Which place is cheaper, Hanoi or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Hanoi?
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 Hanoi 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 Hanoi?
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.
Hanoi
Hanoi is the chaotic capital of Vietnam, and it serves as a great introduction to the country for many travelers. It's the second largest city in the country after Saigon and is an interesting combination of East meets West. There's traditional Vietnamese culture with subtle influences brought by the French. The city continues to grow and change rapidly and it's easy to get lost amidst the chaos.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Adventure Tours to Vietnam, and The Best Eco Tours in Vietnam.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Hanoi $49
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Hanoi is $49. 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 Hanoi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Hanoi $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Hanoi $50
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Hanoi
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Hanoi? 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 Hanoi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.68Hanoi $6.89
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 Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hanoi:
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Taxi to Bus Station$1.20
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Shuttle Bus From Airport (for Two)$3.20
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Local Bus Ride (for Two)$0.40
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Short Taxi Ride$1.36
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Short Motorbike Ride (10 Minutes)$0.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hanoi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hanoi:
- Halong Bay: 3-Day 2-Night 4-Star Cruise with Transfer: $450
- Private Transfer to/from Sapa: $352
- Transfer to Sapa Private car: $300
- Luxury Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days-1 Night with 5 Star included transfer & pick up: $290
- 3-Day Halong Bay Cruise with Round-trip Transfer From Hanoi: $285
- 3-Day Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay 5-Star Cruise & Transfer: $280
- Hanoi Private Transfer from Hanoi (HAN) Airport to Vinh City: $258
- Overnight Halong Bay Cruise Including Transfer Service and Kayaking or Bamboo Boat Activities: $250
- Peony Cruise 5* Lan Hạ Bay 2 days 1 night with 2 ways transfer: $229
- Hanoi - Sapa One Way Private Transfer: $210
- 2-Day Ninh Binh & Halong Bay With Transfer: $210
- Halong Bay Seaplane Tour with Transfer from Hanoi by expressway: $205
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Hanoi?
Prices for flights to both Hanoi 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 $15Hanoi $13
Typical Food Prices in Hanoi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hanoi:
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High End Dinner (for Two)$12
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.39
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Bowl of Pho$0.80
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Italian Dinner (for Food)$6.19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hanoi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hanoi.
- Street Food Tour (Group/Individual): $5.13
- (Group/Individual) HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR : $5.13
- Hanoi Street Food Tour Visit Train Street Add Old Quarter: $19
- Hanoi Walking Street Food Tour: $20
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $22
- Hanoi Street Food Tour: $23
- Ngon ngon & Authentic Hanoi Food Tour: $23
- Mad Monkey Hoi An Cooking Class & Bamboo Boats: $23
- Vietnamese Street Food Tour with a Local Guide: $24
- Vietnamese Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $24
- Walking Street Food Tour Small Group with Local Guide: $24
- Guided Half-Day Hanoi Street Food Tour: $25
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Hanoi $8.51
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hanoi
Here are a few typical costs in Hanoi for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Puppet Theater$1.60
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The Hanoi Hilton Entrance$1.60
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National History Museum$1.60
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Puppet Theater Ticket$2.80
Tours and Activities in Hanoi
Here are a few actual costs in Hanoi for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Luxury Arcady Cruise Tour from Hanoi by Express Limousine: $75
- 2 Day Golden Bay Cruise Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi: $220
- 2 Day Private Guided Tour in Pu Luong Nature Hanoi: $169
- 4 Days 3 Nights Ha Giang Loop Tour from Hanoi by Sleeper Bus: $235
- 4 Hours and 30 Minutes Historical Hanoi Army Jeep Tour: $58
- 5 Days Motorbike Tour in Ha Giang Loop From Hanoi: $265
- Beautiful Female Riders Vespa Red River Countryside Tour 5 Hours: $65
- From Halong Bay by Scenic Seaplane and Luxury Day Cruise: $230
- Full Day Tour in Hanoi City: $35
- Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour-Cave, Kayaking,Ti top island & Lunch: $41
- Ha Noi Private city tour and water puppet private tour: $59
- Ha Noi private city tour full day and cyclo: $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Hanoi $7.70
Sample the Local Flavors in Hanoi
Also in Hanoi, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Hanoi Beer and Brewery Tour: $48
- Half-Day Guided Tour Australian Beef with Wine Tasting & Rickshaw in Hanoi: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Hanoi, we can see that Hanoi 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 Hanoi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hanoi 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 Hanoi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Hanoi?
Hanoi has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Hanoi, 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 Hanoi?
Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Hanoi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Islamabad or Hanoi in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Hanoi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Hanoi throughout the year.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Hanoi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Hanoi averages at about 29°C (84°F).
It's quite rainy in Hanoi. Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Hanoi. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year. May to September in Hanoi is the rainy season.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Hanoi 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Hanoi in the Autumn?
Both Hanoi and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Hanoi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Islamabad is generally around the same temperature as Hanoi. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Hanoi fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hanoi. In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Hanoi. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Hanoi is November to April.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Hanoi 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Hanoi in the Winter?
Both Hanoi and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Hanoi year-round.
Islamabad is cooler than Hanoi in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Hanoi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Islamabad usually gets more rain in January than Hanoi. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Hanoi 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Hanoi in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Hanoi. Hanoi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Islamabad is a little warmer than Hanoi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Hanoi averages at about 24°C (75°F).
Hanoi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Hanoi. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hanoi receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to April in Hanoi is the dry season. Also, May to September is the rainy season in Hanoi.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Hanoi 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Hanoi and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Hanoi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.