Should I Visit Dahab or Islamabad for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Dahab 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 Dahab 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: Dahab or Islamabad?

Dahab

Dahab is a small town on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. It is located about 85 kilometers north of Sharm el-Sheikh and sits on the Gulf of Aqaba. It's a popular destination with divers and backpackers alike, and offers some of the best snorkeling and diving that you'll find in the Red Sea. It's a great alternative to the resort driven Sharm el-Sheikh, and is popular with independent travelers who are looking for affordable accommodation. There are some upmarket options however, predominantly in the Laguna area, but budget facilities are not hard to find.

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 Dahab?

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

Dahab Prices
Egypt Prices

Islamabad Prices
Pakistan Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Dahab $16

Islamabad $52

The average daily cost (per person) in Dahab is $16, while the average daily cost in Islamabad is $52. 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 Dahab and Islamabad in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Dahab $5.72

Islamabad $20
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Dahab $11

Islamabad $40

Compare Hotels in Dahab and Islamabad

Looking for a hotel in Dahab 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: Dahab Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Dahab $1.80

Islamabad $7.61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dahab

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

Private Pickup Transfers from Dahab to Taba: $120
Private Transfer From Dahab To Taba border group from 1 to 4: $90
Dahab To/from Sharm El Sheikh Private Transfer : $45
Sharm el-Sheikh: 1-Way or Round-Trip Transfer to Dahab: $42

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
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
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
Islamabad Airport Transfers : $54
Airport Transfer/Pickup and Dropoff Karachi : $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Dahab or Islamabad?

Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Dahab 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

Dahab $7.84

Islamabad $26

Typical Food Prices in Dahab

For Dahab, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:

Seafood Dinner (for 2)

$1.88
Juice

$0.10
Breakfast for Two

$0.59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dahab

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

Bedouin Dinner in the Mountains In Dahab: $36
Dahab Desert Safari and Bedouin Dinner: $95

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Dahab $4.32

Islamabad $9.40

Tours and Activities in Dahab

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

Adventure Quad Biking Tour in Dahab: $50
Adventure Safari By Horse In Dahab At Laguna Beach: $65
Blue Hole Snorkeling Adventure in Dahab: $195
Blue Hole Snorkeling Tour with lunch from Dahab: $28
Cairo 1-Day Tour by Bus From Dahab: $130
Camel Ride + Blue Hole Snorkeling + Quad Bike Tour With Lunch From Dahab: $49
Dahab Windsurfing Adventure in Red Sea Waves: $60
Dahab's Kept Secrets 5 Adventures in 1 Tour: $25
Royal Seascope Submarine Guided Boat Tour : $37
Royal seascope Semi-Submarine Cruise: $33
luxury Snorkeling cruise with buffet lunch: $41
Full-Day Hike Tour at St. Catherine's Monastery: $30

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

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

5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,650
From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
Full Day Tour To The Ancient City Of Taxila From Islamabad: $90
Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $90
Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
Islamabad and Rawalpindi Sightseeing Tour: $70
City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $99

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Dahab $2.47

Islamabad $2.86

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dahab or Islamabad?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Dahab. When comparing the sizes of Dahab 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.

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

Should you visit Dahab or Islamabad?

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

Where Should I go: Dahab or Islamabad?

Dahab

Islamabad

Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Dahab?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Dahab and Islamabad

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dahab

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

Is it cheaper to fly into Dahab or Islamabad?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Dahab

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dahab

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Dahab

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Dahab or Islamabad?

Related Articles for Dahab

Related Articles for Islamabad

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

Should you visit Dahab or Islamabad?

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

Where Should I go: Dahab or Islamabad?

Dahab

Islamabad

Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Dahab?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Dahab and Islamabad

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dahab

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

Is it cheaper to fly into Dahab or Islamabad?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Dahab

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dahab

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Dahab

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Dahab or Islamabad?

Related Articles for Dahab

Related Articles for Islamabad

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