Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or San Juan?
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 Juan 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 Juan?
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 Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. 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 Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or San Juan? 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 Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67San Juan $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: 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 Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $272
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $272
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
- Oneway Transfer San Juan to Ceiba: Ferry, Vieques/Culebra Airport: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan 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 Juan $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48San Juan $49
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 Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Arenales Caves, Waterfall & River Swimming Adventure: $140
- Arte Boriken-Urban Art & Beach Sip & Paint Tour: $145
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Black Sand Beach- See The Southeast of Puerto Rico Private Tour: $150
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Craft Beer Private Tour in San Juan: $168
- Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
- Culebra Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and San Juan, we can see that San Juan 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 Juan is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan 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 Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or San Juan?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and San Juan, 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 Juan?
Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Islamabad or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is a little warmer than San Juan in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than San Juan. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In the autumn, Islamabad is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
In San Juan, 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 Juan. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and San Juan. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Islamabad is generally much colder than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than San Juan. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as San Juan. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
Islamabad is around the same temperature as San Juan in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and San Juan fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. 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 Juan. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Islamabad
| Islamabad | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 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.