Which place is cheaper, Rotterdam or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Rotterdam?
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 Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam?
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.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and has the largest port in Europe. It's famously known as a city of architecture. In a few square kilometers of the city center you can get a complete overview of twentieth century architecture within Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a very diverse, international, and hard working city. Nearly half of the city's population is not native to the Netherlands or have at least one parent from outside the country. Muslim's make up a significant portion of the population. Other area's represented include Cape Verde and the Dutch Antilles.
There's an air of optimism that permeates the entire city. There are frequent events, festivals and performances, making Rotterdam an enjoyable place to spend some time. Water is also an integral part of the city design.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Rotterdam $162
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Rotterdam is $162. 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 Rotterdam in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Rotterdam $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Rotterdam $164
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Rotterdam
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Rotterdam? 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 Rotterdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67Rotterdam $28
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 Rotterdam
Also for Rotterdam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam: $295
- Private Minivan Transfer from Rotterdam : $274
- Private Transfer From Rotterdam to Amsterdam, With a 2 Hour Stop: $241
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam City to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $208
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to Amsterdam: $170
- Private Direct Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $170
- Private transfer Schiphol (AMS) to/from Rotterdam.: $167
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam to AMS Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $165
- Private Transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam: $165
- Private taxi transfer from Rotterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $165
- Private Rotterdam Cruise Port Departure Transfer to AMS Schiphol Airport : $164
- Rotterdam Airport RTM Round-Trip Private Transfer: $162
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Rotterdam?
Prices for flights to both Rotterdam 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 $15Rotterdam $58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rotterdam
For Rotterdam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Self-Guided Rotterdam BiteMe Food Tour: $43
- 4-Hour Food Tour - Self-guided: $48
- Guided Food Tour: $80
- Guided Walking Food Tour: $85
- Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide: $86
- Walking Rotterdam Food Tour: $86
- WALKING DINNER ROTTERDAM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
- Food Tour by Bike: $91
- Private Walking Food Tour of Rotterdam: $120
- Rotterdam Walking Dutch Food Tour: $153
- Rotterdam Private 2-Hour Food Tour with Tastings: $161
- Private Multicultural Bike Food Tour: $274
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Rotterdam $34
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 Rotterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rotterdam.
- "Remastered" Audiovisual Experience in Rotterdam: $27
- 2 hour Guided Walking Tour Rotterdam: $3.23
- 2-Hour Walking Tour in Gouda All inclusive: $19
- 90 Minutes Self-Guided Family Friendly Walking Tour in Gouda: $27
- All Inclusive, Private Tour Rotterdam + Euromast 360º view: $209
- Best of small-group walking tour: $97
- Boat & Beer Walking Tour: $97
- Breda Highlight Bike Tour: $32
- Breda: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $7.29
- Discover Breda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Dordrecht with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
- Discover Gouda with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $27
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Rotterdam $20
Sample the Local Flavors in Rotterdam
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rotterdam:
- Beer Brewery Noordt Tastings with Optional Tour: $8.07
- Heineken Building former brewery | Guided Tour: $8.07
- Stadshaven Brewery Tour with Beer Tastings: $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Rotterdam, we can see that Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam is in Europe, 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 Rotterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rotterdam 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 Rotterdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Rotterdam?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Rotterdam. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Rotterdam, 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 Rotterdam?
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 Rotterdam in the Summer?
Both Rotterdam and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite sunny in Rotterdam. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Rotterdam. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Rotterdam 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Rotterdam in the Autumn?
Both Rotterdam and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Islamabad is much warmer than Rotterdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Rotterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 105 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Rotterdam. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Rotterdam 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Rotterdam in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Rotterdam. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Islamabad is much warmer than Rotterdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Rotterdam averages at about 2°C (36°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Rotterdam during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Rotterdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Rotterdam. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Rotterdam 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Rotterdam in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Rotterdam. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city.
In April, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Rotterdam. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Rotterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the spring, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Rotterdam. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rotterdam receives 158 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Rotterdam. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rotterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Rotterdam 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Rotterdam and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Rotterdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.