A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Islamabad vs. Dublin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Islamabad or Dublin?

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 Dublin 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 Dublin?

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.

Dublin

Dublin is the vibrant and fun capital city of Ireland and home to over a third of the country's population. There are almost 2 million people in the metropolitan area. It's also the most common entry point into the country for visitors. Once you arrive, its a good idea to head over to the main tourist office in St. Andrew's Church off Grafton Street. They can give you maps and information to make sure your trip is efficient and fun. Many people enjoy seeing what remains of the Georgian architecture throughout the city. Much of the city is also modernist in style with many blocks made up of offices.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Dublin or Islamabad?

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 Dublin is $154. 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 Dublin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Dublin $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Dublin $146
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Dublin

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Dublin? 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.

Hotels in Islamabad


Hotels in Dublin


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 Dublin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.67
    Dublin $21

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Dublin:


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dublin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dublin:

  • One-Way Private Transfer to Killarney: $780
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Galway: $673
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Cork City: $640
  • Shannon: Private Airport Arrival Transfer to Dublin: $619
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Shannon Airport: $619
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Limerick: $587
  • Dublin Airport:, Executive/chauffeur transfer to Belfast: $565
  • Private transfer service from Dublin to Galway: $499
  • Private transfer service from Dublin to Belfast: $431
  • Dublin Glasnevin National Cemetery Audio Tour with Transfers: $341
  • Dublin Zoo Skip-the-line Tickets and Private Transfers: $307
  • Collon House & Garden To Dublin Airport Or City Private Chauffeur Transfer : $298

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Dublin?

Prices for flights to both Dublin 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Islamabad $15
    Dublin $53

Typical Food Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dublin:


  • Lunch Lynam's Pub
    $4.23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dublin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dublin.

  • Discover the Flavors of Dublin on a Guided Street Food Tour: $30
  • Dublin 3-Course Dinner and Live Shows at The Irish House Party: $31
  • No Diet Club - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $59
  • Dublin Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner: $60
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $62
  • Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner: $72
  • Delicious Walking Food Tour: $81
  • Delicious Dublin Food Tour: $82
  • Dublin Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $87
  • Howth Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Tour: $96
  • Bread, Beer & Bia: Irish Cooking Class & Dinner in Dublin: $99
  • Irish Craic & Cuisine: Cooking Class & Dinner in Central Dublin: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Dublin $27

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dublin

Here are a few typical costs in Dublin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Wild Wicklow Tour
    $28
  • Guinness Brewery for Two
    $29
  • St Pauls Cathedral
    $4.82
  • Dublin Writer's Museum
    $6.75

Tours and Activities in Dublin

Here are a few actual costs in Dublin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • A Self Guided Walking Tour of Dublin's Docklands: $12
  • (Small Group) Cliffs of Moher and Castle Tour from Dublin: $141
  • 1-Hour Cocktail Masterclass Experience in Dublin: $49
  • 2 Hours Senior’s Historical Private Walking Tour of Dublin : $193
  • 2-Day Southern Ireland Tour from Dublin:Including Blarney and Cliffs of Moher: $217
  • 2-Day Wild Atlantic Way Tour From Dublin: $217
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour from Dublin : $21
  • 3-Hour Drinks on Foot Dublin Walking Guided Tour: $30
  • 4-Day Grand Atlantic Rail Tour from Dublin: $1,181
  • 5-Day Tour of West Ireland: Blarney Stone & Cliffs of Moher: $1,461
  • 6-Day Tour of Southern Ireland from Dublin: $946
  • A Guided Walking Tour of Trinity College Campus: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Dublin $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Dublin

Also in Dublin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Authentic Brewery Tour: $11
  • Generation Pub Crawl: $15
  • Dublin Epic Pub Crawl: Experience Dublin's pubs and nightlife: $15
  • "Dublin Delight Pub Expedition" Pub Crawl: $16
  • The Dublin Liberties Distillery: Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $18
  • The Dublin Liberties Distillery - Guided Tour and Whiskey Tasting: $19
  • Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $22
  • Exclusive Brewery Tour and Tasting at Kildare Brewing Co, Sallins: $22
  • Skip the Line: Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour and Tasting in Dublin Ticket: $22
  • The Black Experience Pub Tour: $22
  • City Pub Crawl Experience: $24
  • Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery Experience: $24


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Dublin, we can see that Dublin 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 Dublin 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 Dublin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dublin 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 Dublin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Dublin, 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Dublin. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is much warmer than Dublin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Dublin averages at about 16°C (60°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 Dublin. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun.

Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Dublin. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Dublin 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

In October, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Dublin 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 Dublin during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Dublin. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Dublin 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Dublin in the Winter?

Both Dublin and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Islamabad is much warmer than Dublin in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Dublin. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Dublin 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Dublin. Also, many visitors come to Dublin in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Dublin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Dublin averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Dublin. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Dublin 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dublin and Islamabad

Islamabad Dublin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in)