Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Islamabad or San Diego?
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 San Diego 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 San Diego?
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.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $202. 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 San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20San Diego $115
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or San Diego? 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 San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67San Diego $24
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 San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241
- San Diego Airport (SAN): Private Transfer to San Diego: $190
- Private Transfer Airport Tijuana/Valle de Guadalupe (Ensenada) or back.: $178
- Private Transfer from Tijuana to Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe: $151
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego hotel/address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to Carlsbad - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
- Arrival Private Transfer San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego by Executive SUV: $134
- RoundTrip transfer in private car from-to San DiegoAirport in San Diego Downtown: $127
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $121
- Private Transfer from San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Executive SUV: $115
- Departure Private Transfer: San Diego to San Diego Airport SAN in Luxury SUV: $115
- Arrival Private Transfer: San Diego Airport SAN to San Diego in Luxury SUV: $115
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego 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 dayIslamabad $15San Diego $45
Typical Food Prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
-
Mexican Lunch for Two$27
-
Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $85
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48San Diego $48
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
San Diego Zoo$15
-
Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $24
- "Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance!" Bar Tour (4 bars included): $33
- 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
- 1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego: $99
- 1-Hour Voodoo Escape Room Experience in San Diego: $35
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
- 1Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
- 2 hr. Downtown and Balboa Tour in the GPS Guided Vanderhall GoCar: $288
- 2-Hour San Diego Pier Fishing Experience: $75
- 2Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Downtown & Old Town: $82
- 3 Hours Guided Whale and Dolphin Watching Experience in San Diego: $139
- 4 Hour Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour or Rental: $87
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88San Diego $21
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $133
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and San Diego, we can see that San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or San Diego?
San Diego has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and San Diego, 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 San Diego?
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 San Diego in the Summer?
Both San Diego and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than San Diego. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Islamabad or San Diego in the Autumn?
Both San Diego and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Diego in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than San Diego. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Islamabad or San Diego in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and San Diego. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Islamabad is around the same temperature as San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than San Diego during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than San Diego. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Islamabad or San Diego in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as San Diego. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the spring, Islamabad often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Diego. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Islamabad
| Islamabad | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 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.