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

Should you visit Islamabad or Boston?

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 Boston 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 Boston?

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.

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest and most historic cities in New England. It is also the capital of the state of Massachusetts and the largest city in the region. The city proper covers 48 square miles and has a population of more than 600,000. The Greater Boston area has 4.5 million people and is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the country.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Boston 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 Boston is $255. 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 Boston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Boston $166
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Boston $332
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Boston

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Boston? 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 Boston


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 Boston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.67
    Boston $37

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Boston

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Boston are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $35
  • Subway Daily Pass
    $9.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Boston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Boston:

  • Luxor Limo Private Transfer and City Tour: $1,195
  • Private Transfer: between Manhattan and Boston: $968
  • Flynn Cruiseport Private Transfer to Boston: $688
  • Round trip Airport Transfer: Logan - Boston: $300
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS): Private Transfer to Boston city: $244
  • Boston’s Logan International Airport to Providence – Arrival Private Transfer : $170
  • Boston Airport (BOS): Transfer to Flynn Cruise Port Boston: $169
  • Private Transfer in Boston (BOS) Airport/Home/Hotel/Work : $160
  • Limo Private Transfer Boston to Logan International Airport : $160
  • Limo Private Transfer Logan International Airport to Boston: $160
  • Boston Logan Airport (BOS) to Boston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $158
  • Private Transfer between Boston Logan Airport and Boston City: $150

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Boston?

Prices for flights to both Boston 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
    Boston $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Boston

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

  • AM Coffee Walks with Salem Food Tours: $34
  • Boston's North End Pizza & History Walking Food Tour: $49
  • North End Pizza Tour with 3 Slices and Cannoli: $55
  • Boston Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
  • North End Food Experience with Pizza, Meats & Cheese: $75
  • Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on Boston Harbor: $77
  • Boston's North End Small Group Food Tour : $81
  • Ultimate Boston Food Tour: North End & Boston Public Market: $89
  • Ultimate Food Tour of North End & Public Market: $89
  • Union Square, Somerville Neighborhood Food Tour: $90
  • Boston Harbor: Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $108
  • Local Gems of the South End Neighborhood Food Tour: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Boston $33

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 Boston

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


  • Two Tickets to Celtics Game
    $101
  • Duck Tour
    $32

Tours and Activities in Boston

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

  • "Ghosts of Boston" Walking Ghost Tour: $25
  • "Witch Trials" Walking Tour in Salem: $25
  • 1 If By Land Walking Tours: History Walking Tour of Boston: $45
  • 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with Harbor Cruise Option: $46
  • 1-Day Tour to Portland-Maine from Boston: $175
  • 1692 Salem Day Tour: $32
  • 1692 Salem Night Walking Tour: $32
  • 2 Hour North End 'Little Italy' Walking Tour : $35
  • 2-Hour Beacon Hill True Crime Expert Guided Tour: $35
  • 90-Minute Boston Harbor Sunset Sightseeing Cruise: $43
  • A Bostonian Christmas Tour: $425
  • A Bostonian Christmas Tour: $216

For more ideas for your next trip, check out Free Things to Do in Boston, Must-See Monuments and Memorials In Boston, and The Best Things To Do in Boston with Kids.


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

Sample the Local Flavors in Boston

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Boston:

  • Boston Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Haunted Pub Crawl of Historic Pubs and Taverns: $30
  • Boston Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $34
  • Salem Booze and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl by US Ghost Adventures: $35
  • History Pub Crawl Tour Along the Freedom Trail: $59
  • Boston Small-Group Freedom Trail History Tour Pub Crawl: $60
  • Boston Signature Guided Brewery Tour: $105
  • Guided Craft Brewery Tour with a Snack: $105


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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Boston?

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

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 Boston in the Summer?

Both Boston and Islamabad during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Boston for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is a little warmer than Boston in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and Boston fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Boston, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad often gets less sunshine than Boston. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 304 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Boston. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Boston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Boston 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Boston in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Boston. Furthermore, many visitors come to Boston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Islamabad is much warmer than Boston. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Boston averages at about 54°F (12°C).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Boston during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 194 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Boston. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Boston 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Boston in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Boston. Additionally, most visitors come to Boston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Boston can be very cold during winter. In January, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Boston. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Boston fluctuates around 29°F (-2°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 Boston. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Boston receives 153 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Boston. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Boston 29°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Boston in the Spring?

Both Boston and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Boston because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Islamabad is much warmer than Boston in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Boston fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Boston. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Boston during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Boston receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Boston. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Boston receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Boston 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Boston and Islamabad

Islamabad Boston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 29°F (-2°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 30°F (-1°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 38°F (4°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 48°F (9°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 58°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 72°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 64°F (18°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 45°F (7°C) 4.3 inches (108 mm)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 33°F (1°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)