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

Should you visit Islamabad or Agra?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Islamabad and Agra 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: Islamabad or Agra?

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.

Agra

In the north of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh is the city of Agra. This land is home to great tales of emperors and majestic temples. It is the home to a magnificent past and the greatest symbol of love known to man, the Taj Mahal.

While this incredible structure is the main draw to this area, there is much more to see. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, Agra can claim three different UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and the abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikiri.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India.


Which place is cheaper, Agra or Islamabad?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Agra is $44. 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 Islamabad and Agra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Agra $16
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Agra $32
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Agra

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Agra? 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 Islamabad


Hotels in Agra


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: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Agra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Agra $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

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

  • Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
  • Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
  • 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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Agra

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


  • Tuk Tuk Ride
    $0.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Agra

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

  • Delhi: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Agra: $3,200
  • Private transfer Agra to Varnashi: $230
  • Private Transfer- Agra city to Delhi via Mathura: $193
  • Transfer from Delhi to Jaipur with Tajmahal sight seeing: $187
  • Private Transfer : Agra to Varanasi by Car: $180
  • Private transfer from Agra to Varanasi by Car: $161
  • Private Transfer from Agra to Varanasi by Car: $147
  • Budget Transfer by Car from Agra to Varanasi Hotel: $146
  • From Jaipur Transfer via Visiting Abhaneri: $144
  • Agra to Delhi airport transfer by air-conditioned car: $130
  • Private Transfer Agra to Varanasi by Car: $130
  • A Taste of Agra for Foodies with Private Transfer: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Agra?

Prices for flights to both Agra and Islamabad 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
    Islamabad $15
    Agra $16

Typical Food Prices in Agra

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


  • Breakfast for Two
    $2.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Agra

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

  • Agra best Cooking class after Taj Mahal: $6.00
  • Street Food Tour with Spice Market on Tuk-Tuk: $12
  • Home Hosted Luch or dinner by Indian local Family: $18
  • Agra Heritage Walk with Food Tour: $20
  • Local Food Tour with Cooking Class in Home Agra Including Lunch or Dinner: $20
  • Indian Food Private Cooking Class: $22
  • Cooking Class and Dine with a Local Family: $23
  • Old City Food Tour with Local Guide and Tastings: $23
  • Indian Home Visit Cooking Demo: $25
  • The Spirit of Agra - Old Market Walking and Food Tour: $26
  • Cooking classes Tour Including Pickup And Dropping To Hotel: $28
  • Cooking Workshop and Vegetarian Dinner in Agra with Family: $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Agra $20

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 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 Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
  • Islamabad City Tour : $150
  • Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110

Typical Entertainment Prices in Agra

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


  • Entry to the Red Fort for Two
    $7.18
  • Taj Mahal for Two
    $18

Tours and Activities in Agra

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

  • Agra City Tour With Guide: $43
  • Agra Full day Sightseeing with Transports & Tour Guide: $37
  • Agra Local Tour with Taj Mahal : $30
  • Private 6 Hours: Agra Temples and Spiritual Sites Tour: $38
  • Private Agra Local Sightseeing Tour: $47
  • Private Full Day Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour With Agra Fort: $30
  • Private Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Day Tour: $42
  • Taj Mahal Sunrise & Agra Fort Private Tour - All Inclusive: $21
  • 05-Hours Taj Mahal & Agra Day Tour by TUK TUK: $5.00
  • 06 Hours Agra City Tour - Private: $85
  • 08 Days Taj Mahal Tour With Hemis National Park: $552
  • 1 Day Agra and 1 Day Jaipur Private Tour from Agra: $202

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Agra $9.63


When comparing the travel costs between Islamabad and Agra, we can see that Agra is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Agra?

Agra has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Agra, 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.