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

Should you visit Islamabad or Jammu and Kashmir?

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 Jammu and Kashmir 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 Jammu and Kashmir?

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.

Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is the northernmost state of India. It is a mountainous region of the northern Himalayas with sweeping valleys, stunning lakes, and snow-capped scenery dotted with temples. While the region has been known for a border dispute with Pakistan, the unrest has been quieting and tourism is beginning to make a comeback. The area typically draws trekkers, those hoping to visit sacred temples, and others looking to experience Himalayan culture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in India.


Which place is cheaper, Jammu and Kashmir 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 Jammu and Kashmir is $29. 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 Jammu and Kashmir in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Jammu and Kashmir $15
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Jammu and Kashmir $30
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Jammu and Kashmir

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Jammu and Kashmir? 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 Jammu and Kashmir


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
    Jammu and Kashmir $3.63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
  • Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Jammu and Kashmir?

Prices for flights to both Jammu and Kashmir 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
    Jammu and Kashmir $7.01

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Jammu and Kashmir $15

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Jammu and Kashmir $3.78


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Jammu and Kashmir, we can see that Islamabad is more expensive. And not only is Jammu and Kashmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Jammu and Kashmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jammu and Kashmir 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 Islamabad would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Islamabad than you might in Jammu and Kashmir.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Jammu and Kashmir Expensive?.


Which has a larger population, Islamabad or Jammu and Kashmir?

Jammu and Kashmir has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Jammu and Kashmir, 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.

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