Which place is cheaper, Lima or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Lima?
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 Lima 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 Lima?
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.
Lima
Lima, the capital city of Peru, is likely to be your point of entry for the country. Lima was founded in 1535 and was the seat of the Spanish rule for 300 years. It's a surprisingly modern city despite its rich history, but many beautiful churches and colonial architecture remain today. There are also large slum areas that highlight the poverty that exists in the city. The city and its surrounding metropolitan area have a population of about 8.5 million people, many of whom came from the Andes Mountains in search of work. Unfortunately the work opportunities are limited and the poverty is obvious as you arrive in Lima.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Peru, and The Best Adventure Tours to Peru.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Lima $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Lima is $76. 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 Lima in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Lima $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Lima $98
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Lima
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Lima? 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 Lima Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67Lima $5.67
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
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
- Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Lima are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$5.37
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Taxi Ride$5.37
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Short Taxi Ride$4.03
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lima
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lima:
- Private Transfer From Lima To Huacachina With 2 Stops: $198
- Private Transfer From Lima To Paracas With 2 Stops : $176
- Premium Peruvian Horse Show with Lunch & Transfers: $150
- Larco Museum Tour & Gastronomic Experience with rountrip transfer: $134
- Round-Trip Transfer in Private Minivan from-to Lima Airport (LIM) in Lima City: $122
- Palomino Islands Excursion & Swimming with Sea Lions with Hotel Transfers: $119
- Airport Transfer Service in Lima: $95
- Private Transfer from Callao Cruise Port to Lima city hotels: $87
- Private Transfer from Lima city hotels to Callao Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Lima hotels to Pisco Cruise Port: $87
- Lima Airport Arrival Transfer for small groups: $79
- Private Transfer from Jorge Chavez Airport (LIM) to Pisco Port : $79
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Lima?
Prices for flights to both Lima 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 $15Lima $17
Typical Food Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of dining costs in Lima are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.30
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Ice cream$3.49
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Coffee$2.95
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Donut$0.94
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lima
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lima.
- Lima Market Food Tour: $33
- Lima Market Food Tour: $34
- Peruvian Food Tour Through Local Markets: $40
- Ceviche Cooking Class Including Pisco Sour Lesson: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $40
- Lima Street Food Tour: $45
- Lima Food Tour: $45
- Street Food Tour in Miraflores District: $45
- Cooking Workshop and Water Circuit Tour: $45
- Barranco Tour with Dinner: $47
- Bohemian tour of Barranco with Dinner: $47
- Private Cooking Class With a Local Family in Lima: $48
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Lima $8.57
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lima are as follows:
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Entrance to Museo Larco (for 2)$16
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Movie Tickets$2.28
Tours and Activities in Lima
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lima are as follows:
- Lima bike and 5 Step Food Tasting Experience: $92
- The best of Lima walking tour: $198
- Cultural Tour of the city of Lima & Gastronomic: $62
- 2 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $279
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Ballestas Island and Huacachina: $149
- 2 Day Tour from Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $149
- 2d/1n Tour: Flight to the Nazca, Paracas and Huacachina Lines: $289
- 3 Day Tour from Nazca Lines Flight, Paracas, and Huacachina: $289
- 3 Day Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Pisco Vineyard: $159
- 3-Day Trip to Lima Tour Package: $150
- 3-Hour Private Scooter Tour through Miraflores with Guide: $50
- 360° Panoramic bus - Sightseeing Tour: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Lima $5.57
Typical Alcohol Prices in Lima
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Lima are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$7.23
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Beer$4.03
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Cocktail$3.22
Sample the Local Flavors in Lima
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lima:
- Gin and Rum Distillery Tour: $12
- Lima Pub Crawl - Party tour: Friday Barranco/Saturday miraflores: $18
- Exclusive Pub Crawl with 10+ benefits: $18
- Party Tour in Miraflores with Bar Crawl and Drinks: $18
- Pub Crawl in Lima: $25
- Local Wine Tour : $39
- Local Wine Tour: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Lima, we can see that Lima 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 Lima is in South 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 Lima would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lima 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 Lima Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Lima?
Lima has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Lima, 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 Lima?
Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Lima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Islamabad or Lima in the Summer?
Both Lima and Islamabad during the summer are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Lima year-round.
It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is much warmer than Lima in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and Lima fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Lima. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 36 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Lima. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Lima 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Lima in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Lima. Lima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Islamabad is a little warmer than Lima. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Lima averages at about 19°C (66°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Lima during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 60 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Lima. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Lima receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Lima 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Lima in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Lima. The warm climate attracts visitors to Lima throughout the year.
In January, Islamabad is generally much colder than Lima. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Lima fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Lima. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lima receives 185 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets more rain in January than Lima. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lima receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Lima 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Lima in the Spring?
Both Lima and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Lima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Islamabad is a little warmer than Lima in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Lima fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Lima during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Lima receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Lima. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lima receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Lima 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Lima and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Lima | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 3 mm (0.1 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.