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

Should you visit Islamabad or Kanazawa?

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 Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa?

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.

Kanazawa

An important city of the Edo-period, Kanazawa is a well preserved city from a time when samurai, merchants, geisha, and lords made up the core of its culture. Though it is often overlooked by foreigners, the city is a gem of Japanese tourism with a number of preserved historic districts, temples, regional handicrafts, art museums, and some of the best food to be had in Japan.

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 Japan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kanazawa 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 Kanazawa is $103. 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 Kanazawa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Kanazawa $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Kanazawa $128
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Kanazawa

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Kanazawa? 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 Kanazawa


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 Kanazawa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Kanazawa $9.32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kanazawa

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

  • Noto Airport to/from Kanazawa City Private Transfer: $308
  • Kanazawa City to/from Wakura City Private transfer: $247

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Kanazawa?

Prices for flights to both Kanazawa 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
    Kanazawa $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kanazawa

For Kanazawa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sneaking into a Cooking Class for Japanese: $57
  • Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $76
  • Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa: $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Kanazawa $9.74

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.

  • 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • From 15 Day Trekking Tour of Thalay and Nangma: $3,070
  • From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,065
  • From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
  • From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
  • From Skardu and Baltistan Cultural Tour with Food: $2,339
  • Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
  • Islamabad City Tour : $150
  • Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110

Tours and Activities in Kanazawa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kanazawa.

  • “Be a Local” Kanazawa Izakaya Hop Tour: $78
  • 1 Day Tour from Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen: $223
  • 1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa): $165
  • 4 Hour Unique Kanazawa Cherry Blossom Sakura Private Experience: $218
  • Afternoon Round Trip Tour from Kanazawa: $87
  • E-Bike Cycling with Guided Tour of KANAZAWA Main & KENROKUEN: $82
  • E-Bike Cycling with Guided Tour of Kanazawa Main and Ninja Temple: $78
  • Full-Day Tour from Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha: $148
  • Guided Night Tour to Feel the Samurai Culture in Kanazawa: $56
  • Hidden Gems Of Private & Personalized Walking Experience: $102
  • Kanazawa ⇒ Takayama (one way) Including Shirakawago (Private Tour): $266
  • Kanazawa Custom Full Day Tour: $207

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Kanazawa $12


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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Kanazawa?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Kanazawa. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Kanazawa, 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 Kanazawa?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Islamabad or Kanazawa in the Summer?

Both Kanazawa and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Kanazawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is a little warmer than Kanazawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kanazawa. It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kanazawa. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 251 mm (9.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Kanazawa 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Kanazawa in the Autumn?

Both Kanazawa and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Kanazawa because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Islamabad is much warmer than Kanazawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Kanazawa averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 155 hours of full sun.

Kanazawa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Kanazawa. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 203 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Kanazawa 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Kanazawa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Kanazawa. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kanazawa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kanazawa in the winter. In January, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Kanazawa. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Kanazawa fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Kanazawa during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Kanazawa receives 67 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kanazawa receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Kanazawa. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 294 mm (11.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Kanazawa 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Kanazawa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Kanazawa.

Islamabad is much warmer than Kanazawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Kanazawa fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the spring, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Kanazawa. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kanazawa receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kanazawa. Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Kanazawa. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kanazawa receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Kanazawa 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Kanazawa and Islamabad

Islamabad Kanazawa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 294 mm (11.6 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 3°C (38°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 248 mm (9.8 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 306 mm (12 in)


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