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

Should you visit Islamabad or Pune?

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 Pune 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 Pune?

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.

Pune

Located in Maharashtra, Pune is the state's second largest city and cultural capital. Not only is it a hub for museums, temples, beaches, and scenic overlooks, but it also has a thriving nightlife and general atmosphere due to the student population.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in India, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in India.


Which place is cheaper, Pune or Islamabad?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $52, while the average daily cost in Pune is $52. 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 Pune in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Pune $19
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Pune $38
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Pune

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Pune? 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 Pune


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 Pune Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.65
    Pune $8.43

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
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer: $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
  • Islamabad Airport Transfers: $54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pune

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

  • Pune Airport Transfer in Private Vehicle: $50
  • Private Transfer from Pune (PNQ) Airport to Pune City: $40
  • Affordable transfer from Pune to Mumbai Airport: $28
  • Private Transfer from Pune to your Accommodation in Mumbai: $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Pune?

Prices for flights to both Pune 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 $26
    Pune $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pune

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

  • Traditional Cooking Classes & Dinner with Chef Family: $29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.45
    Pune $15

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 City Landmarks Exploration Tour (Private & Guided).: $95
  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • Best of One-Day Sightseeing Tour: $85
  • Discover Peshawar Full Day Guided Tour from Islamabad: $200
  • Discover Peshawar Full Day Guided Tour from Islamabad: $120
  • Exclusive Luxury Private Tour: Discover the Gems of Islamabad: $80
  • Explore Takht I Bahi and Peshawar Full Day Tour from Islamabad: $145
  • From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
  • From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
  • Full Day Islamabad & Taxila UNESCO Site Tour: $78
  • Full Day Islamabad Guided City Tour: $100

Tours and Activities in Pune

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

  • 4-Hour Tour: Pune University Complex Cycling Private Tour: $139
  • 4-Hour Tour: Small-Group Culinary Walking Tour in Pune: $99
  • Best of Pune Private City Tour with Lunch and Transport: $120
  • Best of Pune Sightseeing with Food Tasting Tour by Private Car: $77
  • Big Bollywood Studio only Tour with Meal : From Pune: $103
  • Day Trip to Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani (Guided Fullday Sightseeing Tour from Pune): $129
  • Experience Spiritual Culture in Pune with a local - A Unique 2 Hrs Walking Tour: $11
  • Food Walk Tour Pune (2 Hours Guided Food Tasting Walk): $22
  • Food walking tour in Pune to stimulate your taste buds: $50
  • From Pune Ajanta Ellora Caves 2 Days Tour: $165
  • From 3-Day Guided Tour of Ajanta, Ellora & Aurangabad City: $122
  • Full Day Cultural & Heritage Pune City Tour in Private Vehicle: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Pune $13


When comparing the travel costs between Islamabad and Pune, we can see that Islamabad is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Pune Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Pune?

Pune has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Pune, 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.

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