Which place is cheaper, Dharamsala or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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.
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.
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.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Dharamsala is $35. 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.
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.
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dharamsala.
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dharamsala are as follows:
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?.
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.