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

Should you visit Islamabad or Houston?

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 Houston 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 Houston?

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.

Houston

The largest city in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States, Houston is a sprawling urban center that has grown from its wealth in the oil industry. Visitors today are drawn to its cultural diversity which has additionally made Houston a foodie destination. Other attractions to Houston include its proximity to NASA's Space Center Houston on the Gulf coast, and its Downtown which features a vibrant museum and arts scene, shopping, and dining.

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 from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.


Which place is cheaper, Houston 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 Houston is $262. 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 Houston in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Houston $142
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Houston $284
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Houston

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Houston? 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 Houston


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 Houston Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.67
    Houston $72

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Houston

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Houston:

  • William P.Hobby Airport (HOU): Transfer to Port of Galveston: $544
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH): Transfer to Houston: $349
  • George Bush Airport (IAH) to Galveston Port - Arrival Transfer: $194
  • RoundTrip transfer in private minivan from-to HoustonAirport in Houston Downtown: $176
  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston - Arrival Private Transfer: $168
  • Privat Transfer from Houston Airport (HOU) to Port of Galveston: $168
  • William P. Hobby Airport to Galveston Port Arrival Transfer: $168
  • Houston William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Houston George Bush Airport (IAH) to Houston - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
  • Round trip transfer in private car from-to Houston Airport in Houston Downtown: $120
  • Departure Private Transfer: Houston to George Bush Airport IAH in Luxury SUV: $109
  • Arrival Private Transfer: George Bush Airport IAH to Houston in Business Car: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Houston?

Prices for flights to both Houston 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
    Houston $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Houston

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

  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access: $70
  • Downtown Houston Food Tour: $76
  • Houston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $85
  • Houston Downtown: Secret Food Tours: $87
  • Howdy H-Town EADO Food Tour: $90
  • East Downtown Food Tour: $90
  • Montrose Food Tour: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Houston $14

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

Tours and Activities in Houston

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

  • Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $49
  • 2-Hour Private Sightseeing Cart Tour of Houston and Galveston: $256
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Best of Houston City Driving Tour with Live Guide: $45
  • Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Admission and Shuttle: $80
  • Astroville Private Best of Houston City Driving Tour: $370
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $80
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned): $32
  • Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Condtioned): $32
  • Austin & Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Downtown In App Audio Walking Tour: $9.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Houston $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Houston

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

  • Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings: $50
  • Private Houston Brewery Tour by Cart: $57
  • 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart: $70
  • Downtown Houston Brewery Bike Tour : $71


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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Houston?

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

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 Houston in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Houston. Also, many travelers come to Houston for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Houston. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Houston averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Houston. Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Houston. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.8 inches (122 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Houston 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Houston in the Autumn?

Both Houston and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Houston in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Houston. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Houston fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Houston. In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Houston. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Houston receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Houston 71°F (22°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Houston in the Winter?

Both Houston and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Houston for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Islamabad is a little warmer than Houston in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Houston fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Houston. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Houston 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Houston in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Houston. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Houston because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Islamabad is a little warmer than Houston. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Houston averages at about 70°F (21°C).

In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Houston. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Houston receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Houston 70°F (21°C)

Typical Weather for Houston and Islamabad

Islamabad Houston
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 52°F (11°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 63°F (17°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 70°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 76°F (25°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 81°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 84°F (29°C) 4.8 inches (122 mm)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 83°F (29°C) 4.4 inches (113 mm)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 80°F (27°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 71°F (22°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 63°F (17°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)