Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Guangzhou?
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 Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou?
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.
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Guangzhou $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $89. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Guangzhou $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Guangzhou $114
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Guangzhou? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.68Guangzhou $14
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 International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- 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: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Private Day Tour to Zhuhai from Guangzhou by Private Transfer: $300
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
- Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $120
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou and Zhuhai City Area : $104
- Private Arrival Transfer in English-speaking: Airport to Hotel: $99
- Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $88
- Guangzhou Airport Transfer by 6 seat mpv: $74
- Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $70
- Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou with Private Transfer: $69
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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 $15Guangzhou $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Guangzhou Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $100
- Yum Cha Dim Sum Dinner and Pearl River Night Cruise Private Tour : $110
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
- Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Guangzhou $18
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Shopping Tour: Full Day Islamabad Markets Exploration Tour: $90
- Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
- Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
- Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
- 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Private Tour of Foshan: The Ancestral Temple and Other Options from Guangzhou : $167
- 1 Day Guangzhou City Highlight Layover Tour from Airport: $276
- 1 Day Historical Guangzhou Layover Tour from Airport: $260
- 1-Day Guangzhou Airport Layover Visa-Free Private City Tour: $185
- 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Option: $95
- 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
- AAAAA Top National Natural Preserve Dinghu Mountain Private Tour: $300
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Lotus Hill and Shawan Old Town from Guangzhou: $229
- Big Buddha Lotus Hill Ancient Quarry Seagull Island Private Tour : $300
- Big Buddha Mountain Martial Art Culture Countryside Private Tour: $220
- Canton Tower and Pearl River Cruise Guangzhou Private Night Tour: $140
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Guangzhou $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Guangzhou, we can see that Guangzhou is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Guangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?
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 Guangzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Guangzhou.
It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is a little warmer than Guangzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Guangzhou. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 220 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Guangzhou. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Guangzhou and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In the autumn, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 25°C (76°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Guangzhou during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 192 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Guangzhou in the Winter?
Both Guangzhou and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit.
In January, Islamabad is generally around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Guangzhou. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 133 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Guangzhou. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Guangzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Guangzhou.
Islamabad is a little warmer than Guangzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Guangzhou during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 78 hours of full sun in the spring.
Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.