tour in Romania, Moldova & Transnistria: $4,761
- 2 Days Private Tour - The Romanian Caves from Bucharest: $563
- 2 Hour Photoshoot Experience Near Bucharest Architectural Charms: $99
- 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Bucharest City: $88
- 2-Day Medieval Transylvania with Brasov,Sibiu and Sighisoara Tour from Bucharest: $252
- 2-Day Small-Group Tour to Dracula's Castle, Rasnov Fortress, Peles Castle, Sighisoara and Libearty Brown Bear Sanctuary with Overnight in Brasov: $204
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
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Private Tour: Half Day Islamabad Saidpur Village Exploration Tour: $80
- Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
- Guided Top 5 Wonders Exploration Tour: $95
- 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: $99
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
- Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBucharest $9.28Islamabad $2.88
Sample the Local Flavors in Bucharest
Also in Bucharest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Weekend Pub Crawl: $24
- Bucharest Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $25
- From Romanian Wine Tasting Tour: $26
- Bachelors Party in Custom Bar Crawl: $38
- Private Bar Crawling in Bucharest Old City: $43
- Private Wine Tasting Experience: $43
- Pub Crawl in the Old CIty and Rooftop Hopping in Bucharest: $47
- Private Romanian Wine Tasting in Urlați: $52
- Guided Pub Crawl in Bucharest: $56
- Bucharest Old Town Pub and Bar Crawl with Guide: $57
- Bucharest VIP Bar Crawl in Lipscani 'Old Town': $59
- Bucharest City Tour and Wine Tasting: $85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bucharest and Islamabad, we can see that Bucharest is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bucharest 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 Bucharest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bucharest 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 Bucharest Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Islamabad?
Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Islamabad?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Bucharest or Islamabad in the Summer?
Both Islamabad and Bucharest during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. In July, Bucharest is generally cooler than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 23°C (73°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 Bucharest. In the summer, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Islamabad. Bucharest gets 289 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. Bucharest usually gets less rain in July than Islamabad. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 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 JulyBucharest 23°C (73°F)Islamabad 32°C (90°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Islamabad in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Islamabad. The autumn months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Bucharest is much colder than Islamabad in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 13°C (55°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. Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Islamabad. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 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 OctoberBucharest 13°C (55°F)Islamabad 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Islamabad in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Islamabad. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year.
It's quite cold in Bucharest in the winter. In the winter, Bucharest is much colder than Islamabad. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bucharest in January average around -1°C (29°F), and Islamabad averages at about 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. In the winter, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun.
Bucharest usually gets more rain in January than Islamabad. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 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 JanuaryBucharest -1°C (29°F)Islamabad 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Bucharest or Islamabad in the Spring?
Both Islamabad and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the activities around the city.
In April, Bucharest is generally much colder than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 12°C (54°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Islamabad. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 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 AprilBucharest 12°C (54°F)Islamabad 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Islamabad and Bucharest
| Bucharest | Islamabad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -1°C (29°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (43°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 12°C (54°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (65°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 13°C (55°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (44°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.