Which place is cheaper, Nikko or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Nikko?
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 Nikko 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 Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Nikko $82
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $82. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Nikko $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Nikko $92
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Nikko? 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 Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.68Nikko -
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 Nikko
Also for Nikko, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Haneda Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
- Narita Airport to/from Nikko City Private Transfer: $613
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Narita Airport Private Departure Transfer: $263
- Kinugawa Osen to Tokyo Haneda Airport Departure Private Transfer: $263
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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 $15Nikko $31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Nikko $21
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 Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Full Day Private Nikko Tour from Tokyo with English Driver: $474
- Full-Day Private Nikko Tour with English Speaking Driver: $600
- Nikko Custom Full Day Tour: $228
- Nikko Custom Half Day Tour: $144
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $137
- Nikko Private Full-Day Sightseeing Day Tour: $474
- Nikko Toshogu, Lake Chuzenjiko & Kegon Waterfall 1 Day Tour: $483
- Nikko self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $4.28
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $76
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour - Toshogu Shrine, Kanmangafuchi: $59
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Nikko, we can see that Nikko 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 Nikko would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nikko 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 Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Nikko?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Nikko. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
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 Nikko in the Summer?
Both Nikko and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is a little warmer than Nikko in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and Nikko fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Nikko during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 136 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Nikko. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Nikko in the Autumn?
Both Nikko and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nikko for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Islamabad is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Nikko averages at about 16°C (61°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Nikko. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 167 hours of full sun.
Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Nikko. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Nikko in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Nikko. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nikko in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Nikko can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nikko 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 Nikko during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Nikko receives 212 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Nikko. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Nikko in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Nikko. Additionally, most visitors come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
Islamabad is much warmer than Nikko in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Nikko fluctuates around 13°C (55°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 Nikko. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nikko receives 191 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Nikko. Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Nikko. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 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.