Which place is cheaper, Mandalay or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Mandalay?
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 Mandalay 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 Mandalay?
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.
Mandalay
Located in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) on the banks of the Irawaddy River, Mandalay is the nation's second largest city behind Yangon. It is centered on the restored Royal Palace and has a large population of Buddhist monks who frequent the city's many temples and monasteries.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Myanmar, and The Best Budget Tours to Myanmar.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Mandalay $15
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Mandalay is $15. 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 Mandalay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Mandalay $8.65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Mandalay $17
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Mandalay
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Mandalay? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.68Mandalay -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mandalay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mandalay:
- Inle Lake Land transfer from Mandalay: $213
- From Mandalay To Kalaw-NyaungShwe-Inle Lake Private Transfer: $200
- Around Mandalay in 2 Day and Next Day to Transfer Bagan: $200
- Mandalay To Bagan Transfer Tour: $150
- Private Transfer Of Mandalay To Bagan: $150
- From Private Transfer to Bagan: $150
- Private Land Transfer : Mandalay to Bagan: $139
- Inle [Heho] Airport Private Transfer : $46
- Private Mandalay Airport Transfer: $27
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Mandalay?
Prices for flights to both Mandalay 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 $15Mandalay $5.95
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mandalay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mandalay.
- Myanmar traditional cooking class with local: $26
- Bicycle Food Tour in Mandalay: $45
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Mandalay -
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
- Private Tour: Half Day Islamabad Saidpur Village Exploration Tour: $80
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $85
- Private Tour: Islamabad Full Day Customized Exploration Tour: $90
- Shopping Tour: Full Day Islamabad Markets Exploration Tour: $90
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
- Best of Islamabad City Landmarks Exploration Tour (Private & Guided).: $95
- Guided Top 5 Wonders Exploration Tour: $95
- Full Day Private City Tour Of Islamabad: $98
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
Tours and Activities in Mandalay
Here are a few actual costs in Mandalay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-night in Pyin Oo Lwin next day to Gokteik tour: $226
- Kayah Villages Full Day Tour (Pan Pet & Hta Nee La): $260
- 2 Days Private Tour in Mandalay: $176
- A Little Adventure Village Explore: $17
- Adventure Road Trip from Mandalay to Monywa – Bagan : $174
- Amarapura,Mingun,Sagaing,Innwa Sightseeing Tour: $85
- Ancient Capitals of Myanmar Tour: $106
- Day Tour Of Mingun/Sagaing/Amarapura: $75
- Full Day Adventure: $153
- Full Day Mandalay Tour: $130
- Full day Adventure Trip to Amarapura, Sagaing & Ava : $89
- Kakku Pagodas Full Day Tour: $170
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Mandalay -
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Mandalay, we can see that Islamabad is more expensive. And not only is Mandalay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mandalay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mandalay 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 Islamabad would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Islamabad than you might in Mandalay.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Mandalay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Mandalay?
Mandalay has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Mandalay, 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.
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.