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

Should you visit Islamabad or Bern?

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 Bern 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 Bern?

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.

Bern

The capital city of Switzerland, Bern, is a surprisingly small city with a population of only about 130,000. It's located on a peninsula that is created by the turns of the River Aare. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it has a wonderfully preserved old town area. There are about four miles worth of quaint walkways that are lined with clock towers and fountains.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland.


Which place is cheaper, Bern 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 Bern is $252. 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 Bern in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Bern $163
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Bern $326
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Bern

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Bern? 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 Bern


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 Bern Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.67
    Bern $34

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 Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $228
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $214
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $192
  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Bern?

Prices for flights to both Bern 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
    Bern $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

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

  • Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Bern $34

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

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • 007 Elegance:Exclusive Private Tour to Schilthorn from Bern: $633
  • Alpine Heights: Small Group Tour to Jungfraujoch from Bern: $598
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Bern : Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $81
  • Bern : Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide (Private tour): $59
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $7.00
  • Bern Highlights Small-Group Walking Tour with a Local: $157
  • Bern Historical UNESCO Old Town Private Tour: $162
  • Bern Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $60
  • Bern Old City Walking Tour: $464
  • Bern Old Town - Private Historic Walking Tour: $537
  • Bern Private Walking Tour: $336

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Bern $27


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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Bern?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Bern, 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 Bern?

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 Bern in the Summer?

Both Bern and Islamabad during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Bern in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is much warmer than Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and Bern fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Bern, 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 Bern. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 250 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Bern. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Bern receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Bern 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Bern. Also, most visitors come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Islamabad is much warmer than Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Bern averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Bern during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Bern. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Bern receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Bern 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Bern in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Bern. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bern because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bern can be very cold. In January, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Bern. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Bern fluctuates around 3°C (37°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 Bern. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bern receives 65 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Bern. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bern receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Bern 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Bern in the Spring?

Both Bern and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bern this time of year.

Islamabad is much warmer than Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Bern fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Bern during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Bern receives 164 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Bern. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bern receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Bern 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Bern and Islamabad

Islamabad Bern
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)