Which place is cheaper, Phoenix or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Phoenix?
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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix?
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.
Phoenix
The most populous city in the American Southwest, Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona and busiest hub of activity in the general area. Geographically it is located in the Sonoran Desert, making for long hot summers and mild winters. This climate has ensured a thriving tourism industry with plenty of attractions both in and around Phoenix.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Phoenix $238
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Phoenix is $238. 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 Phoenix in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Phoenix $144
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Phoenix $288
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Phoenix
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Phoenix? 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 Phoenix Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67Phoenix $39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
- Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phoenix
Also for Phoenix, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury Van: $140
- Phoenix International Airport (PHX) - Private transfer From/to Hotels: $118
- Arrival Private Transfer Phoenix Airport PHX to Phoenix City : $117
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) to Phoenix - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
- Departure Private Transfer Phoenix City to Phoenix Airport PHX : $110
- One-Way Transfer Sky Harbor Airport to Phoenix: $104
- Arrival Private Transfer: Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
- Private Transfer from Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Luxury SUV: $104
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Luxury SUV: $104
- Private Transfer from Sky Harbor Airport PHX to Phoenix in Business Car: $90
- Departure Private Transfer: Phoenix to Sky Harbor Airport PHX in Business Car: $90
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Phoenix?
Prices for flights to both Phoenix 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 $15Phoenix $52
Typical Food Prices in Phoenix
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Phoenix:
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Nice Lunch (for 2)$36
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Indian Food Dinner (for 2)$32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phoenix
For Phoenix, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Awesome French Crêpes Cooking Class: $75
- Old Town Scottsdale Food Tour: $92
- Downtown Phoenix Food Tour: $92
- Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour: $95
- Quiche Lorraine French Cooking Class in Scottsdale: $129
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Phoenix $40
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- 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 City Tour Of Islamabad: $99
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
Tours and Activities in Phoenix
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Phoenix.
- 1.5 Hour Stretch Limo Golf Cart Tour, Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
- 2 Hour Scottsdale Segway Tours - Ultimate Old Town Exploration: $89
- 2 Hour Segway Tour - Sunsets, Segways & City Lights: $89
- 2-Hour Arizona Desert Guided E-Bike Tour: $135
- 2.5 Hour FAT Tire E-Bike Tour – Scottsdale Greenbelt Adventure: $100
- 3 Cities & Nature Tour. Shop, Art, History, Food. Scottsdale, Phoenix, & Tempe.: $168
- 3 Hour Guided TomCar ATV Tour in Sonoran Desert: $219
- Adventure Yoga Experience on Camelback Mountain: $75
- Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour: $160
- Black Ops Experience: $259
- Boat Cruise in Lake Pleasant Arizona: $89
- Box Canyon ATV Tour in Florence, Arizona: $235
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Phoenix $17
Sample the Local Flavors in Phoenix
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Phoenix:
- Scottsdale Bar Hunt: Scorching Scottsdale Bar Crawl: $12
- Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale: $55
- Stretch Limo Party Cart - Custom Bar Crawls, Wine Tastings, Night Clubs & More: $155
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Islamabad is in Asia and Phoenix is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Phoenix?
Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?
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 Phoenix in the Summer?
Both Phoenix and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Phoenix this time of year.
It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).
It's quite sunny in Phoenix. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 380 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Phoenix 98°F (36°C)
Should I visit Islamabad or Phoenix in the Autumn?
Both Phoenix and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
Islamabad is around the same temperature as Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
In Phoenix, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Phoenix. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 305 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Phoenix. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Phoenix 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Islamabad or Phoenix in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Phoenix. Also, many visitors come to Phoenix in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phoenix this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than Phoenix during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Phoenix receives 254 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Phoenix 58°F (14°C)
Should I visit Islamabad or Phoenix in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Phoenix.
In April, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phoenix. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the spring, Islamabad often gets less sunshine than Phoenix. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Phoenix receives 355 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets more rain in April than Phoenix. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Phoenix 74°F (23°C)
Typical Weather for Phoenix and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Phoenix | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 74°F (23°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 83°F (28°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 92°F (34°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 98°F (36°C) | 0.8 inches (21 mm) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 96°F (35°C) | 0.9 inches (24 mm) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 90°F (32°C) | 0.9 inches (22 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 0.7 inches (17 mm) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.7 inches (18 mm) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 58°F (15°C) | 1 inches (25 mm) |
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.