Which place is cheaper, Nara or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Nara?
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 Nara 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 Nara?
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.
Nara
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Nara $85
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Nara is $85. 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 Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Nara $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Nara? 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 Nara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.68Nara $5.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- 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 Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:
- Kansai Airport (KIX)：Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara 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 $15Nara $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $72
- Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $111
- Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Nara $7.81
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 Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- 1 Day Walking Tour in Nara Palace Deer and Inkstick: $166
- 1-Day Walking Tour in Palace, Deer and Inkstick: $147
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
- EBike Eco Chic Tour Explore 1300 Year Old Primeval Forest: $88
- Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
- Experience Authentic Sushi making in Nara: $115
- Guided Tour of Todai ji and Nara Park: $83
- Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
- Half-Day Private Guided Tour : Nara Imperial Palace: $95
- Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Nara City: $95
- Immersive Experience Tour in Totsukawa village: $3,202
- Katsuragi: Unique Sumo Experience: $195
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Nara $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Nara, we can see that Nara 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 Nara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nara 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 Nara Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Nara?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Nara, 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 Nara?
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 Nara in the Summer?
Both Nara and Islamabad during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nara in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Nara. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun.
Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Nara. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Nara 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Nara in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Nara. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Nara during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Nara receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Nara. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Nara 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Nara in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Nara. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Nara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Nara can be very cold. Islamabad is much warmer than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Nara. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Nara. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Nara 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Nara in the Spring?
Both Nara and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nara this time of year.
In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Nara averages at about 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Nara during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Nara. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Nara 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Nara and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Nara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.