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

Should you visit Islamabad or Lyon?

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 Lyon 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 Lyon?

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.

Lyon

Lyon, located within the region of Southeastern France, is France's third largest city in terms of population, with just over 500,000 inhabitants. This makes the city large, yet still small and personable enough to be explored properly in a short visit. Known as the gastronomic capital of Europe, your culinary needs are exceptionally well catered to here, and for those with historical and cultural interests, you will never be at a loss for new things to do and see.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Lyon 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 Lyon is $134. 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 Lyon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Lyon $57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Lyon $114
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Lyon

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Lyon? 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 Lyon


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 Lyon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.67
    Lyon $18

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 Lyon

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Lyon:


  • Funiculaire
    $5.57
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus
    $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lyon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:

  • Superior Private Transfer From Lyon City to Geneva City: $297
  • Private Direct Transfer from Lyon to Geneva: $274
  • Private Transfer Grenoble Airport GNB - Grenoble Ski Resort: $230
  • Lyon St Exupery Airport to Courchevel/Les Arcs - Arrival Transfer: $181
  • Lyon Saint Exupery Airport to Meribel - Arrival Private Transfer: $180
  • Lyon Saint Exupery Airport(LYS) to Alpe d'Huez - Arrival Transfer: $164
  • Lyon Exupery Airport to Les Deux La Clusaz Round Trip Transfer: $143
  • Lyon Private Transfer from Lyon city centre to Lyon (LYS) Airport: $131
  • Private Transfer: Lyon to Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS): $125
  • Private Transfer: (LYS) Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport to Lyon: $124
  • Transfer Privé Lyon saint exupery airport to lyon : $120
  • Lyon : Private Transfer from/to Lyon Saint-Exupery Airport: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Lyon?

Prices for flights to both Lyon 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
    Lyon $44

Typical Food Prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lyon are as follows:


  • Pastry
    $1.82

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lyon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lyon.

  • Street Food Tour: $65
  • Croix-Rousse District Vegan Food Tour with Tastings: $65
  • Lyon Street Food Tour : $66
  • 3h Lyon Vegan Food Tour: $66
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $67
  • Afternoon Old Town Food tour: $77
  • Lyon 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise: $81
  • Cultural Walking Food Tour in the Vieux Lyon District: $86
  • Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $93
  • Old Town Food Tour: $97
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings and Wine: $102
  • Guided Evening Food Tour: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Lyon $22

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 Lyon

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    $48

Tours and Activities in Lyon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lyon are as follows:

  • 1 or 2-Hour Pedicab tour of Lyon: $27
  • 1-hour tourist walk with guide: $38
  • Access to a Self-Guided Tour to Traboules de Croix-Rousse: $8.77
  • Alternative Tour: Murals and Hidden Frescoes of Lyon: $46
  • An unusual city tour with sketches: $65
  • Audio-Guided Tour of the United States Quarter and Painted Walls: $11
  • Audio-guided tour of Old Lyon: $11
  • Audio-guided tour of the Fourvière and the Sacred Hill: $11
  • Beaujolais Wine Discovery - Private Tour - Half Day: $253
  • Beaujolais Wines & Castles - Private Tour - Half Day: $269
  • Best Intro Tour of Lyon with a Local: $142
  • Cheese and Wine Accord Tour at Château de Champ-Renard: $55

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Lyon $25

Typical Alcohol Prices in Lyon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:


  • Drinks for 2
    $7.29
  • Bottle of Wine
    $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Lyon

Also in Lyon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Beaujolais Segway Tour with Wine Tasting: $65
  • Guided tour of Beaujolais by electric bike and wine tasting: $98
  • Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour including a Bouchon Lyonnais : $99
  • Lyon Music & Wine tasting: $104
  • From Beaujolais Region Wine Tour with Tastings: $107
  • Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tasting Trip from Lyon: $107
  • Beaujolais: Half-Day Wine Tour: $107
  • From Wine tasting and visits of the Beaujolais: $107
  • Half-Day Côte-Rotie Wine Tasting Tour: $107
  • Lyon : Music & Wine tasting tour: $108
  • Beaujolais Half Day Wine Tasting Tour: $109
  • Golden stones Beaujolais Wine Tour with Tastings from Lyon: $109


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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Lyon?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Lyon. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Lyon, 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 Lyon?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Islamabad or Lyon in the Summer?

Both Lyon and Islamabad during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lyon because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Lyon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Lyon averages at about 22°C (71°F).

In Lyon, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad often gets less sunshine than Lyon. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Lyon. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Lyon 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Lyon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Lyon. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

In October, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Lyon. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Lyon fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Lyon. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Lyon 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Lyon in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Lyon. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lyon. Islamabad is much warmer than Lyon in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Lyon fluctuates around 4°C (39°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 Lyon. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Lyon. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Lyon 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Lyon in the Spring?

Both Lyon and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Lyon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Lyon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Lyon. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Lyon 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Lyon and Islamabad

Islamabad Lyon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)