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

Should you visit Islamabad or Nakhon Ratchasima?

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 Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima?

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.

Nakhon Ratchasima

If you're planning on traveling from Bangkok to Isaan, you'll likely make Nakhon Ratchasima your pit stop or home base. However, there is so much more to this sprawling metropolis than just a layover. Underneath the chaos of it all, is a charming and traditional Thai city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, and The Best Contiki Tours to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Nakhon Ratchasima 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 Nakhon Ratchasima is $40. 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 Nakhon Ratchasima in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Nakhon Ratchasima $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Nakhon Ratchasima $38
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Nakhon Ratchasima

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Nakhon Ratchasima? 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 Nakhon Ratchasima


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 Nakhon Ratchasima Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Nakhon Ratchasima $4.50

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
  • 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
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
  • 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 Nakhon Ratchasima

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


  • Tuk Tuk
    $1.36
  • Bus to Vientiane
    $1.36

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Nakhon Ratchasima?

Prices for flights to both Nakhon Ratchasima 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
    Nakhon Ratchasima $15

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Nakhon Ratchasima $5.81

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Nakhon Ratchasima $10


When comparing the travel costs between Islamabad and Nakhon Ratchasima, we can see that Islamabad is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Nakhon Ratchasima Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Nakhon Ratchasima?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 601600 times larger than the population of Nakhon Ratchasima. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Nakhon Ratchasima, 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 Nakhon Ratchasima?

Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Nakhon Ratchasima experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Islamabad or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Nakhon Ratchasima. Nakhon Ratchasima attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima averages at about 30°C (86°F).

Nakhon Ratchasima receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Nakhon Ratchasima 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Nakhon Ratchasima. The warm climate attracts visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima throughout the year.

In October, Islamabad is generally around the same temperature as Nakhon Ratchasima. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite rainy in Nakhon Ratchasima. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Nakhon Ratchasima. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Nakhon Ratchasima 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Winter?

Both Nakhon Ratchasima and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Nakhon Ratchasima because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Islamabad is much colder than Nakhon Ratchasima in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Nakhon Ratchasima fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In January, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Nakhon Ratchasima. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Nakhon Ratchasima 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Nakhon Ratchasima in the Spring?

Both Nakhon Ratchasima and Islamabad during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Nakhon Ratchasima year-round.

Nakhon Ratchasima can become quite hot in the spring. In the spring, Islamabad is cooler than Nakhon Ratchasima. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Nakhon Ratchasima averages at about 31°C (89°F).

Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Nakhon Ratchasima. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Nakhon Ratchasima receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Nakhon Ratchasima 31°C (89°F)

Typical Weather for Nakhon Ratchasima and Islamabad

Islamabad Nakhon Ratchasima
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 31°C (89°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 31°C (88°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 30°C (87°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 30°C (86°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 30°C (85°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 29°C (84°F) 244 mm (9.6 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)


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