Which place is cheaper, Cologne or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Cologne?
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 Cologne 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 Cologne?
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.
Cologne
Spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, the city of Cologne dates back 2,000 years, once existing as the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire in medieval times. Today, it is the region's cultural hub - a center of museums, galleries, and towering Gothic cathedrals.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Luxury Tours to Germany, and The Best Budget Tours to Germany.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Cologne $172
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Cologne is $172. 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 Cologne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Cologne $97
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Cologne $194
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Cologne
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Cologne? 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 Cologne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67Cologne $20
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 Cologne
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cologne:
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Cologne hotels - Round-trip Private Transfer : $98
- Transfer from Cologne Airport CGN to Cologne City by Luxury Car: $83
- Superior Private Transfer from Cologne City to Dortmund City: $64
- Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) to Bonn hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Cologne hotels to Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Cologne?
Prices for flights to both Cologne 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 $15Cologne $54
Typical Food Prices in Cologne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cologne:
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Dinner$15
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Donner Kebab$4.29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cologne
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cologne.
- Hard Rock Café with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Hard Rock Cafe Cologne With Set Lunch or Dinner: $29
- Köln Südstadt kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
- 3-Hour Südstadt Food Tour: $484
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Cologne $22
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 Cologne
Here are a few actual costs in Cologne for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 120min - Cologne City Tour: $158
- 3-Hour Cologne Street Art Bike Tour in Small Group with Guide: $44
- 3-Hour Murder Mystery Interactive City Walking Tour in Köln: $75
- 5 Hours Cologne to Aachen Train Tour in Germany: $63
- Aachen City Hall tour (public): $20
- Aachen Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $231
- Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
- Aachen Scavenger Hunt and Self Guided Walking Tour on your Phone: $7.63
- Aachen old town tour - GERMAN (public): $13
- Amusing Stories of Cologne Walking Tour: $13
- Ancient Echoes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Roman Cologne: $11
- Awesome Sites of Cologne – Private Family Walking Tour: $397
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Cologne $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Cologne
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cologne:
- Public brewery tour in German in Cologne: $18
- Old Town Walking Tour with Brewery and Kölsch Beer: $18
- Guided tour of the old town with a visit to the brewery in Cologne: $19
- Old Town Walking Tour inkl Brewery Visit: $24
- Entertaining Brewery Tour: Feel Good Package including local beer: $27
- South Cologne Walking Tour with brewery visit: $27
- Pub Crawl Cologne Including Admission Fee for Bars and Shots: $27
- Brewery Tour with 3 Kölsch Beer Tastings: $30
- Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting and Halven Hahn: $31
- The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $32
- The Legendary Kölsch Brewery Tour: $33
- Cologne-Nippes: Gourmet wine tasting with cheese platter: $64
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Cologne, we can see that Cologne 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 Cologne 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 Cologne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cologne 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 Cologne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Cologne?
Cologne has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Cologne, 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 Cologne?
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 Cologne in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Cologne. Also, many visitors come to Cologne in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 184 hours of full sun.
Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Cologne. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Cologne 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Cologne in the Autumn?
Both Cologne and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Cologne for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Islamabad is much warmer than Cologne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Cologne fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 104 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Cologne. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Cologne 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Cologne in the Winter?
Both Cologne and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cologne because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Cologne can be very cold. In the winter, Islamabad is much warmer than Cologne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Cologne averages at about 3°C (37°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Cologne. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cologne receives 43 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Cologne. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Cologne 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Cologne in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Cologne. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cologne this time of year.
In April, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Cologne. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Cologne fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Cologne during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Cologne receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Cologne. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cologne receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Cologne 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cologne and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Cologne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.