Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Amsterdam?
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 Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam?
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.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Amsterdam $187
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $187. 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 Amsterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Amsterdam $109
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Amsterdam $218
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Amsterdam
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Amsterdam? 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: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67Amsterdam $21
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: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
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Ride on Tram$3.43
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Renting a Bike$16
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One Hour Canal Cruise$11
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Single Day Transit Pass$2.79
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Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport$3.64
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
- Private Transfer to/from Bruges: $829
- Kinderdijk & Delft Private Day Trip w/ Transfers: $807
- Private Transfer to/from Brussels: $743
- Private Transfer to/from Antwerp: $592
- Private Transfer to Bruges: $387
- Amsterdam Cruise Port: Private Transfer to The Hague hotels: $335
- Amsterdam and Rotterdam: 1-Way Private Transfer: $312
- Rotterdam: Private transfer to/from Schiphol Airport: $312
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Amsterdam Airport to Dordrecht: $288
- Private Direct Transfer from Amsterdam to Bruges: $274
- 1-15 persons Taxi or Bus Transfer Airport Amsterdam to Den Haag: $273
- Layover Sightseeing Tour with Airport Transfer: $268
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Amsterdam?
Prices for flights to both Amsterdam 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
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Food Meals for one dayIslamabad $15Amsterdam $47
Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
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Afternoon Tea$6.43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
- Food Tour Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.46
- Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.19
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
- Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
- Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam with Set Lunch or Dinner: $31
- Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise: $32
- Dinner Cruise with Fries Bitterballen and Drink from Amsterdam: $38
- Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
- Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $43
- Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
- Food Tour Jordaan District: $51
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Amsterdam $40
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: Half Day Islamabad Saidpur Village Exploration Tour: $80
- Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
- Guided Top 5 Wonders Exploration Tour: $95
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
- Full Day Private City Tour Of Islamabad: $99
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
- Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum$6.43
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Entry for two to the Anne Frank House$18
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Amsterdam (Museum Quarter) Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Anne Frank Story & Neighborhood Walk Tour in Amsterdam: $46
- Cheese, Wine with Unlimited Drinks in Amsterdam Luxury Cruise: $54
- 1 Hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Audio Guide: $20
- 1 Hour Canal Cruise in Amsterdam: $22
- 1,5 hours Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $164
- 1-Hour Canal Cruise in the Evening : $22
- 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Boat Cruise w/ Dutch snacks & Onboard Bar: $43
- 2 Hour Exclusive Canal Cruise: Including drinks & Dutch snacks: $63
- 2 Hours Private Amsterdam Rickshaw Tour: $213
- 2-Hour Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour: $131
- 2-hour Red Light District and Old Town Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Amsterdam $25
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
- Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
- Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
- Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
- Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
- Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
- Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $33
- Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $38
- Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $38
- Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
- Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting: $43
- Dutch Wine Tasting || Amsterdam City Centre: $48
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Islamabad is in Asia and Amsterdam is in Europe, 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam 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 Islamabad Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Amsterdam, 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 Islamabad or Amsterdam?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Islamabad or Amsterdam in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Amsterdam. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Amsterdam. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.
Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Amsterdam. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Amsterdam in the Autumn?
Both Amsterdam and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.
In October, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Amsterdam in the Winter?
Both Amsterdam and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Amsterdam. Islamabad is much warmer than Amsterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Amsterdam. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Amsterdam in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Amsterdam. Furthermore, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Amsterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.