Which place is cheaper, San Francisco or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or San Francisco?
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 Francisco 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 Francisco?
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 Francisco
San Francisco is a beautiful city that is famous for it's picturesque neighborhoods, liberal character, and stunning location on the bay. Some people describe San Francisco as the United State's most "European City." This title most likely comes from its compact development and its easy walkability. It also has no shortage of parks and public spaces where you can pass some time. The city sits on the end of a peninsula and offers stunning views of the blue bay, rolling green hills, and the striking Golden Gate Bridge.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42San Francisco $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in San Francisco is $222. 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 Francisco in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20San Francisco $130
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40San Francisco $260
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and San Francisco
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or San Francisco? 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 Francisco Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67San Francisco $16
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Francisco
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in San Francisco:
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Taxi to SFO$45
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Golden Gate Bridge Toll$6.00
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Alcatraz Tour$30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Francisco
Also for San Francisco, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to Cruise Terminal: $561
- Carmel 1-Way Transfer to/from San Francisco Airport: $535
- SFO Airport Private Transfer to/from Sacramento: $414
- Napa Valley 1-Way Transfer to/from the San Francisco Airport: $400
- San Francisco Airport (SFO): Transfer to San Francisco: $346
- San Francisco (SFO) to Calistoga Resorts Round-Trip Transfer: $296
- Private Airport Transfer From SFO to Sonoma (One-way): $280
- Sedan Airport Transfer from SFO to East Bay (one way): $262
- Sedan Airport Transfer from Vallejo to SFO (one way): $259
- Arrival Private Transfer SFO Airport to San Francisco City by SUV: $245
- Departure Private Transfer San Francisco to SFO Airport in a SUV: $203
- San Francisco Airport (SFO) to Cruise Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer: $182
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or San Francisco?
Prices for flights to both San Francisco 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 $15San Francisco $46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Francisco
For San Francisco, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- San Francisco Virtual Food Tour with Local Guide: $19
- North Beach and Little Italy Food Tour: $79
- Buffet Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Bay: $82
- Secret Food Tours San Francisco: $84
- Mission District Food Tour with Tastings: $85
- Farmers' Market & Ferry Building Food Tour: $87
- Mission District Walking Food Tour: $89
- Chinatown Walking Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco North Beach Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco North Beach and Chinatown - Secret Food Tours: $89
- San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour: $89
- San Francisco Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48San Francisco $46
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 San Francisco
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Francisco.
- 2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- Private Walking Tour in Muir Woods and Tickets : $20
- "Summer of Love" tour in Haight-Ashbury in French: $63
- 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: $73
- 2-Hour Double Decker City Tour of San Francisco: $73
- 2HR Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Loop GoCar Tour: $172
- 2hr - INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr - INTERACTIVE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr - SUNSET Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay: $149
- 2hr PRIVATE Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay 6 Guests: $695
- 3 in 1 Tour: Muir Woods, Sausalito & Half Day Wine Country Visit: $189
- 3-Hour Private Group San Francisco Open Top Jeep Tour: $249
For more ideas for your next trip, check out The Best Museums in San Francisco, The Best Outdoor Activities in San Francisco, and Things to Do In San Francisco on a Rainy Day.
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88San Francisco $22
Sample the Local Flavors in San Francisco
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in San Francisco:
- Chinatown San Francisco’s Bar Crawl: An Audio Tour: $4.99
- SF Pub Crawl and Clubbing Experience: $27
- San Francisco Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
- Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- 2 to 3 Hour Bar Crawl in Castro San Francisco: $49
- Wine Tasting on the Bay: $85
- Private Wine Tour Napa or Sonoma from $99 per person up to 7 & Concierge Service: $99
- Small Group: The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $109
- Big Bus Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour: $125
- Half-Day Wine Country Tour with Wine Tastings: $126
- From The Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
- The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour: $139
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 Francisco Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or San Francisco?
San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and San Francisco, 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 Francisco?
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 Francisco in the Summer?
Both San Francisco and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Islamabad or San Francisco in the Autumn?
Both San Francisco and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.
Islamabad is much warmer than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).
Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than San Francisco. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)San Francisco 63°F (17°C)
Should I visit Islamabad or San Francisco in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and San Francisco. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Islamabad is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).
In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)San Francisco 50°F (10°C)
Should I visit Islamabad or San Francisco in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as San Francisco. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In April, Islamabad is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).
Islamabad usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)San Francisco 58°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for San Francisco and Islamabad
| Islamabad | San Francisco | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.8 inches (96 mm) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 58°F (14°C) | 1.2 inches (31 mm) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.1 inches (1 mm) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 0.3 inches (7 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 63°F (17°C) | 1.3 inches (33 mm) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (71 mm) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.7 inches (68 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.