Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala 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 Dharamsala?
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 Dharamsala 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 Dharamsala?
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.
Dharamsala
With a name that literally means "a spiritual dwelling," Dharamsala roughly translates as a shelter or rest house for pilgrims and travelers. Home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile, Dharamsala is today a popular destination for foreigners on vacation, backpackers seeking the surrounding mountains, as well as students of Buddhism.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Religious Tours in India, and The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in India.
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Islamabad Prices
Pakistan PricesDharamsala Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $53Dharamsala $36
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $53, while the average daily cost in Dharamsala is $36. 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 Dharamsala in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $21Dharamsala $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $42Dharamsala $40
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Dharamsala
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Dharamsala? 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 Dharamsala Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.70Dharamsala $4.51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad Private Door to Door Airport Transfer: $54
- 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
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
- Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
- Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Dharamsala?
Prices for flights to both Dharamsala 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 $26Dharamsala $13
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.51Dharamsala $4.89
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Islamabad and Rawalpindi Sightseeing Tour: $70
- Islamabad Offbeat, Private City Tour Islamabad: $72
- Exclusive Luxury Private Tour: Discover the Gems of Islamabad: $80
- Half Day Private Instagram Guided City Tour: $80
- Private Tour: Islamabad Full Day Customized Exploration Tour: $90
- Best of One-Day Sightseeing Tour: $90
- Full Day Islamabad & Taxila UNESCO Site Tour: $92
- Best of Islamabad City Landmarks Exploration Tour (Private & Guided).: $95
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- Discover Taxila Private City Tour of World Heritage Unesco Sites: $95
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Full Day Islamabad Guided City Tour: $100
Tours and Activities in Dharamsala
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dharamsala are as follows:
- Dharamshala Street Food Crawl ( Guided Food Tasting Tour): $27
- Dharamshala: 2-Day Guided Tour with Waterfall Hike: $208
- Dharamshala: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Lunch: $89
- Discover Dharamshala in a Day: Guided Tour with Hotel Pickup: $73
- Guided Cycling tour in Dharamshala: $26
- Guided Kora Circuit & Walking Tour Around McLeod Ganj: $36
- Hiking Day Tour to Triund from Dharamshala: $36
- Historical Tour, Kangra fort &Rock cut temple from Dharmasla: $99
- Private 2-Days McLeodGanj & Dharamshala Guided Tour: $90
- Private 6 hrs Mcleodganj & Dharamshala City Tour: $58
- The Spiritual Trails of Dharamshala(Guided Walking Tour): $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.89Dharamsala $4.89
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Dharamsala, we can see that Islamabad is more expensive. And not only is Dharamsala much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dharamsala would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dharamsala 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 Dharamsala.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Dharamsala Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Dharamsala?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Dharamsala. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Dharamsala, 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.