Which place is cheaper, Cardiff or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Cardiff?
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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff?
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.
Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, and a major port on the country's southern coast. Though Cardiff boomed with the coal industry during the Industrial Revolution, the city began its history as a Roman fort on the River Taff-perhaps taking its name from a combination of the Welsh word for fort (caer) and the name of the river (Taff). The fort still stands today along with many other landmarks that attract tourists each year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Cardiff $196
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Cardiff is $196. 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 Cardiff in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Cardiff $117
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Cardiff $234
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Cardiff
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Cardiff? 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 Cardiff Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67Cardiff $27
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 Cardiff
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cardiff:
- Cardiff Airport (CWL): Transfer to Cardiff Accommodation: $140
- Private Transfer from Mold to Manchester Airport (MAN): $125
- Private Transfer from Holyhead Port to Manchester Airport (MAN): $102
- Arrival Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport CWL to Cardiff by Luxury Vehicle: $96
- Departure Private Transfer from Cardiff to Cardiff Airport CWL by Luxury Vehicle: $96
- Cardiff Private Transfer from Cardiff Airport to City centre: $79
- Newport Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $60
- Private Cardiff Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $58
- Private Cardiff Arrival Transfer- Airport to Hotel / Accommodation : $58
- Cardiff to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Barry Accommodation to Cardiff Airport (CWL) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
- Heathrow Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Cardiff: $16
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Cardiff?
Prices for flights to both Cardiff 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 $15Cardiff $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Cardiff $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 Cardiff
Here are a few actual costs in Cardiff for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 30 Minute Archery Experience in Llangollen: $19
- 30 Minute Axe Throwing Experience in Llangollen: $19
- A Journey through Tudor A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- A Silent Disco Adventure in Cardiff: $22
- Canoe Aqueduct tours Llangollen: $76
- Canyoning with Beezra Experiences in South Wales: $89
- Cardiff All in One Walking Tour: $62
- Cardiff Bay Boat Tour: $15
- Cardiff Bay Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
- Cardiff Bay: Highlights Private Guided Tour: $188
- Cardiff Bay: Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $38
- Cardiff City Private Guided Walking Tour: $178
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Cardiff $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Cardiff
Also in Cardiff, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Gin Tour at Hensol Castle Distillery: $32
- Cardiff Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff 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 Cardiff Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Cardiff?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?
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 Cardiff in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Cardiff. Additionally, many visitors come to Cardiff in the summer 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 Cardiff. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Cardiff averages at about 17°C (63°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun.
Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Cardiff. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Cardiff 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Cardiff in the Autumn?
Both Cardiff and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Cardiff 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 Cardiff during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cardiff. In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Cardiff 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Cardiff in the Winter?
Both Cardiff and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Cardiff can be very cold. Islamabad is much warmer than Cardiff in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Cardiff. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Cardiff 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Cardiff in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Cardiff. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.
In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Cardiff averages at about 9°C (48°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Cardiff 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Cardiff and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Cardiff | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 80 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 57 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 96 mm (3.8 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.