Which place is cheaper, San Jose or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or San Jose?
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 Jose 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 Jose?
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 Jose
San Jose is the capital city of Costa Rica and is likely to be your first and last stop in a visit to the country. The city is situated in the Central Valley and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys, making for a beautiful flight in. The city has an elevation of 1200 meters and sits on a plateau with a beautiful backdrop of lush green forest. Half of the people in Costa Rica reside in the country's capital city. You are likely to stay only a day or two, but there are a handful of things to do and see including museums and markets. You will also find many embassies, as well as the University of Costa Rica in San Jose.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42San Jose $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in San Jose is $89. 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 Jose in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20San Jose $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40San Jose $96
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and San Jose
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or San Jose? 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 Jose Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67San Jose $19
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
- Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
- Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
Typical Local Transportation Prices in San Jose
Some typical examples of transportation costs in San Jose are as follows:
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Taxi from SJO$25
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Local Bus$2.71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Jose
Also for San Jose, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tortuguero: $300
- Transfer SJO Airport TO & FROM Dominical OR Uvita (One Way): $290
- Transfer from San Jose Airport CR (SJO) to Arenal La Fortuna Hotels: $279
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Tambor beach: $276
- Private Transfer from San Jose Airport or Guanacaste Hotels: $276
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Manuel Antonio Quepos: $269
- Private Transfer from San Jose downtown to Liberia Airport: $267
- Private transfer from San Jose or Airport with welcome service to Samara Beach: $265
- Private Transfer: $260
- Private Transfer Airport or San Jose hotels to Puerto Viejo Limon: $259
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to La Fortuna Arenal: $259
- Private transfer from San Jose Airport welcome service to Liberia: $257
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or San Jose?
Prices for flights to both San Jose 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 Jose $18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Jose
For San Jose, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose, Costa Rica: $34
- San Jose By Night Tour: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class: $57
- San Jose Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour and visit Gold Museum : $60
- Half-Day San Jose Evening Bus Tour with Dinner and Pickup: $76
- Explore San Jose By Night: Food and Culture Tour with Local Dinner: $80
- Dinner + Typical Show in the best viewpoint of the City: $99
- Arenal Volcano Full-Day Combo Tour with Lunch and Dinner: $179
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48San Jose $21
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 Jose
For San Jose, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Explore San Jose on Foot: Food Delights and Sights Tour: $47
- Street Food Walking Tour in Downtown San Jose: $60
- 3 in 1 Eco Tour Rain Forest Aerial Tram, River Cruise & Nature Walk Private Tour: $299
- 6 in 1 RainForest Adventure From San Jose: $189
- A taste of Aquiares - 2 hours Coffee Tour: $42
- AERIAL TRAM TOUR - HALF DAY PASS Rainforest Adventures Braulio Ca: $78
- AWA Water Museum - Waterfall Adventure (Organic Food Experience): $98
- Arenal Volcano Eco Tour & Baldi Hot Springs Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Experience Full-Day Tour from San Jose: $159
- Arenal Volcano Hanging Bridges & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour from San Jose: $285
- Arenal Volcano Hike and Hot Springs Tour from San Jose: $142
- Arenal Volcano Horseback Riding & Baldi Hot Springs. Private Tour: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88San Jose $16
Sample the Local Flavors in San Jose
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Jose:
- Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose: $38
- Wine Tour and Tasting: $85
- Bar Crawl in San Jose in a Deluxe Party Bus: $100
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and San Jose, we can see that San Jose 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 Jose is in Central 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 Jose would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Jose 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 Jose Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or San Jose?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of San Jose. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and San Jose, 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 Jose?
Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Jose experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Islamabad or San Jose in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and San Jose. San Jose attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is a little warmer than San Jose in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and San Jose fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than San Jose during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.
San Jose receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than San Jose. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)San Jose 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or San Jose in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as San Jose. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Jose throughout the year.
In the autumn, Islamabad is around the same temperature as San Jose. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and San Jose averages at about 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than San Jose. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Jose. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than San Jose. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or San Jose in the Winter?
Both San Jose and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Jose because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Islamabad is generally much colder than San Jose. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and San Jose fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in San Jose. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than San Jose during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while San Jose receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Islamabad usually receives more rain than San Jose. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)San Jose 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or San Jose in the Spring?
Both San Jose and Islamabad during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Jose year-round.
Islamabad is around the same temperature as San Jose in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and San Jose fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
In San Jose, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the spring, Islamabad often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Jose. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Jose receives 255 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets more rain in April than San Jose. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Jose receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)San Jose 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for San Jose and Islamabad
| Islamabad | San Jose | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 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.