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

Should you visit Islamabad or Brisbane?

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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane?

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.

Brisbane

Although Brisbane is often overlooked as a travel destination in Australia, it is the capital of the state of Queensland, and is the third largest city in Australia. It's a very young and vibrant city with an active nightlife and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It's a modern and economically thriving city and, if you do have time to visit, it actually has a lot to offer travelers. It has some beautiful scenery, a wonderful warm climate all year long, and is actually one of the fastest growing cities in Australia.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Brisbane 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 Brisbane is $133. 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 Brisbane in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Brisbane $82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Brisbane $164
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Brisbane

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Brisbane? 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 Brisbane


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 Brisbane Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.67
    Brisbane $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
  • Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
  • Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
  • Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • 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 Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Brisbane:


  • Airtrain to the City
    $9.91
  • Go Card
    $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Brisbane

Also for Brisbane, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Theme Park Return Transfer: $529
  • Private Transfer between Brisbane/BNE Airport -Gold Coast / OOL Airport(1-11Pax): $297
  • NOOSA: Private Transfer to/fro Brisbane Airport (BNE): $254
  • Private Transfer to Gold Coast /OOL Airport from Brisbane /BNE Airport (1-7 Pax): $228
  • Brisbane Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $208
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane Port: $208
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE): Private Transfer to Brisbane hotels: $186
  • Airport Transfer: Brisbane Airport BNE to Brisbane in Luxury Car: $145
  • Sirromet Winery 3 Course Lunch, Tour, Tastings and Transfers: $132
  • Tangalooma Snorkel the Wrecks Day Cruise Transfers: $129
  • Private Transfer: Cruise Port to Brisbane Airport BNE or Brisbane City: $123
  • Tangalooma Marine Discovery Day Cruise Transfers: $122

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Brisbane?

Prices for flights to both Brisbane 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
    Brisbane $31

Typical Food Prices in Brisbane

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Brisbane:


  • Hamburger Lunch
    $5.28
  • Cup of Coffee
    $1.98
  • Chinese Food Lunch
    $8.26
  • Ice cream
    $3.63
  • Japanese Meal
    $14
  • Smoothie
    $4.29
  • Japanese Soup
    $7.60
  • Coffee & Muffin
    $4.62
  • Morning Mint Tea
    $2.31
  • Veggie Burger & Chips
    $9.25
  • Bread
    $1.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Vertigo Dinner: Dining on the edge!: $165

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Brisbane $24

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

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

  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • From 15 Day Trekking Tour of Thalay and Nangma: $3,070
  • From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,065
  • From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
  • From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
  • From Skardu and Baltistan Cultural Tour with Food: $2,339
  • Full Day Private City Tour Of Islamabad: $99
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
  • Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
  • Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
  • City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95

Typical Entertainment Prices in Brisbane

For Brisbane, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Concert Tickets
    $13

Tours and Activities in Brisbane

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

  • 1hr Animal Tour: $43
  • 2hr Animal Tour: $73
  • 3-Hour Walking Tour in Brisbane: $56
  • 45-Minute Behind-the-Tanks Tour on North Stradbroke Island: $32
  • 90min Brisbane River Cruise/Tour: $35
  • Adventure Moreton Island Day Pass: $85
  • All-Inclusive Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Day Cruise Brisbane: $131
  • Barefoot Luxury Mount Tamborine Winery Tour from Brisbane: $178
  • Bellthorpe Rainforest Private Tour: $132
  • Brisbane : Must See Attractions Private Walking Tour: $87
  • Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Audio Tour FREE Ticket: $15
  • Brisbane City Highlights Sightseeing Tour: $116

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Brisbane $51

Typical Alcohol Prices in Brisbane

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Brisbane:


  • Evening at the Bar
    $9.91
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $9.25
  • Guiness Beer
    $5.61
  • Sixpack of Beer
    $8.58

Sample the Local Flavors in Brisbane

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Brisbane:

  • XXXX Brewery Tour: $24
  • XXXX Beer Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting: $24
  • City Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $50
  • Artisinal Wine Tasting and Local 2-Course Meal: $50
  • River Cruise Brewery Tour with Drinks: $65
  • Wine tasting tour to Tamborine Mountain: $104
  • Half Day Gold Coast Brewery Tour: $107
  • Tamborine Wine & Distillery Tour + 2 Course Lunch: $126
  • Brisbane Brewery Full Day Tour with Lunch: $131
  • Mount Tamborine Wine Tasting Tour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast: $132
  • From Mount Tamborine Wine Tour with Gourmet Lunch: $132
  • Gold Coast Full Day Brewery Tour: $134


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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Brisbane?

Brisbane has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Brisbane, 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 Brisbane?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Islamabad has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Islamabad or Brisbane in the Summer?

Both Brisbane and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Brisbane for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Brisbanein January. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbane during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Brisbanein January. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Brisbane 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Brisbane in the Autumn?

Both Brisbane and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Islamabad is a little warmer than Brisbane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Brisbanein April. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.

Brisbane gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Brisbanein April. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Brisbane 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Brisbane in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Brisbane. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

In the winter, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Brisbane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Brisbane averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane 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 Brisbane during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Brisbanein July. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Brisbane 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Brisbane in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Brisbane. Additionally, many travelers come to Brisbane for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Brisbanein October. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the spring, Islamabad often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Brisbanein October. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Brisbanein October. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Brisbane 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Islamabad

Islamabad Brisbane
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 127 mm (5 in)