Which place is cheaper, Kolkata (Calcutta) or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
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 Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta)?
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.
Kolkata (Calcutta)
Formerly known as Calcutta, Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, India. Featuring colonial architecture, galleries, temples, and festivals, the city has flourished from its roots as an East India Company trading post in the 18th Century to a thriving metropolis. Today Kolkata is a diverse center of culture and bustling activity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India, and The Best Bicycle Tours in India.
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Islamabad Prices
Pakistan PricesKolkata (Calcutta) Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $52Kolkata (Calcutta) $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $52, while the average daily cost in Kolkata (Calcutta) is $42. 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Kolkata (Calcutta) $15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Kolkata (Calcutta) $30
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Kolkata (Calcutta)
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Kolkata (Calcutta)? 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 Kolkata (Calcutta) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.65Kolkata (Calcutta) $4.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad Airport Transfers: $54
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer: $55
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
- Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kolkata (Calcutta):
- Path of Knowledge: A Heritage Walking Tour of Kolkata with Private Transfer: $153
- Build Your Own: custom private tour of Kolkata with transfers: $74
- Private Transfer from Kolkata to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (CCU) Airport: $63
- Departure transfer from Hotel to Airport in Kolkata: $44
- Kolkata - Arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel: $43
- Kolkata Airport to Kolkata Hotels drop: Private Transfers: $33
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Kolkata Airport: $23
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Prices for flights to both Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 $26Kolkata (Calcutta) $22
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kolkata (Calcutta).
- Hooghly River Dinner Cruise: $39
- Bengali Nights Kolkata Food Tour with 13+ Tastings: $39
- Alleyway Food Tour: $40
- Food Tour Delights of Kolkata with Aditya: $111
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.44Kolkata (Calcutta) $13
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Islamabad and Rawalpindi Sightseeing Tour: $70
- Full Day Islamabad & Taxila UNESCO Site Tour: $78
- Exclusive Luxury Private Tour: Discover the Gems of Islamabad: $80
- Half Day Private Instagram Guided City Tour: $80
- Islamabad City Tour: $80
- Best of One-Day Sightseeing Tour: $85
- Private Tour: Islamabad Full Day Customized Exploration Tour: $90
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- Best of Islamabad City Landmarks Exploration Tour (Private & Guided).: $95
- Rawalpindi guided private city tour, Old City Charm: $100
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization: $100
Tours and Activities in Kolkata (Calcutta)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kolkata (Calcutta) are as follows:
- Audio Guided Tour of Pathuriaghata – Finding the Tagores, Kolkata: $6.12
- Calcutta Contrast Tour: $43
- Capturing the City of Joy; Full Day Kolkata Street Photography Tour: $85
- Chasing The Sun Experience Kolkata's Culture: $35
- Cultural Confluence of Kolkata - Culture Kaleidoscope Tour: $39
- Explore Kolkata - Private Day Tour: $89
- Flower Market Colors and Ganges Ghat Experience: $30
- Full Day Kolkata City Tour: $110
- Full Day Pilgrimage Tour of Ganga Sagar from Kolkata: $100
- Gangasagar Pilgrimage Day Tour from Kolkata: $138
- Guided Kolkata Sightseeing Trip by Car, Walk & Sunset Cruise Excursion Trip: $98
- Hello Calcutta Walk Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.87Kolkata (Calcutta) $7.33
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Kolkata (Calcutta), we can see that Islamabad is more expensive. And not only is Kolkata (Calcutta) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kolkata (Calcutta) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kolkata (Calcutta) 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 Kolkata (Calcutta).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Kolkata (Calcutta) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Kolkata (Calcutta)?
Kolkata (Calcutta) has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Kolkata (Calcutta), 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.
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.