Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Islamabad or Beijing?
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 Beijing 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 Beijing?
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.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
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 Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Beijing $39
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Beijing? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.68Beijing $7.63
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 International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- 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: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
-
Taxi$4.71
-
Train from Airport for Two$6.90
-
Taxi to Hotel$8.28
-
2 Metro Passes$2.21
-
Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Beijing Layover Tour with Hutong, Temple of Heaven and Airport Transfer: $296
- Beijing to Zun Hua Explore Qing Emperor's Tombs By Car Transfer : $285
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $265
- Private Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace with A Guide: $259
- Beijing Great Wall and Imperial Palace Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $256
- Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise port to Mutianyu Great Wall of China : $221
- Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port to Beijing with stop at Great Wall : $221
- Private Transfer between Beijing and Beidaihe: $208
- Beijing Universal Resort One Day Admission Tickets with Private Transfers: $207
- Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $205
- Beijing Transfer Service: Jinshanling Great Wall and Chengde Summer Resort: $198
- Mutianyu Great Wall with transfer from and to Capital Airport: $194
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing 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 dayIslamabad $15Beijing $21
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
-
Popcorn$0.83
-
Hot Pot Dinner$6.90
-
Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
-
Watermelon$1.93
-
Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
-
Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Nangong Hot Spring Water World with Dinner: $38
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Discovery more local Beijing evening food Tour: $89
- 4-hour Evening Tour: Jingshan Hill, Beihai Park & Hutongs Street Food Tour: $105
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Beijing $24
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 Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.28
-
Two Opera Tickets$59
-
Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.66
-
Forbidden City (for 2)$17
-
Forbidden City Tickets$17
-
Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
- Beijing Art Tour: Seeing Fantastic Ming Murals at Fa Hai Temple : $220
- Classic One Day Beijing Tour: $240
- Forbidden City Tour : $110
- Mutianyu Great Wall And Ming Tomb Private One Day Tour: $205
- Mutianyu Great Wall and Ming Tomb Private Tour: $190
- Private Day to T-Square, Forbidden city, Temple of heaven, Summer palace Tour : $177
- Private Temple of Heaven Walking Tour w/ Options Nearby: $90
- The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Entrance Ticket: $8.00
- 1 Day Romantic Tour in Oriental Provence Lavender Manor and Mutianyu Great Wall: $208
- 1 day Summer Palace+Yonghe Temple+Confucius Temple Private Tour: $280
- 1-Day Beijing Private tour: Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace: $267
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Private Tour-Drum Tower, Hutong Food Taste and Local Brewery Beer: $150
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Beijing, we can see that Beijing 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing 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 Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Beijing, 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 Beijing?
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 Beijing in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Beijing. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Beijing. Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Beijing. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Islamabad is much warmer than Beijing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Beijing during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Beijing. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Beijing in the Winter?
Both Beijing and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Beijing in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Beijing can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Islamabad is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Beijing averages at about -4°C (26°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the winter, Islamabad often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets more rain in January than Beijing. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Beijing. Also, most visitors come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Beijing. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.