A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Islamabad vs. Sapporo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Islamabad or Sapporo?

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 Sapporo 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 Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo

Capital of the northern Japanese island Hokkaido, Sapporo is a city surrounded by mountains and known for its beer, skiing, and annual snow festival with stunning ice sculptures. As host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, the city limits are dotted with ski jumps, hills, and popular ski resorts still in use today.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Sapporo or Islamabad?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Sapporo is $106. 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 Sapporo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Sapporo $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Sapporo $126
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Sapporo

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Sapporo? 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.

Hotels in Islamabad


Hotels in Sapporo


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 Sapporo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.68
    Sapporo $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
  • Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
  • Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sapporo

Also for Sapporo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer: between Sapporo and Upopoy: $467
  • SkyExpress Private Transfer: Sapporo to Otaru (8 Passengers): $289
  • Private Transfer from Sapporo hotels to Muroran Cruise Port: $158
  • Horseback-Riding in a Country Side in Sapporo - Private Transfer is Included: $154
  • Private Transfer from Sapporo City Hotels to Muroran Cruise Port: $143
  • Airport Transfer! Hotel in center of Sapporo to New Chitose Airport (CTS): $140
  • [Airport Transfer] Smoothly move between Sapporo and New Chitose Airport with a private car! one way: $135
  • Sapporo City: Private Transfer to/from New Chitose Airport: $119
  • Private Transfer from Sapporo hotels to Otaru Cruise Port: $93
  • New Chitose Airport ↔ Sapporo, Best Transfer Pick up Service : $66
  • Shin Chitose Airport to/from Sapporo City: Shared Transfer: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Sapporo?

Prices for flights to both Sapporo 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 day
    Islamabad $15
    Sapporo $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sapporo

For Sapporo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Market Tour, Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local in Sapporo: $82
  • Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour: $82
  • Japanese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Local Professional in her Lovely Home: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Sapporo $16

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.

  • 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
  • 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 Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
  • Islamabad City Tour : $150
  • Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110

Tours and Activities in Sapporo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sapporo.

  • 2 Day Tour to Icebreaker Mombetsu and Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido: $275
  • A Japanese food experience plan in Sapporo where you can enjoy tempura and 3 types of Hokkaido-only sake along with a soba making experience!: $82
  • Experience Hokkaido's Summer, Furano, Blue Pond & All-you-can-eat Fresh Melon! : $99
  • Experience traditional Japanese cuisine, making soba noodles in Sapporo, in a fun and casual way.: $53
  • Exploring Hokkaido Nightlife Susukino Evening Walking Tour: $131
  • Friday only! A Japanese food experience where you can enjoy hand-made soba noodles and a luxurious Japanese lunch! !: $164
  • From 10-hour Customized Private Tour to Noboribetsu: $2,287
  • From Private Customized Day Tour to Biei+Furano: $699
  • From Private Customized Day Tour to Otaru: $655
  • Full Day Tour Hokkaido Biei Green Pond and Furano Flower Sea: $141
  • Half-day (4 hours) Sapporo city Tour: $184
  • Hand-rolled sushi experience tour at Sapporo Nijo Market: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Sapporo $7.98


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?

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 Sapporo in the Summer?

Both Sapporo and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Sapporo 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Sapporo in the Autumn?

Both Sapporo and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Islamabad is much warmer than Sapporo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.

Sapporo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Sapporo. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Sapporo 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Sapporo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Sapporo. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sapporo can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Islamabad is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Sapporo averages at about -5°C (24°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Sapporo -5°C (24°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Sapporo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Sapporo. Also, most visitors come to Sapporo for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°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 Sapporo. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Sapporo. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Sapporo 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Islamabad

Islamabad Sapporo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) -5°C (24°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) -4°C (24°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) -0°C (32°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) -1°C (30°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)