Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Bilbao?
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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao?
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.
Bilbao
The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Bilbao $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is $147. 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 Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Bilbao $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Bilbao $156
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Bilbao? 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 Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67Bilbao $28
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $420
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $318
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $318
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to San Sebastian Airport: $291
- Private Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian: $268
- Private Transfer from Bilbao city to San Sebastian Airport: $268
- Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $253
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Logroño city: $245
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $245
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Logroño Airport : $245
- Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Pamplona city: $230
- Bilbao Airport Transfers to Vitoria-Gasteiz: $210
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao 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 $15Bilbao $48
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $113
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $115
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
- The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $135
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $135
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $156
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $198
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Bilbao $31
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 Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- PRIVATE San Sebastian and Basque Coast Tour from Bilbao: $290
- Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $81
- Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $386
- BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $36
- Basque Coast Tour: Vizcaya Bridge, Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika: $66
- Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,152
- Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside): $60
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $286
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $281
- Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $377
- Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $253
- Bilbao : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $48
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Bilbao $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
- Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
- Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $80
- Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $81
- Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $178
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $188
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Bilbao: $201
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $217
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $241
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $242
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao 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 Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Bilbao?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?
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 Bilbao in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Bilbao. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is much warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.
Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Bilbao. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Bilbao in the Autumn?
Both Bilbao and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Bilbao in the Winter?
Both Bilbao and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months.
Islamabad is much warmer than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Bilbao in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Bilbao. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.
In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.
Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 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.