Which place is cheaper, Budapest or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Islamabad or Budapest?
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 Budapest 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 Budapest?
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.
Budapest
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. It has been called the "Paris of the East" because of its impressive architecture and general beauty. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987 because of its cultural importance, its location on the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrassy Avenue. In addition to its rich history, Budapest still has a young vibe with a lot of energy. There's an active night life, an impressive music scene, and a good reputation with European youth.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Budapest $91
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Budapest is $91. 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 Budapest in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Budapest $50
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Budapest $100
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Budapest
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Budapest? 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 Budapest Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67Budapest $11
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 Budapest
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:
-
Short Taxi Ride$7.05
-
Metro Pass$3.87
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest
Also for Budapest, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- T72 Tank Driving with Hummer Transfer: $1,603
- Budapest - Hungary to Bucharest - Romania /Private Transfer: $1,298
- Bucharest - Romania to Budapest - Hungary /Private Transfer: $1,190
- Private transfer from Budapest to Prague: $1,066
- Private transfer from Budapest to Zagreb: $936
- Transfer from Vienna to Budapest: $710
- From Bucharest: One-way Private Fast Transfer to Budapest: $646
- Budapest-Vienna Private Transfer by Luxury Vehicle: $646
- Private transfer from Budapest to Vienna: $592
- Private transfer between Budapest and Vienna: $474
- Budapest-Vienna One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295
- Budapest-Bratislava One-Way Sightseeing Transfer: $295
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Budapest?
Prices for flights to both Budapest 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 $15Budapest $23
Typical Food Prices in Budapest
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:
-
Lunch$3.44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest
For Budapest, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $45
- Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $46
- Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $52
- Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $53
- Vegan Hungarian Food Tour / Local delights: $57
- Private Street Food Tour: $59
- Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $74
- Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $75
- Chefparade Cooking School_ Hungarian menu: $79
- Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $86
- Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $87
- Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: $91
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Budapest $22
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 Budapest
For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Entrance to the Baths for Two$6.91
Tours and Activities in Budapest
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Budapest.
- Danube Bend Private All Day Tour with Lunch, with entrance fees and cruise: $164
- Private Budapest city tour with a daytime Danube river cruise: $240
- 101 things you have to see in Budapest - Full Day Tour with Lunch & Dessert: $186
- 10PM Budapest Danube Cruise with Live Music & Food or Drinks : $20
- 2 Hour Budapest Market and Tasting Tour: $57
- 2 Hours Buda Castle Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $39
- 2 Hours Budapest Walking Tour with A Private Guide: $130
- 2 Hours Jewish Heritage Walking Tour - Walk with a Historian: $50
- 2-Hour Private Budapest Castle Walking Tour: $127
- 22 Dog-statues in Budapest - an unusual tour: $25
- 3 Hours Budapest Segway Grand City Tour Buda, Margaret and Pest: $93
- 3-Hour Jewish Quarter Walking Tour in Budapest with Historian: $55
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Budapest $18
Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest
Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $22
- The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $22
- Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
- Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
- Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
- Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
- Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
- 8-Tier Hungarian Wine Tasting in a Cozy Downtown Wine Bar: $39
- Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
- Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
- Private Wine Tasting in Budapest: $50
- Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Budapest, we can see that Budapest 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 Budapest 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 Budapest would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Budapest 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 Budapest Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Budapest?
Budapest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Budapest, 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 Budapest?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Islamabad or Budapest in the Summer?
Both Budapest and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Budapest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Budapest averages at about 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Budapest. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Budapest. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Budapest 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Budapest in the Autumn?
Both Budapest and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Budapest because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Budapest. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Budapest 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Budapest in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Budapest. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.
It's quite cold in Budapest in the winter. Islamabad is much warmer than Budapest in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Budapest during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Budapest. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Budapest -1°C (31°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Budapest in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Budapest. Additionally, many travelers come to Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Budapest. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the spring, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Budapest. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Budapest. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Budapest 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Budapest and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Budapest | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | -1°C (31°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 48 mm (1.9 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.