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

Should you visit Islamabad or Bali?

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 Bali 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 Bali?

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.

Bali

Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.

Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Bali 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 Bali is $73. 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 Bali in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Bali $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Bali $84
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Bali

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Bali? 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 Bali


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 Bali Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Bali $9.03

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
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • 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 Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:


  • Motorbike Rental
    $3.10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:

  • Bali Spiritual: Blessing Ceremony, Pristine Nature and Transfer: $109
  • BALI PARAGLIDING Fly, Swing and Soaring above the sea with private transfer: $103
  • West Beach Nusa Penida Tour with Speedboat Transfer from Sanur: $99
  • Horse Riding on the Black Sand Beach and Free Hotel Transfers: $74
  • Nusa Penida All-Inclusive Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $66
  • Ubud: Sky Bike and Jungle Swing Experience with Transfer: $63
  • Bali to/from Gili Gede: Fast Boat (Optional Bali Transfer): $60
  • Bali Parasailing Adventure,Banana Boat,Jet Ski and Donut Boat with Transfers: $59
  • Bali Massage with Transfer to International Bali Airport (DPS): $58
  • Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking Experience with Transfer: $57
  • Bali Spa Treatment with Airport Transfers (Departure): $56
  • Devdan Treasure of the Archipelago Show with Transfer from Bali: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Bali?

Prices for flights to both Bali 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
    Bali $21

Typical Food Prices in Bali

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


  • Coffee
    $1.24
  • Lunch for Two
    $14
  • Bali Cafe for Two
    $27
  • Lunch for Two
    $8.07
  • Lunch for 2
    $8.93
  • Dinner for 2
    $9.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali

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

  • Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset : $29
  • Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset in the Beach: $30
  • Uluwatu Temple Kecak And Dinner Half Day Private Guided Tour: $30
  • Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $31
  • Pirate Dinner Cruise with Shows, Games, and Music: $33
  • From Ubud: Authentic Cooking Class in a Local Village: $35
  • From Ubud: Balinese Cooking Class at an Organic Farm: $35
  • Seminyak: Balinese Cooking Class & Market Tour: $45
  • Evening Bali Mangrove Canoe Tour with Dinner: $46
  • Bali Cooking Class and Ubud Sightseeing Tour : $48
  • Padang-Padang Beach+ Uluwatu Sunset and Kecak Dance + Dinner: $49
  • Bali's Best Sunset: Uluwatu Kecak Dance & Dinner Jimbaran Beach: $50

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Bali $11

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

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

  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
  • Shopping Tour: Full Day Islamabad Markets Exploration Tour: $90
  • Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
  • Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
  • City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
  • Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
  • Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
  • 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
  • Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140

Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali

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


  • Spa for Two
    $54
  • Snorkelling Trip
    $12
  • Cooking School
    $28

Tours and Activities in Bali

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

  • ATV Rafting Jungle Swing Private Guided Tour : $63
  • Bali Telaga Waja White Water Rafting Adventure : $47
  • Lembongan Snorkeling and Island Tour: $80
  • Nusa Penida Snorkeling Adventure (Private & All-Inclusive): $129
  • Private Tours Tegenungan Waterfall Ubud Palace & Market: $80
  • Sightseeing to Ulundanu temple, banyumala waterfall & Tanah lot: $57
  • White Water Rafting Adventure at Telaga Waja River : $43
  • (BCR Rafting) Rafting Adventure in Telaga Waja River 18km: $55
  • 2 Day Tours Ubud Art Village, Dance And Other Tourist Attractions: $186
  • 3-Days Lombok,Gili island Tour Hopping around departure from Bali island: $300
  • 30 minutes tandem Paragliding tours in Bali with free photo/video: $185
  • 5 Hours Bali Blue Lagoon Snorkeling Tour Including Tanjung Jepun: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Bali $3.20


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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Bali?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Bali. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Bali, 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 Bali?

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

Should I visit Islamabad or Bali in the Summer?

Both Bali and Islamabad during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round.

The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Bali. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Bali, 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 Bali. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 253 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Bali. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Bali receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year. April to September is the dry season in Bali.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Bali 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Bali in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Bali. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Islamabad is generally around the same temperature as Bali. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Bali fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Bali during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 266 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Bali. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Bali receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Bali 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Bali in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Bali. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year.

Islamabad is much colder than Bali in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Bali fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Bali. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bali receives 170 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Bali. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bali receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March in Bali is the rainy season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Bali 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Bali in the Spring?

Both Bali and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Bali. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Bali averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Bali. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Bali during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Bali receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Bali. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bali receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Bali is April to September.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Bali 27°C (81°F)

Typical Weather for Bali and Islamabad

Islamabad Bali
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 26°C (79°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)