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

Should you visit Islamabad or Seattle?

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 Seattle 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 Seattle?

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.

Seattle

Situated on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington, Seattle is the largest city in the United States Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful city surrounded by the water and mountains and filled with evergreen trees. It's also the home of some famous American institutions including Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and Microsoft. The population of almost 700,000 continues to grow. As of 2014, the city was considered the fastest growing major city in the United States. The entire metropolitan area has about 3.6 million residents, making it the 15th largest metro area in the US. The natural beauty, growing economy, and educational base give Seattle a youthful vibe that keep the city young and energetic.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.


Which place is cheaper, Seattle 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 Seattle is $205. 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 Seattle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Seattle $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Seattle $240
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Seattle

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Seattle? 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 Seattle


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 Seattle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.67
    Seattle $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

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

  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
  • Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
  • 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 Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
  • Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
  • Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
  • Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seattle

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Seattle:


  • Lightrail from Airport (for 2)
    $5.50
  • Roundtrip Ferry to Bainbridge Island (for 2)
    $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seattle

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seattle:

  • Smith Cove Terminal: Private Transfer to Seattle hotels: $310
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport(SEA): Transfer to Smith Cove Terminal: $310
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA): Private Transfer to Seattle: $267
  • Seattle, WA: Seaplane transfer to Vancouver, BC: $265
  • Private Transfer Seattle Airport SEA to Seattle center or port by Minibus or SUV: $195
  • From Seattle Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $175
  • From Seattle Airport - Transfer to Hotel & Homes: $175
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Vehicle Seattle Airport (SEA) -Seattle Downtown: $171
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport to Summit at Snoqualmie Arrival Transfer: $153
  • Seattle Tacoma Airport (SEA) to Smith Cove Terminal - RoundTrip Private Transfer: $149
  • Smith Cove Terminal to Seattle hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $149
  • From Snoqualmie Falls and Wineries Tour w/ Transfer: $145

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Seattle?

Prices for flights to both Seattle 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
    Seattle $51

Typical Food Prices in Seattle

Some typical examples of dining costs in Seattle are as follows:


  • Expresso & cookie at Pier 70
    $7.00
  • Cashews at Pike Place Market
    $6.00
  • 6 Mini Donuts at Pike Place Market
    $3.25
  • Chinese Lunch in International District (for 2)
    $21
  • Breakfast at Lowel's in Pike Place Market (for 2)
    $32
  • Breakfast at French Cafe (for 2)
    $37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seattle

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seattle.

  • Secret Food Tours Seattle: $65
  • Seattle Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65
  • Chef Guided Food Tour of Pike Place Market- 2 Hours: $67
  • Eat Around the World Seattle Food Tour: $69
  • International District Food Tour: $69
  • Street Food Tour of South Lake Union: $75
  • Secret Food Tours: Seattle Pike Place Market: $85
  • Pike Place Market Food Tour: $99
  • Small Group Cooking Class: $138
  • Private Seattle Cooking Class with a Chef in Her Home: $198

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

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

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

  • Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Private Tour: Half Day Islamabad Saidpur Village Exploration Tour: $80
  • Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
  • Guided Top 5 Wonders Exploration Tour: $95
  • Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
  • City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
  • Full Day Private City Tour Of Islamabad: $99
  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
  • Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
  • Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
  • From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150

Tours and Activities in Seattle

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seattle are as follows:

  • 3 Hour Seattle City Tour: $90
  • 2 Hour Seattle City Snapshots Tour: $85
  • 2 Hour Sound Tour: $98
  • 2-Hour Seattle Sailing Harbor Tour: $45
  • 3 Hours Electric Bike Tour of Seattle's Waterways, Nature and Neighborhoods: $87
  • 5-hour Seattle and Suburbs Attractions Tour: $185
  • Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour: $29
  • Best of Seattle Small Group Walking Tour W/ Space Needle: $244
  • Boeing Factory Tour with Guided Transport from Seattle: $125
  • Chef Guided Happy Hour Tour - Cocktails, Bubbles and Bites: $140
  • CitySightseeing Seattle Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras: $43
  • Customized Mount Rainier Tour from Seattle: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Seattle $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Seattle

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Seattle:

  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
  • Where the Hops Grow! Yakima Brewery Tour : $40
  • Woodinville Wine Country: Downtown Wine Tasting Pass: $65
  • Woodinville Wine Country: Artisan Hill Wine Tasting Pass: $65
  • Brewery and Restaurant Tour of Historic Seattle Neighborhood: $109
  • Bon Vivant Woodinville Wine Tasting Tour : $120
  • From Snoqualmie Falls & Woodinville Wine Tasting: $262
  • Snoqualmie Falls + Wine Tasting: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour: $263


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Seattle, we can see that Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seattle 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 Seattle Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Seattle?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Islamabad or Seattle in the Summer?

Both Seattle and Islamabad during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Seattle 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 Seattle. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Seattle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Seattle 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Seattle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Seattle. Furthermore, 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 Seattle this time of year.

Islamabad is much warmer than Seattle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Seattle. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Seattle 54°F (12°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Seattle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Seattle. Additionally, many travelers come to Seattle for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Islamabad is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Seattle averages at about 42°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Seattle. Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Seattle. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Seattle 42°F (5°C)

Should I visit Islamabad or Seattle in the Spring?

Both Seattle and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Seattle in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Seattle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Seattle. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Seattle 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for Seattle and Islamabad

Islamabad Seattle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 42°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (136 mm)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 45°F (7°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 51°F (11°C) 2.5 inches (64 mm)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 57°F (14°C) 1.9 inches (47 mm)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 67°F (19°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 67°F (19°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 62°F (17°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 54°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 47°F (8°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 42°F (6°C) 6 inches (152 mm)