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

Should you visit Islamabad or Nagano?

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 Nagano 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 Nagano?

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.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nagano 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 Nagano is $90. 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 Nagano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Nagano $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Nagano $122
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Nagano

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Nagano? 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 Nagano


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 Nagano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Nagano $9.79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

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

  • Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
  • Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nagano

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

  • Private Transfer Between Station & Snow Monkey Park: $685

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Nagano?

Prices for flights to both Nagano 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
    Nagano $22

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Nagano $8.16

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

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

  • 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
  • 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 Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
  • Islamabad City Tour : $150
  • Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110

Tours and Activities in Nagano

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

  • 4 Day - From Nagano to Kanazawa: Ultimate Central Japan tour: $782
  • Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano: $85
  • Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley: $177
  • Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano: $98
  • Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour: $47
  • Private Snow Monkey Tour: From Nagano City / Ski Resorts: $1,334
  • Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour: $537
  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $55
  • Zenkoji Experience Tour: Overnight 'Shukubo' (Temple Lodge): $221

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Nagano -


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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Nagano?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Islamabad or Nagano in the Summer?

Both Nagano and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Nagano averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Nagano during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nagano. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Nagano 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Nagano in the Autumn?

Both Nagano and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 167 hours of full sun.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Nagano. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Nagano 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Nagano in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Nagano. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nagano can get quite cold in the winter. Islamabad is much warmer than Nagano in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nagano this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nagano during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Nagano receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Nagano. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Nagano 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Nagano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Nagano. Also, most visitors come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Nagano averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the spring, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Nagano. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nagano receives 191 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Nagano. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Nagano 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Nagano and Islamabad

Islamabad Nagano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 446 mm (17.5 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 2°C (36°F) 275 mm (10.8 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 21°C (69°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 222 mm (8.8 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 26°C (80°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 227 mm (9 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 339 mm (13.3 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 440 mm (17.3 in)


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