Which place is cheaper, Punjab or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Punjab?
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 Punjab 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 Punjab?
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.
Punjab
Punjab is a state of northwestern India, its name roughly translating to "the land of five rivers." Like much of India, Punjab is thriving with culture evident in its royal palaces, historic monuments, shrines, temples, and more.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 2-Week Tours in India, and The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in India.
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Islamabad Prices
Pakistan PricesPunjab Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $53Punjab $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $53, while the average daily cost in Punjab is $58. 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 Punjab in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $21Punjab $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $42Punjab $40
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Punjab
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Punjab? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.70Punjab $14
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: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad Private Door to Door Airport Transfer: $54
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Punjab?
Prices for flights to both Punjab 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 $26Punjab $27
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.51Punjab $13
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- 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: $90
- Discover Peshawar Full Day Guided Tour from Islamabad: $135
- Discover Peshawar Full Day Guided Tour from Islamabad: $200
- Discover Taxila Private City Tour of World Heritage Unesco Sites: $95
- Exclusive Luxury Private Tour: Discover the Gems of Islamabad: $80
- Explore Takht I Bahi and Peshawar Full Day Tour from Islamabad: $160
- 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: $92
- Full Day Islamabad Guided City Tour: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.89Punjab $12
When comparing the travel costs between Islamabad and Punjab, we can see that Punjab 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 Punjab Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Islamabad or Punjab?
Punjab has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Punjab, 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.
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.