Which place is cheaper, Sendai or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Sendai?
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 Sendai 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 Sendai?
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.
Sendai
Sendai, Japan is located in the Toohoku region on the main Honshu island. It is often referred to as "Forest City" due to the large amount of green space throughout the city and the tree filled parks and public spaces. Sendai is a very pleasant city to visit; they are in close proximity to both mountains and the sea and have many large universities throughout the city, making it a popular college town.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Sendai $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Sendai is $105. 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 Sendai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Sendai $59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Sendai $118
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Sendai
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Sendai? 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 Sendai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.68Sendai $18
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
- 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
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sendai
Also for Sendai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Sendai Airport to/from Sendai City private transfer: $76
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Sendai?
Prices for flights to both Sendai 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 $15Sendai $33
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Sendai $18
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 Sendai
For Sendai, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Japanese Taiko Drum Experience at Sairi Yashiki : $71
- Sendai, Okama: Private tour from Sendai city to Okama: $251
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Sendai $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Sendai, we can see that Sendai 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 Sendai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sendai 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 Sendai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Sendai?
Sendai has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Sendai, 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 Sendai?
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 Sendai in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Sendai. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sendai because of the beaches, 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 Sendai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Sendai averages at about 23°C (73°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 124 hours of full sun in the summer.
Sendai 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 Sendai. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Sendai 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Sendai in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Sendai. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sendai this time of year.
In October, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Sendai. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Sendai fluctuates around 15°C (59°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 Sendai. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Sendai. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Sendai. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Sendai 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Sendai in the Winter?
Both Sendai and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Sendai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Sendai. Islamabad is much warmer than Sendai in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Sendai fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Sendai during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Sendai receives 149 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Sendai. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Sendai 2°C (35°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Sendai in the Spring?
Both Sendai and Islamabad during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Sendai in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Sendai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Sendai averages at about 10°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the spring, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Sendai. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sendai receives 188 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Sendai. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Sendai receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Sendai 10°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Sendai and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Sendai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 151 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.