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

Should you visit Islamabad or Matsue?

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 Matsue 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 Matsue?

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.

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Matsue 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 Matsue is $65. 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 Matsue in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Matsue $26
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Matsue $52
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Matsue

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Matsue? 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 Matsue


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 Matsue Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Matsue $20

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
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $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: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Matsue

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Matsue:

  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Port to Osaka Int Airport KIX: $200
  • Private Transfer from Sakaiminato Cruise Port to Osaka city : $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Matsue?

Prices for flights to both Matsue 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
    Matsue $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Matsue $8.81

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

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

  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
  • Shopping Tour: Full Day Islamabad Markets Exploration Tour: $90
  • Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad 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 Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
  • Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
  • Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
  • 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
  • Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140

Tours and Activities in Matsue

Here are a few actual costs in Matsue for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • An E-Bike cycling tour of Matsue that will add to your enjoyment of the city: $98
  • Private Kimono Elegant Experience in the Castle Town of Matsue: $36
  • Tour around Matsue Horikawa: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Matsue $6.85


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Matsue, we can see that Matsue is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Matsue would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Matsue 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 Matsue Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Matsue?

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

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 Matsue in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Matsue. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Matsue. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Matsue averages at about 25°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Matsue. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Matsue. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 201 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets less rain in July than Matsue. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Matsue 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Matsue in the Autumn?

Both Matsue and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Matsue for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 173 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Matsue. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Matsue 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Matsue in the Winter?

Both Matsue and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Matsue in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Matsue can get quite cold in the winter. Islamabad is much warmer than Matsue in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Matsue fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Matsue. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Matsue receives 84 hours of full sun.

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Matsue. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Islamabad or Matsue in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Matsue. Also, most visitors come to Matsue for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Matsue. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Matsue averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Matsue during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Matsue receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Matsue. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Matsue 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Matsue and Islamabad

Islamabad Matsue
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 151 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 4°C (40°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 21°C (71°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 25°C (78°F) 268 mm (10.6 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 216 mm (8.5 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)


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