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

Should you visit Cappadocia or Islamabad?

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

Should I visit Cappadocia 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: Cappadocia or Islamabad?

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is in Central Anatolia, between the mountains Erciyes, Melendiz and Hasan. It is famous for its underground cities, fairy chimneys, and caves. The landscape of the area is some of the most unique you'll ever see. The fairy chimneys are bizarrely shaped rock outcroppings that have evolved from the unique geography in the area. There are hiking trails through the series of valleys that make up the area. It's a great place to explore for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

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 10-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best 2-Week Tours from Istanbul, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.


Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Cappadocia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cappadocia is $155, while the average daily cost in Islamabad is $51. 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 Cappadocia and Islamabad in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cappadocia $43
    Islamabad $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cappadocia $86
    Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Cappadocia and Islamabad

Looking for a hotel in Cappadocia 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 Cappadocia


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: Cappadocia Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cappadocia $42
    Islamabad $7.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cappadocia

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

  • Cappadocia to Konya Private VIP Transfer | Child Seat Provided: $300
  • Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour with Private Transfer: $279
  • Cat Valley Ballon Tour In Cappadocia With Free Hotel Transfer: $279
  • Cappadocia Pass - Day Tours and Airport Transfers Package: $271
  • Private Transfer from Cappadocia to Antalya : $220
  • Cappadocia Package Tour withTransfers + 1 Night Hotel,1 Day Tour: $206
  • Kayseri Airport ASR Transfers to Nigde City Centre Hotels: $177
  • Transfer from Cappadocia Hotels to Nevşehir or Kayseri Airport (private): $176
  • Private Transfer from Cappadocia Hotels to Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR): $152
  • Nevsehir Airport: Private Transfer to Cappadocia: $141
  • Nevsehir (Cappadocia) Private Airport Transfer: $141
  • Cappadocia Hotel: Private Transfer to Kayseri Airport: $141

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

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

  • Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
  • Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
  • Karachi Airport Transfer, Airport Pick and Drop : $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
  • Islamabad Airport Transfers : $54
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Cappadocia or Islamabad?

Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Cappadocia 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
    Cappadocia $71
    Islamabad $25
Typical Food Prices in Cappadocia

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cappadocia:


  • Cookies
    $0.03

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cappadocia

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

  • Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner and Drinks: $39
  • Cappadocia Turkish Night With Unlimited Drinks And Dinner: $40
  • Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner: $47
  • Turkish Night at Cave Restaurant with Dinner and Unlimited Drinks: $53
  • Cappadocia Traditional Turkish Night Show and Dinner : $57
  • Cappadocia Turkish Night wTransfer,Dinner &Unlimited Drinks: $58
  • Turkish night show with dinner and unlimited free alcohol: $58
  • Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with dinner, unlimited alcohol: $63
  • Turkish Night Unlimited Drinks & Dinner in Cappadocia: $68
  • Romantic Cappadocia Private Sunset Dinner With Wild Food : $68
  • Turkish Night Show: Unlimited Alcohol, Dinner and Transfer: $75
  • Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner and Entertainments: $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cappadocia $79
    Islamabad $9.30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cappadocia

For Cappadocia, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Underground City Entrance for Two
    $0.76
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two
    $15
  • Horseback Riding for Two
    $2.92
  • Cappadocia Driving Tour
    $3.12
  • Goreme Museum Entrance Fee
    $0.38
  • Whirling Dervishes Show
    $2.55
  • Turkish Bath
    $1.78
  • Hot air ballooning
    $10
  • Goreme open air museum
    $0.51
  • Bellydancing Show
    $3.31

Tours and Activities in Cappadocia

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

  • "Cappadocia ATV Sunrise or Sunset Adventure": $50
  • 2 days Cappadocia Full Turkish night Show, Atv & Red Tour: $175
  • Atv(Quad) Tour in Cappadocia: $50
  • Cappadocia ATV Tour: $39
  • Cappadocia Red Tour (Lunch, Entrance Fee All Included): $60
  • Cappadocia Sunset Horseback Riding Tour 2 Hours: $77
  • Full Day Cappadocia Green South Tour Small Group and Lunch: $100
  • Highlights of Cappadocia (Mix of Red and Green Private Tour): $169
  • Highlights of Cappadocia All in One Tour: $159
  • Highlights of Cappadocia with Mehmet Private Tour: $130
  • Private Cappadocia Tour with Underground City (Guide & Driver): $19
  • Ski Tour in Cappadocia with full stuff: $171

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 (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • Discover Peshawar Full Day Guided Tour from Islamabad: $110
  • Exclusive Luxury Private Tour: Discover the Gems of Islamabad: $80
  • From 9-Day Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,700
  • From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
  • From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
  • Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
  • Full Day Taxila UNESCO world heritage Site and Islamabad Tour: $88
  • Full Day Tour To The Ancient City Of Taxila From Islamabad: $90
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $95
  • Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cappadocia $15
    Islamabad $2.83

Sample the Local Flavors in Cappadocia

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cappadocia:

  • Wine Tasting in Cappadocia Turkey - Introduction of local wines: $26
  • Guided Bar Crawl with Hotel Pickup and Snack: $35
  • Wine tasting in Cappadocia: $70
  • SKIP-THE-LINE: Cappadocia Tour w/wine tasting and clay shaping : $90
  • Cappadocia Private Wine Tasting Tour : $118
  • Wine Tasting and Sunset in Cappadocia: $212
  • Tailor-Made Cappadocia Culture, Gastronomy and Wine Tasting Tour : $243
  • Ancient Cappadocia's Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $275


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


Which is Bigger, Cappadocia or Islamabad?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Cappadocia. When comparing the sizes of Cappadocia 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.

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