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

Should you visit Islamabad or Portland?

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 Portland 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 Portland?

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.

Portland

Referred to as "The City of Roses", Portland is the largest city in Oregon. It sits on the banks of the Columbia River and offers breathtaking views of Mount Hood when the weather allows. Portland is famous for its alternative vibe, live music scene, and popular microbreweries. It's also a mecca for environmentally conscious urban planning. The downtown area is quite compact and walkable. While the city itself may be smaller than you expect, it is still the largest metropolitan area between San Francisco and Seattle.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Portland 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 Portland is $180. 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 Portland in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Portland $97
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Portland $194
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Portland

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Portland? 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 Portland


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 Portland Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.67
    Portland $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
  • 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
  • Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
  • Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portland

Also for Portland, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Tigard hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $151
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Lake Oswego - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $142
  • Portland International Airport - Private transfer from/to Oregon City: $127
  • Private Transfer from Portland Airport (PDX) to Astoria Port: $88
  • Portland Airport (PDX) to Beaverton hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • Tigard hotel or address to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $75
  • Lake Oswego to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Portland downtown to Portland Airport (PDX) - Departure Private Transfer: $61
  • Waterfall Express -PDX: Waterfall Trolley Tickets + Transfer: $60

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Portland?

Prices for flights to both Portland 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
    Portland $43

Typical Food Prices in Portland

For Portland, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Afternoon Drinks (for 2)
    $9.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portland

For Portland, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Walking Pizza Tour: $75
  • Secret Food Tour with Local Guide: $94
  • Brunch on Mississippi Food Tour: $95
  • Downtown Portland Food Tour : $99
  • Downtown Food Tour: $102
  • Mississippi Avenue Walking Food Tour: $105
  • The Vibrant Kerns Hood Food Tour: $105
  • The Bustling Buckman Hood Food Tour: $105
  • Portland Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $109
  • Mississippi Avenue Walking Food Tour: $110
  • All-Inclusive Downtown Portland Food Tour: $119
  • 2.5-hour Dinner Cruise on Willamette River: $127

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Portland $24

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 Portland

For Portland, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2-hour Champagne Brunch Cruise on Willamette River: $102
  • 2-hour Lunch Cruise on Willamette River: $86
  • 7 Wonders of the Gorge 3.5-hour Jetboat Cruise: $90
  • 90 Minute Sailing Tour of Portland: $99
  • Aerial adventure above Portland, Oregon: $189
  • Afternoon Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland: $75
  • Afternoon Multnomah Falls and Gorge Waterfalls Tour: $85
  • Air Tour of Mount Hood and Columbia River Gorge: $289
  • Air Tour of Multnomah Falls & Columbia Gorge from Portland: $159
  • Airplane Flight Tour over Portland, Oregon: $99
  • All Day Northern Oregon Wineries and Forest Bike Tour: $245
  • Beautiful Air Tour of the Columbia River Gorge : $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Portland $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Portland

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Portland:

  • Haunted Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Brewery Tastings: $40
  • Portland Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $40
  • Weird Bar Crawl with Fanatical Local: $59
  • Guided Bike Tour with Brewery Visits: $65
  • Portland, Maine: Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour: $89
  • Portland, Maine: Local Brewery & Spirits Bus Tour: $99
  • Afternoon Tour in Columbia Gorge Waterfall with Free Wine Tasting: $111
  • Waterfalls, Mt Hood, and Wine Tour (Tasting Fees Included): $135
  • Silver Falls Hike and Wine Tour: $179
  • Willamette Valley Wine Tasting from Portland: $189
  • Bed and Breakfast Wine Tour - Small Group, Joinable/Sharable: $198
  • From Willamette Valley Full-Day Wine Tour: $210


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Portland, we can see that Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland 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 Portland Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Portland?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Portland. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is much warmer than Portland in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Islamabad gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Portland. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Portland 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Portland. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Islamabad is much warmer than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Portland. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Portland. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Portland 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portland can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Portland. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Portland during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Portland. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Portland 40°F (4°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Islamabad during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Portland for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Islamabad is much warmer than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the spring, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Portland. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Portland. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Portland 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Portland and Islamabad

Islamabad Portland
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 40°F (4°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 44°F (7°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 57°F (14°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 64°F (18°C) 1.5 inches (39 mm)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 68°F (20°C) 0.7 inches (18 mm)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 69°F (20°C) 1 inches (25 mm)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 63°F (17°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 55°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 46°F (8°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 40°F (5°C) 6.1 inches (156 mm)