Which place is cheaper, Melbourne or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Melbourne?
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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne?
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.
Melbourne
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, after Sydney. It is also the capital city of the state of Victoria, in southeastern Australia. Melbourne is arguably the best city to experience culture and the arts in Australia. There is a friendly rivalry between Melbourne and Sydney over livability and popularity and Melbourne is definitely the city to visit for its parks, shopping, restaurants, galleries and theaters. Like Sydney, it is situated on the water, at the head of Port Phillip Bay. It's a beautiful city, and although it lacks the major sights that you'll find in Sydney such as the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, you will never find yourself lacking for entertainment. It is also a wonderful base for exploring many of the nearby highlights, including Grampians National Park, The Great Ocean Road, and Phillip Island where you can view the penguin parade.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Melbourne $179
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Melbourne is $179. 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 Melbourne in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Melbourne $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Melbourne $240
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Melbourne
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Melbourne? 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 Melbourne Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67Melbourne $20
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 Melbourne
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Melbourne:
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Airport Bus$11
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Tram Ride$2.51
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Melbourne
Also for Melbourne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Lake Mountain Ski Resort Tour with Transfers: $958
- Yarra Valley: Hot Air Balloon with Breakfast & CBD Transfers: $377
- Melbourne Airport (MEL): Private Transfer to Melbourne: $321
- MEL Airport: Minibus Private Transfer to Southbank: $215
- MEL Airport: Minibus Private Transfer to Melbourne CBD: $208
- Mornington Peninsula - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $198
- Melbourne Private Transfer to Melbourne Airport MEL in Luxury Car: $188
- Melbourne Airport MEL Private Transfer to Melbourne in Luxury Car: $188
- Ballarat - Melbourne Airport Transfers: $179
- Avalon Airport Transfers: $165
- Melbourne Private Transfer to Melbourne Airport MEL in Luxury Van: $163
- Departure Transfer from Melbourne to Melbourne Airport MEL in Van: $163
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Melbourne?
Prices for flights to both Melbourne 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 $15Melbourne $31
Typical Food Prices in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Coffee$2.64
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Pizza$4.62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Queen Victoria Market: 'Flavours of Australia' Food Tour: $52
- Eynesbury Homestead Dinner and Ghost Tour: $53
- Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner: $79
- Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner: $79
- Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour: $86
- Pizza Making Party: $89
- Chinese Dumpling Cooking Class with a Drink: $98
- Secret Food Tour: $109
- Chinese Cooking Class Master: $118
- Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise: $122
- Street Food of Asia Cooking Class: $130
- Choose Your Asian Cuisine Cooking Masterclass: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Melbourne $28
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
Tours and Activities in Melbourne
For Melbourne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1 Day Penguin Island Tour from Melbourne Penguins express: $79
- 1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne: $125
- 1.5Hr Yarra River Crown Flames and City Lights Cruise: $317
- 12 Apostles Great Ocean Road Eco Tour with lunch from Melbourne: $109
- 2 Day Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour: $810
- 2-Hour Farm Experience in Gateway Yarra Valley: $66
- 2024 Mt Buller, Melbourne Snow and Sightseeing Day Tour: $92
- 3 Hour Rainforest Walking Tour in Badger Creek: $40
- 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Small-Group Tour: $1,504
- 3.5 Hours Group tour Melbourne trouble-makers tour: $44
- 3/4 Day Sports Lovers Bus Tour of Melbourne with Tour Options: $178
- 4 Hours Sightseeing Small Group Tour in Melbourne City: $40
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Melbourne $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Melbourne
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Melbourne from other travelers:
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Bottle of Wine$5.12
Sample the Local Flavors in Melbourne
Also in Melbourne, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Melbourne Pub Crawl: $17
- Weekly Bar Crawl: 5 Free shots, Club Entry: $19
- Spirits and Ales Haunted Pub Walking Tour: $26
- Melbourne Halloween Bar Crawl: $33
- Laid back,Small-Group Yarra Valley Wine Tour :Wine,Gin,Cider+more: $86
- Yarra Valley Day Trip with Local Wine Tastings from Melbourne: $102
- Yarra Valley Wine Tour inc lunch with a glass of wine, tastings and chocolate: $116
- Yarra Valley Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $129
- Southern Gippsland boutique Wine Tour with Tapas from Melbourne : $139
- Wine Tour Yarra Valley, Vic - inc. 2 course lunch + glass of wine: $165
- Mornington Peninsula Premium Tour with Wine Tasting at Yabby Lake : $172
- Yarra Valley Premium Tour Lunch and Sparkling Wine Tasting at Domaine Chandon: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Melbourne, we can see that Melbourne 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 Melbourne is in Pacific, 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 Melbourne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Melbourne 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 Melbourne Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Melbourne?
Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Melbourne, 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 Melbourne?
Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Islamabad has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].
Should I visit Islamabad or Melbourne in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Melbourne. Also, many visitors come to Melbourne in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Melbourne averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Melbourne this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than Melbourne during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 271 hours of full sun in the summer.
Islamabad gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Melbournein January. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Melbourne 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Melbourne in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Melbourne. Also, most visitors come to Melbourne for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Melbournein April. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Melbourne fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Melbournein April. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 170 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Melbournein April. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Melbourne 15°C (60°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Melbourne in the Winter?
Both Melbourne and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Melbourne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Islamabad is a little warmer than Melbourne in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Melbourne fluctuates around 9°C (49°F)in July.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Melbourne during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Melbourne receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Melbournein July. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Melbourne 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Melbourne in the Spring?
Both Melbourne and Islamabad during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Melbourne this time of year.
In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Melbourne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Melbourne averages at about 14°C (57°F)in October.
In Melbourne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the spring, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Melbournein October. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Melbourne receives 216 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Melbournein October. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Melbourne receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Melbourne 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Melbourne and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Melbourne | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
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.