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

Should you visit Islamabad or Anchorage?

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 Anchorage 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 Anchorage?

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.

Anchorage

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is in the south-central part of the state on the Cook Inlet. It's known for its cultural sites and also as a gateway to nearby wilderness areas and mountains. From the sparkling waters of Cook Inlet to the tallest peaks of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage encompasses incredible adventures and metropolitan appeals that are larger than life. With 1,500 moose, incredible national parks nearby and 60 glaciers a short drive away, it's a dream destination in Alaska.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Anchorage 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 Anchorage is $191. 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 Anchorage in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Anchorage $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Anchorage $234
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Anchorage

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Anchorage? 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 Anchorage


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 Anchorage Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.67
    Anchorage $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

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

  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
  • Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
  • Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
  • Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Anchorage

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Anchorage:

  • SUV-Private Transfer, Whittier Cruise ship to Anchorage: $299
  • SUV-Private Transfer, Anchorage to Whittier Cruise Ship Terminal: $299
  • Anchorage to Seward- Pre-Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $219
  • Seward to Anchorage- Post Cruise Curated Wildlife Tour +Transfer: $197
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Anchorage Airport ANC: $62

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Anchorage?

Prices for flights to both Anchorage 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
    Anchorage $50

Typical Food Prices in Anchorage

Some typical examples of dining costs in Anchorage are as follows:


  • Bread
    $4.25
  • Breakfast for Two
    $17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Anchorage

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Anchorage.

  • City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour: $190

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Anchorage $30

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 Anchorage

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Anchorage are as follows:


  • 1 Day Bike Rental
    $33
  • 1/2 Day Rafting Trip
    $105

Tours and Activities in Anchorage

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Anchorage are as follows:

  • 26 Glacier Tour, Self-Drive from Anchorage, AK: $226
  • 3 Hour Ladies Only Kayak Tour in Knik River: $130
  • Advanced Snowshoeing Adventure: $238
  • Alaska 9 Day Ocean Wildlife to Interior Wilderness Adventure: $6,999
  • Alaska Wildlife Day Tour with Free Hotel Pickup: $115
  • Alaska Wildlife Tour: $110
  • Alaska's Most Scenic E-Bike Adventure: $224
  • Anchorage Brews Tour: $169
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Taste of Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $69
  • Anchorage City Tour w/ Wild Smoked Salmon & Reindeer Sausage: $73
  • Anchorage City Tour, w/Chocolate Factory Samplings & Much More!: $59
  • Anchorage Ice Fishing Adventure: $199

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Anchorage $20

Sample the Local Flavors in Anchorage

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Anchorage:

  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Tour: $109
  • Half-Day Anchorage Craft Brewery Tour and Tastings: $179
  • Guided Tour on Matanuska Glacier w/Alaska Honey & Wine Tasting: $285


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage 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 Anchorage is in North America, 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage 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 Anchorage Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Anchorage?

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

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 Anchorage in the Summer?

Both Anchorage and Islamabad during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is much warmer than Anchorage in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and Anchorage fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Anchorage 59°F (15°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Anchorage. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In the autumn, Islamabad is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Anchorage averages at about 35°F (2°C).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Anchorage 35°F (2°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Anchorage in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Anchorage. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Anchorage 15°F (-9°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Anchorage for the natural beauty during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during spring. Islamabad is much warmer than Anchorage in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Anchorage fluctuates around 36°F (2°C).

It's quite sunny in Anchorage. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Anchorage 36°F (2°C)

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Islamabad

Islamabad Anchorage
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 15°F (-9°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°F (-7°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 26°F (-3°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 36°F (2°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 47°F (8°C) 0.8 inches (20 mm)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 55°F (13°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 59°F (15°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 49°F (9°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°F (-6°C) 1.1 inches (27 mm)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 17°F (-8°C) 1.1 inches (28 mm)