Should I Visit Islamabad or Lucknow for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Islamabad or Lucknow?

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 Lucknow 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 Lucknow?

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.

Lucknow

Lucknow, located in the central region of Awadh, is the capital city of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. With a very rich cultural and historical past, Lucknow has been at the heart of North Indian culture for many centuries. It thrives in areas of art, cuisine, dance, culture, music, and more.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Yoga Tours and Retreats in India, and The Best Luxury Tours to India.

Which place is cheaper, Lucknow or Islamabad?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Islamabad Prices
Pakistan Prices

Lucknow Prices
India Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Islamabad $52

Lucknow $56

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $52, while the average daily cost in Lucknow is $56. 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 Lucknow in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Islamabad $20

Lucknow $18
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Islamabad $40

Lucknow $36

Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Lucknow

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Lucknow? 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 Lucknow Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Islamabad $7.61

Lucknow $12

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
Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
Islamabad Airport Transfers : $54
Airport Transfer/Pickup and Dropoff Karachi : $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucknow

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

Lucknow 3-Days Private Tour with Hotel and Transfers: $277
One-Way Transfer Agra-Lucknow To and Fro by Private AC Car: $110
Private Transfer from Chaudhary Charan Singh (LKO) Airport to Lucknow: $40
Private Transfer from Lucknow to Chaudhary Charan Singh (LKO) Airport: $40
From Lucknow, Varanasi, Ayodhya or Prayagraj: 1-Way Transfer: $38
Premium Lucknow Airport Transfer: Comfortable & Convenience: $23

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Lucknow?

Prices for flights to both Lucknow 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 $26

Lucknow $28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucknow

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

Lucknow City tour followed by Food Tour: $80
Dinner With A Maharaja In Lucknow: $238
Heritage Walk With Curated Dinner In Lucknow: $300

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Islamabad $9.40

Lucknow $14

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

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

Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,650
From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
Full Day Tour To The Ancient City Of Taxila From Islamabad: $90
Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $90
Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
Islamabad and Rawalpindi Sightseeing Tour: $70
City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $99
Half Day Private Instagram Guided City Tour : $80

Tours and Activities in Lucknow

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

6-Hour Lucknow Sightseeing Tour with Hotel Pickup: $80
8 Hour: Lucknow Full day City Sightseeing Trip: $59
A Walking Tour for Vegetarian Foodies in Lucknow: $180
Ayodhya Tour From Lucknow (Same Day): $253
Best of Lucknow (Guided Halfday Sightseeing Tour by Car): $80
Colonial Walk of Lucknow (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
Custom Private Lucknow Sightseeing Trip with Guided Trip: $59
Day Tour Of Lucknow: $22
From 1 Day Tour With Private Car & Driver: $46
From Ayodhya Private Tour with Lunch and Boat Ride: $127
Heritage & Cultural Walk of Lucknow (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13
Heritage & Cultural Walk of Lucknow (2 Hours Guided Walking Tour): $13

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Islamabad $2.86

Lucknow $6.83

Sample the Local Flavors in Lucknow

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

Pub Crawl Lucknow: $38

How are these travel costs calculated?

When comparing the travel costs between Islamabad and Lucknow, we can see that Lucknow is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Lucknow Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Lucknow?

Lucknow has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Lucknow, 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.

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

Should you visit Islamabad or Lucknow?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Islamabad or Lucknow?

Islamabad

Lucknow

Which place is cheaper, Lucknow or Islamabad?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Lucknow

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucknow

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Lucknow?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucknow

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

Tours and Activities in Lucknow

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Lucknow

Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Lucknow?

Related Articles for Islamabad

Related Articles for Lucknow

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

Should you visit Islamabad or Lucknow?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Islamabad or Lucknow?

Islamabad

Lucknow

Which place is cheaper, Lucknow or Islamabad?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Lucknow

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucknow

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Lucknow?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucknow

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

Tours and Activities in Lucknow

Alcohol

Sample the Local Flavors in Lucknow

Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Lucknow?

Related Articles for Islamabad

Related Articles for Lucknow

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