Which place is cheaper, Chennai or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Chennai?
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 Chennai 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 Chennai?
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.
Chennai
Formerly known as Madras from its colonial history, Chennai today is one of India's largest cities and capital of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the Bay of Bengal in southeastern India with an extensive stretch of sandy beaches, plenty of dining and shopping, a number of historic temples, monuments, and churches, plus amusement parks and more.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Adventure Tours to India, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in India.
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Islamabad Prices
Pakistan PricesChennai Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $53Chennai $30
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $53, while the average daily cost in Chennai is $30. 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 Chennai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $21Chennai $14
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $42Chennai $28
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Chennai
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Chennai? 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 Chennai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.70Chennai $2.30
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: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad Private Door to Door Airport Transfer: $54
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chennai
Also for Chennai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 12-Day Guided Tour to Kochi with Transfers: $1,094
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Vellore: Comfortable Travel: $156
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Pondicherry: Comfortable Travel: $130
- Private Transfer from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai: Ultimate Guide: $130
- Private Arrival Transfer: Chennai Airport (MAA) to Pondicherry Hotels: $108
- Chennai Airport: Layover City Guided Tour with Transfers: $48
- From Chennai Mylapore walking trail with Guide & Transfers: $45
- Departure transfer: Chennai hotels to Chennai International Airport: $44
- Private Transfer from Chennai City to Chennai (MAA) Airport: $39
- Bangalore - private departure transfer from Hotel to Airport: $35
- Private Chennai Airport Transfer Arrival to Hotel: $30
- Private Transfer from Chennai City Hotel to Chennai Airport: $30
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Chennai?
Prices for flights to both Chennai 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 $26Chennai $9.75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chennai
For Chennai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Ayurvedic or South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with an Author: $40
- Vegetarian South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai with Vidhya: $48
- PRIVATE Chennai Cooking Class in a Local Home with Meena: $54
- Private Market Visit & Cooking Class in Sundari's Chennai Home: $54
- South Indian Vegetarian Cooking Class near Chennai Airport: $62
- Traditional Indian Art, Craft and Cooking Tour: $71
- Private Authentic Indian Cooking Demo in Chennai in Tara's Home: $76
- Private tour to learn Traditional Indian Art, craft & Cooking: $80
- Neighborhood Market Tour & South Indian Cooking Class in Chennai: $152
- Food Trail In Sowcarpet With Transport And Dinner - Chennai: $200
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.51Chennai $2.44
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Best of Islamabad City Landmarks Exploration Tour (Private & Guided).: $95
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Best of One-Day Sightseeing Tour: $90
- Discover Peshawar Full Day Guided Tour from Islamabad: $135
- Discover Peshawar Full Day Guided Tour from Islamabad: $200
- Discover Taxila Private City Tour of World Heritage Unesco Sites: $95
- Exclusive Luxury Private Tour: Discover the Gems of Islamabad: $80
- Explore Takht I Bahi and Peshawar Full Day Tour from Islamabad: $160
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
- From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
- Full Day Islamabad & Taxila UNESCO Site Tour: $92
- Full Day Islamabad Guided City Tour: $100
Tours and Activities in Chennai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chennai.
- 2 Day Royal Enfield Motorcycle tour from Chennai to Pondicherry & Mahabalipuram: $267
- 2-Day Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra from Chennai with Both Side Commercial Flights: $254
- 2-Day Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra from Chennai with Both side Commercial Flights: $276
- 2-Days Private Udaipur City Tour with Boat Ride: $116
- 6-Day Classical Tamil Nadu Private Tour from Chennai: $250
- 7-Day Spiritual Tamil Nadu Private Tour from Chennai: $526
- Agra Taj Tour from Chennai: $292
- All Inclusive Chennai Full & Half-Day Tour with Hotel Pickup: $48
- Auroville and Pondicherry Tour from Chennai: $134
- Best Of Chennai- Classic Tour on Royal Enfield Motorcycle: $160
- Best of Chennai and Mahabalipuram Full Day Private Guided Tour: $99
- Best of Guided Half Day City Tour with a local: $43
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.89Chennai $2.71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Chennai, we can see that Islamabad is more expensive. And not only is Chennai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chennai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chennai 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 Islamabad would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Islamabad than you might in Chennai.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Chennai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Chennai?
Chennai has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Chennai, 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.
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.