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

Should you visit Islamabad or Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?

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.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California is probably one of the most well known cities in the United States. It is the second most populated metro area in the country with more than 17 million people. The city's diversity is wide reaching, giving it a character that is unique from any other place in the country. LA has many world famous sights and neighborhoods including Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, and Santa Monica, but there is really so much more to this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles is $258. 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 Los Angeles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Los Angeles $140
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Los Angeles $280
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Los Angeles

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Los Angeles? 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 Los Angeles


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 Los Angeles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.67
    Los Angeles $42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

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

  • Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
  • Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
  • Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
  • Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Los Angeles

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Los Angeles:


  • Hotel Parking for a Day
    $22
  • Taxi to Airport
    $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Los Angeles

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

  • Private City Highlights Tour with Transfer: $999
  • LA: City Highlights Private Guided Tour with Transfer: $999
  • Los Angeles Airport (LAX): Private Transfer to Los Angeles: $769
  • Private Transfers between LAX Airport and Los Angeles: $519
  • Los Angeles Airport Transfer and Transportation : $300
  • Private Transfer from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to Buena Park: $298
  • Departure Private Transfer: Los Angeles to Airport LAX in Luxury Car: $272
  • Departure Private Transfer: Los Angeles to Ontario Airport ONT in Luxury Van: $272
  • San Diego Private Transfer To or From Universal Studios/Burbank.: $248
  • One-Way Private Transfers From/To Los Angeles Airport: $245
  • Los Angeles/Hollywood Private Transfer to or from San Diego.: $229
  • Private Transfer from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to Santa Monica: $227

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Los Angeles?

Prices for flights to both Los Angeles 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
    Los Angeles $60

Typical Food Prices in Los Angeles

For Los Angeles, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Mexican Dinner (family of 4)
    $32
  • Burritos for Two
    $15
  • Coffee and Danish
    $7.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Los Angeles

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

  • Venice Beach Food Tour with Tastings: $75
  • Santa Monica Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $82
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $88
  • Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour: $89
  • West Hollywood Food Tour: $89
  • Venice Beach LA Food Tour: $89
  • Downtown Food Tour: $89
  • Venice Beach Food Tour: $89
  • LA Venice Beach Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Original Downtown Los Angeles Walking Food Tour with Six Taste: $110
  • Night Cruise in Marina del Rey with Dinner: $124
  • Vegan African Dinner Party in Playa Del Ray: $132

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Los Angeles $82

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 Los Angeles

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Los Angeles's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Santa Monica Pier Rides (family of 4)
    $37
  • Bowling
    $13
  • Hollywood Tour for Two
    $30
  • Six Flags for 2
    $96

Tours and Activities in Los Angeles

For Los Angeles, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1-Hour Private Ferrari Driving Tour: Hollywood to Beverly Hills: $289
  • 2 Hour Celebrity Homes Tour: $175
  • 2 Hour Griffith Park Observatory Tour: $20
  • 2 Hour Private Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills Celebrity Homes: $175
  • 2-Hour Hollywood Bus Tour: $45
  • 2-Hours Guided Black and Brown Hollywood Tour: $77
  • 2.5 Hour Fright Sights Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills: $219
  • 2.5 Hour Private Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills: $219
  • 2.5-hour Hollywood Chills Tour - Celebrity Scandals and Cemeteries : $219
  • 20 Min Ferrari driving tour in Hollywood: $99
  • 20 Min Lamborghini driving tour in Hollywood: $139
  • 3 Hours Private Photoshoot and Self-Guided Tour in Los Angeles: $287

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Los Angeles $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Los Angeles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Los Angeles:

  • LA Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
  • Salsa Lesson, Burlesque and Mojitos : $149
  • Salsa Lesson and Burlesque Show: $149
  • Malibu: Vintage VW Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $195
  • Wine Tour at Fess Parker Winery by Helicopter: $4,299


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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Los Angeles. Also, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Islamabad gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Los Angeles 72°F (22°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Los Angeles. Also, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Islamabad is a little warmer than Los Angeles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Los Angeles. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Los Angeles 64°F (18°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Los Angeles in the Winter?

Both Los Angeles and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Los Angeles for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Los Angeles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Los Angeles. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Los Angeles 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Los Angeles in the Spring?

Both Los Angeles and Islamabad during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Islamabad usually gets more rain in April than Los Angeles. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Los Angeles 61°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Islamabad

Islamabad Los Angeles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 55°F (13°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 55°F (13°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 61°F (16°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 63°F (17°C) 0.4 inches (10 mm)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 66°F (19°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 72°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 72°F (22°C) 0 inches (0 mm)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 70°F (21°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 64°F (18°C) 0.6 inches (15 mm)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 57°F (14°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)