Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Osaka?
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 Osaka 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 Osaka?
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.
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Osaka $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $88. 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Osaka $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Osaka $90
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Osaka? 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 Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.68Osaka $14
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 Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Osaka Kansai Int Airport (KIX): Transfer to Osaka hotels: $339
- Osaka Private Transfer from Osaka central to Itami Airport (ITM): $275
- Osaka Kansai Airport to Arima-Onsen Resorts-Round-Trip Transfer: $266
- Osaka Airport (ITM) to Kinosakicho Yushima - Arrival Transfer: $242
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240
- Osaka Airport Transfers : Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $236
- Departure Private Transfers: Osaka City to Kansai Airport KIX in Business Van: $236
- One-Way Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $220
- Osaka City: Private One-Way Transfers to/from Arima Onsen: $219
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $215
- Itami Airport Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $208
- Itami Airport (ITM): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $199
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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 $15Osaka $25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $25
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $26
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $36
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $49
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $61
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka: $63
- Osaka Authentic Tempura & Miso Soup Japan Cooking Class: $64
- RAMEN and 2 types GYOZA (dumplings) Cooking Class: $65
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka Umeda : $65
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka Dotonbori: $66
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Osaka $20
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- "Dotonbori Nightscapes: Photoshooting tour in Dotonbori": $120
- "Experience Kyoto: A Full-Day Private Tour Adventure": $120
- 1-Day walking tour in Osakaļ¼Castle, temples and Ukiyoe: $134
- 150 mins Deep Samurai Experience near Osaka Castle: $179
- 2-Hour Osaka Go-Kart Experience with Local Guide from Namba: $138
- 3 Days Private Osaka Kyoto and Nara Tour with English Driver: $1,579
- 3 Hours Historical Tour of Princess Saio on an Electric Cart: $32
- 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide: $117
- 4-Day Private Kyoto Osaka Nara Sightseeing tour with Guide: $2,370
- 4-hour Private Walking Tour to Historical Town of Saiku: $71
- 5 Hour Osaka Castle Tsutenkaku and Dotonbori Guided Tour: $71
- 90mins Samurai Pilgrimage Osaka Castle Tour: $214
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Namba Hidden Places Bar Crawl: $16
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $30
- Osaka Evening: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $32
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $38
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Osaka, we can see that Osaka 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka 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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Osaka?
Osaka has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Osaka, 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 Osaka?
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 Osaka in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Osaka. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Osaka because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.
Osaka 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 Osaka. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Osaka in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Osaka. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
Islamabad is a little warmer than Osaka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°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 Osaka. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Osaka. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Osaka. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Osaka in the Winter?
Both Osaka and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Osaka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Islamabad is much warmer than Osaka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Osaka averages at about 6°C (42°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Osaka. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Osaka in the Spring?
Both Osaka and Islamabad during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Osaka in the spring for the activities around the city.
In April, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the spring, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun.
Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Osaka. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.