Which place is cheaper, Sarajevo or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Sarajevo?
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 Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo?
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.
Sarajevo
Sarajevo is the capital city of Bosnia and is one of the most culturally and historically interesting cities to visit in Europe. The city was at the crossroads where the Eastern and Western Roman Empires divided, and the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches divided. Today it is most associated with the Civil War that occurred here between 1992 and 1995. There are still many remnants of the war left, from the cemeteries that dot the countryside to the leftover damage done by bombs. Despite its brutal history, Sarajevo has begun to thrive again, both economically and as a tourist destination.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Sarajevo $71
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Sarajevo is $71. 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 Sarajevo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Sarajevo $27
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Sarajevo $54
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Sarajevo
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Sarajevo? 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 Sarajevo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67Sarajevo $7.09
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 Sarajevo
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Sarajevo:
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Tram Tickets (for 2)$1.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sarajevo
Also for Sarajevo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private 1-Way Transfer to/from Split: $323
- Split Private Transfer Service: $301
- Dubrovnik Private Transfer Service: $301
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Mostar: $293
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Gračanica: $293
- Transfer from/to Sarajevo - Belgrade: $290
- Private Transfer from Sarajevo Airport (SJJ) to Doboj: $273
- Transfer from city of Sarajevo to city of Mostar: $252
- Private Transfer from Travnik to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $234
- Private transfer (FROM-TO) Sarajevo - Dubrovnik: $230
- Private transfer (FROM-TO) Sarajevo - Belgrade : $230
- Sarajevo ⇄ Mostar / Private Transfer: $205
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Sarajevo?
Prices for flights to both Sarajevo 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 $15Sarajevo $31
Typical Food Prices in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Restaurant Dinner (for 2)$12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Walking Food Tour with Local Craft Experience: $43
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with your Host Family: $44
- Traditional Bosnian Dinner with Host Family: $54
- Bosnian Cooking Lessons: $80
- The 10 Tastings of Sarajevo Private Food Tour : $144
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Sarajevo $12
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 Sarajevo
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Sarajevo's activities, tours, and tickets:
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National Museum (for 2)$7.71
Tours and Activities in Sarajevo
For Sarajevo, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 hours Small Group Old Town of Sarajevo Walking Tour with Local Tour Guide: $13
- 4-Hour Sightseeing Walking Tour with Food Tastings and Craft Experience: $44
- 8 to 9 Hours Daily Tour To Travnik and Jajce From Sarajevo: $104
- BOSNIAN PYRAMIDS TOUR (nature, history & archeology): $65
- Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Half-Day Tour from Sarajevo: $81
- Bijambare Cave & Bosnia Spring Park: Tour from Sarajevo: $80
- Bijambare Cave Tour : $44
- Bijambare Cave and Spring of River Bosna Tour: $45
- Bosnia's Treasures: 7-Day Private Tour: $1,318
- Bosnian Castles Tour: Sarajevo, Vranduk, Tesanj, Srebrenik: $143
- Bosnian Castles Tour: Vranduk Tešanj Srebrenik from Sarajevo: $134
- Bosnian Kingdom Capitals: Travnik & Jajce Tour from Sarajevo: $142
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Sarajevo $7.41
Sample the Local Flavors in Sarajevo
Also in Sarajevo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Small-group Wine Tasting Expiriance, with lunch in vineyard: $71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Sarajevo, we can see that Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo is in Europe, 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 Sarajevo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Sarajevo?
Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?
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 Sarajevo in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Sarajevo. Also, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Sarajevo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 26°C (78°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sarajevo this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than Sarajevo during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun in the summer.
Islamabad gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Sarajevo. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Sarajevo 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Sarajevo in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Sarajevo. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°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 Sarajevo. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sarajevo. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Sarajevo. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Sarajevo 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Sarajevo in the Winter?
Both Sarajevo and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Islamabad is much warmer than Sarajevo in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Sarajevo during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Sarajevo 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Sarajevo in the Spring?
Both Sarajevo and Islamabad during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Sarajevo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 14°C (58°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the spring, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Sarajevo. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun.
Sarajevo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Sarajevo. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Sarajevo 14°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Sarajevo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 196 mm (7.7 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.