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

Should you visit Cairo or Islamabad?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cairo and Islamabad can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Cairo or Islamabad?

Cairo

Cairo is the chaotic capital city of Egypt. With a population of more than 16 million, it is one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East. As a traveler, you're likely to arrive and leave from here and you'll get your first orientation to the area during the chaotic and congestion filled taxi ride from the airport.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Egypt, The Best Historical Tours in Egypt, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.


Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Cairo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cairo is $18, 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 Cairo and Islamabad in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cairo $9.54
    Islamabad $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cairo $19
    Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Cairo and Islamabad

Looking for a hotel in Cairo 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 Cairo


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: Cairo Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cairo $3.04
    Islamabad $7.66
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cairo

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Cairo are as follows:


  • Metro Ride
    $0.09
  • Taxi Ride
    $0.32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cairo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cairo:

  • From Private Day Trip to Luxor w/ Transfer & Flights: $589
  • 3-Days Private Guided Tour Package Covering all Cairo,Lunch and Airport Transfer: $300
  • 3 Private Full-Day Tours to Cairo Top Attractions+One Airport Transfer: $300
  • Private Transfer from Cairo to Sharm El Sheikh : $290
  • Cairo - Sharm El Sheikh: One-Way or Return Private Transfer: $290
  • 2 Days and 2 Evenings Private Tour in Cairo include airport transfer and M&A: $280
  • 2 Days Private Guided Tours of Cairo and Giza with Free Cairo Airport Transfers: $280
  • From One-Way Private Transfer To Luxor: $275
  • 2-Day Camping Tour in The Bahariya Oasis with Private Transfer: $274
  • Private Transfer from El Cairo (CAI) Airport to Hurghada: $267
  • Private 4 days Sightseeing Cairo and Giza Tour airport transfers: $250
  • Camping in the White & Black Deserts (Bahariya Oasis) & Cairo Private transfer : $250

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: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Cairo or Islamabad?

Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Cairo 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
    Cairo $4.84
    Islamabad $15
Typical Food Prices in Cairo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cairo:


  • Juice
    $0.04

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cairo

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

  • Unusual Cairo Food Tour : $12
  • Dinner Cruise on the Nile River: $13
  • Nile Sunset, Dinner Cruise, Show and Private Transfer: $16
  • Dinner Cruise on the Nile with Private Transfer from Cairo: $16
  • Cairo Dinner Cruise On The Nile River With Private Transfer: $16
  • Super Safari ATV , Drive Buggy Car, Camel Ride, Dinner, Show-Hurghada: $19
  • Giza pyramids ,Sphinx ,Valley temple and Nile Dinner cruise tours: $20
  • Dinner Cruise Cairo With Belly Dancer Show in The Nile River: $20
  • Private Tour Giza pyramids, Camel Ride, Lunch, Nile Dinner Cruise & Shopping: $20
  • local oriental food tour from Cairo or Giza hotels: $22
  • Private tour Giza pyramids and Nile dinner cruise from Giza and Cairo hotels: $23
  • Quad Bike ATV Camel Ride Nile Dinner Cruise Belly dancer show: $23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cairo $5.86
    Islamabad $9.46
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cairo

Here are a few typical costs in Cairo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Camel Market for Two
    $0.86
  • Egyptian Museum Entry for Two
    $6.62

Tours and Activities in Cairo

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

  • 2 Days 1 Nights Tour package to Saint-Catherine from Cairo : $300
  • 2 Days White Desert and Bahariya Oasis Tour: $231
  • 2 Days in Cairo & Giza Private Tour : $80
  • 2-Day Cairo Giza Highlights Guided Tour including Camel Ride All inclusive : $40
  • 2-Day Private Tour of Cairo with Accommodation and Entrance Fees: $165
  • 2-Day Tour Ancient Egypt and Old Cairo Highlights Tour: $290
  • 2-Day Tours at Cairo & Giza: $145
  • 2-Days Tours at Cairo & Giza : $143
  • 3-Day Cairo Top Attractions Exploration Tour: $180
  • 3-Days Tour at Cairo (Customized Package): $229
  • 3-Days Tour in Siwa Oasis from Cairo : $217
  • 4-Day Tours at Cairo & Giza & Alexandria: $209

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: Islamabad Full Day Customized Exploration Tour: $90
  • Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
  • Best of Islamabad City Landmarks Exploration Tour (Private & Guided).: $95
  • City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
  • Guided Top 5 Wonders Exploration Tour: $95
  • Full Day Private City Tour Of Islamabad: $99
  • 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
  • Murree Nathiagali Day Tour: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cairo $1.20
    Islamabad $2.88

Sample the Local Flavors in Cairo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cairo:

  • Pub Crawl and Speakeasy Bar Tour with 2 Free Drinks: $57


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cairo or Islamabad?

Cairo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Cairo 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 Cairo or Islamabad?

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

Should I visit Cairo or Islamabad in the Summer?

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

The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. Cairo is cooler than Islamabad in the summer. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Islamabad fluctuates around 32°C (90°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cairo. In the summer, Cairo often gets more sunshine than Islamabad. Cairo gets 350 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. Cairo usually gets less rain in July than Islamabad. Cairo gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cairo 28°C (82°F) 
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Islamabad in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Cairo is cooler than Islamabad. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cairo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Islamabad averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In Cairo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cairo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Islamabad during autumn. Cairo gets 290 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cairo usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Cairo gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cairo 23°C (73°F) 
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Islamabad in the Winter?

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

In January, Cairo is generally around the same temperature as Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Cairo average around 14°C (57°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 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 Cairo this time of the year. In the winter, Cairo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Islamabad. Cairo gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun.

Cairo usually gets less rain in January than Islamabad. Cairo gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cairo 14°C (57°F) 
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Cairo or Islamabad in the Spring?

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

Cairo is cooler than Islamabad in the spring. The daily temperature in Cairo averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, 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 Cairo. Cairo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Islamabad during spring. Cairo gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cairo usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Cairo gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cairo 21°C (70°F) 
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Islamabad and Cairo

Cairo Islamabad
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 17°C (63°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 21°C (70°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 1 mm (0 in) 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 0 mm (0 in) 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 1 mm (0 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)