Which place is cheaper, London or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Islamabad or London?
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 London 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 London?
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.
London
The capital of the United Kingdom is a thriving multicultural metropolis. Steeped in iconic landmarks, world-class museums and royal parks, London is energetic, majestic, ambitious and one of the world's greatest cities. London is a cultural and fashion capital, a great place to go out, an amazing place to eat and one of those cities that is constantly changing with new and exciting things sprouting up almost every day. History and tradition greet you at every turn in the UK's capital. London is also a city with an edgy underbelly, delighting in neon pink dive bars, cheeky graffiti and mind-blowing street food. When you need a break from the action, pop into a pub or relax in one of the city's many parks. Blow through the city on a double-decker bus, and take a pinch-me-I'm-in-London walk through the West End. As one of the most visited cities in the world, London is busy, vibrant and very tourist friendly. The only problem with London is that it's very expensive; it can eat away at your budget if you aren't careful. Luckily, there are also tons of free or cheap things to do in London that can fill your time.
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 in United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42London $238
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in London is $238. 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 London in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20London $154
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40London $308
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and London
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or London? 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 London Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67London $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
- Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- 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 Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in London
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in London:
-
Taxi Ride$18
-
Heathrow Express$23
-
Luggage Storage$10
-
London Map$1.62
-
Oyster Card$45
-
Train to Gatwick Airport (2)$27
-
Oyster Card$34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in London
Also for London, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Southampton Cruise Terminals: Private Transfer to London: $1,309
- London Luton Airport (LTN): Transfer to Southampton Port: $835
- Southampton Port Transfer with Stonehenge stop-over included: $755
- London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Transfer to Bristol city: $685
- London Gatwick Airport (LGW): Transfer to Southampton Port: $654
- Private Transfer London Heathrow Airport to Southampton Port: $577
- Private Transfer Heathrow to Southampton Cruise Terminal: $565
- Private Transfer From Southampton Cruise Terminal to London: $565
- Harry Potter Family Package Tickets with Transfer: $502
- Harry Potter Family Package with Transfers from London: $502
- London Stansted Airport (STN): Transfer to Southampton Port: $489
- Private Transfer London Heathrow Airport to Harwich Port: $440
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or London?
Prices for flights to both London 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 dayIslamabad $15London $43
Typical Food Prices in London
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to London:
-
Lunch at Starbucks$16
-
Tea$7.53
-
Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason$49
-
Morning Tea$7.97
-
Pastry$6.27
-
Sushi Dinner for One$23
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in London
For London, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Borough Market Self-guided food tour: $5.76
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $35
- Picadilly Circus: Hard Rock Cafe Set Menu Lunch or Dinner: $36
- Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $38
- Traveling Spoon Nepalese Momos Private Online Cooking Class: $40
- Pizza Making Cookery Class: $53
- No Diet Club - Best food Tour in East London: $68
- African & Caribbean Food Tour in Multi-Cultural Brixton: $74
- Borough Bites, The London Food Tour: $74
- Borough Market Flavors of London Food Tour: $74
- Plant Power - Vegan Food Tour: $88
- Traditional English Walking Food Tour With London Food Tours: $95
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48London $41
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- 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 City Tour Of Islamabad: $99
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
Typical Entertainment Prices in London
For London, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
Two Tickets to a Concert$104
-
London Symphony Orchestra$43
-
London Pass$59
-
Comedy Show$10
Tours and Activities in London
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for London.
- An Evening in London. Panoramic night Tour by Executive Luxury Vehicle: $229
- Boogie Shoes Christmas Silent Disco Walking Tours London : $32
- Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Tour Camden: $64
- Boogie Shoes Silent Disco Walking Tours Christmas Special: $32
- David Bowie "Golden Years" Walking Tour of Brixton & Soho: $32
- Little Venice and Camden Walking Tour: $95
- London Covent Garden: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.27
- Madame Tussauds London Admission Ticket: $45
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Medieval Legends, ghosts and fire: $10
- Silent Disco Walking Tours West End Boogie Shoes: $44
- The London Dungeon Admission Ticket: $37
- 'Downton Abbey' TV Locations and Blenheim Palace Tour from London: $221
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88London $19
Sample the Local Flavors in London
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in London:
- Self Guided Audio Tour in London Old Pub Crawl: $7.63
- Fun London Pub Crawl Treasure Hunt with 20% off ALL drinks!: $13
- 2-Hour Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $20
- Haunted London Pub Walking Tour: $20
- 1 Big Night Out Weekday Pub Crawl: $24
- Craft Brewery Tour with Tasting of 4 Beers: $25
- Shoreditch Pub Crawl in London: $25
- Guided Historic Pub Tour (London): $27
- Pub Crawl of Central London: $29
- Camden Pub Crawl & Bar Tour London: $31
- Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $31
- Burlesque Cabaret Show in Covent Garden: $31
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and London, we can see that London 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 London is in Europe, 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or London?
London has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and London, 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 London?
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 London in the Summer?
Both London and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to London for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally much warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and London fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than London during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than London. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while London receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)London 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or London in the Autumn?
Both London and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to London because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Islamabad is much warmer than London in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and London fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than London. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 107 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than London. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while London receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)London 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or London in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and London. Also, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to London this time of year.
It's quite cold in London in the winter. In the winter, Islamabad is much warmer than London. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and London averages at about 4°C (40°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than London during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while London receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than London. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while London receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)London 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or London in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as London. Also, many travelers come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Islamabad is generally much warmer than London. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and London fluctuates around 9°C (48°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 London. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while London receives 147 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than London. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while London receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)London 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for London and Islamabad
| Islamabad | London | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 57 mm (2.2 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.