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

Should you visit Islamabad or Hangzhou?

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 Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou?

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.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou is $65. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Hangzhou $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Hangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Hangzhou? 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 Hangzhou


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Hangzhou $8.11

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

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


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
  • Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
  • Hangzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $173
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
  • Private Transfer to Putuo Mountain from Hangzhou: $165
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Shanghai City one way private transfer: $140
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
  • Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
  • Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
  • Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Hangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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
    Hangzhou $18

Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

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


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.35
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

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

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
  • Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen Water Town with Lunch or Dinner: $213

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Hangzhou $20

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 Hangzhou

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

  • Hangzhou Private Day Tour of West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Tea Village: $199
  • West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
  • 2-Day Live-in Temple Buddhist Monk Mediation Experience from Hangzhou: $252
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
  • A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: $246
  • All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $216
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
  • Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
  • Classic Hangzhou Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $227
  • Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Hangzhou $10


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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Hangzhou?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?

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 Hangzhou in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Hangzhou.

The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 29°C (85°F).

It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Hangzhou. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Hangzhou in the Autumn?

Both Hangzhou and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In October, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Hangzhou in the Winter?

Both Hangzhou and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit.

Hangzhou can be very cold during winter. Islamabad is much warmer than Hangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Hangzhou. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Hangzhou in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Hangzhou.

In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Islamabad

Islamabad Hangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)