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

Should you visit Eilat or Islamabad?

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

Should I visit Eilat 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: Eilat or Islamabad?

Eilat

Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.

Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.

Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.

Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 in Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.


Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Eilat?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $140, 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 Eilat and Islamabad in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Eilat $93
    Islamabad $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Eilat $186
    Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Islamabad

Looking for a hotel in Eilat 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 Eilat


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: Eilat Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Eilat $13
    Islamabad $7.68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:


  • Local Bus
    $3.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat

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

  • From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
  • Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Eilat or Islamabad?

Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Eilat 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
    Eilat $35
    Islamabad $15

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Eilat $16
    Islamabad $9.48

Tours and Activities in Eilat

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

  • 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
  • 2 day tour to Petra from Eilat: $299
  • Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219
  • From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $64
  • Full Day Petra Tour from Eilat: $289
  • Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
  • Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $30
  • Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
  • Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
  • Petra 2-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Authentic Lunch: $290
  • Petra and Wadi Rum 2 day tour from Eilat: $299

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 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: $98
  • Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
  • Full Day Private Tour Top 10 Wonders of Islamabad: $195
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Eilat $27
    Islamabad $2.88


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


Which is Bigger, Eilat or Islamabad?

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

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

Should I visit Eilat or Islamabad in the Summer?

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

Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. The heat can be very extreme in Eilat. In the summer, Eilat is around the same temperature as Islamabad. Typically, the summer temperatures in Eilat in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Islamabad averages at about 32°C (90°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In Eilat, it's very sunny this time of the year. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Islamabad during summer. Eilat gets 384 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, Eilat usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Eilat 33°C (91°F) 
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Islamabad in the Autumn?

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

In October, Eilat is generally around the same temperature as Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 26°C (79°F), 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 Eilat this time of the year. In the autumn, Eilat often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Islamabad. Eilat gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun.

Eilat usually gets less rain in October than Islamabad. Eilat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Eilat 26°C (79°F) 
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Islamabad in the Winter?

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

Eilat is around the same temperature as Islamabad in the winter. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Islamabad fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Eilat. Eilat usually receives more sunshine than Islamabad during winter. Eilat gets 234 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Eilat usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Eilat or Islamabad in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Eilat is cooler than Islamabad. Typically, the spring temperatures in Eilat in April average around 24°C (75°F), and Islamabad averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Eilat. In the spring, Eilat often gets more sunshine than Islamabad. Eilat gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun.

Eilat usually gets less rain in April than Islamabad. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Eilat 24°C (75°F) 
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Islamabad and Eilat

Eilat Islamabad
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)