Which place is cheaper, Srinagar or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Srinagar?
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 Srinagar 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 Srinagar?
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.
Srinagar
Lying on the banks of the Jhelum River, Srinagar is the largest city and the summer capital of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is best known for its gardens, waterfronts, and houseboats as well as local traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dried fruits.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Luxury Tours to India, and The Best Budget Tours to India.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Srinagar $26
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Srinagar is $26. 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 Srinagar in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Srinagar $15
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Srinagar $30
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Srinagar
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Srinagar? 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 Srinagar Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.68Srinagar $2.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Srinagar
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Srinagar:
- Srinagar To Leh, Ladakh Taxi (One way Transfer): $246
- Kashmir: 5-Day Tour with Houseboat Stay and Transfers: $240
- Private Transfer from Sheikh ul-Alam (SXR) Airport to Srinagar: $69
- Private Transfer from Srinagar to Sheikh ul-Alam (SXR) Airport: $69
- Kashmir Transport Services for Transfers & Sightseeing Tours: $58
- Srinagar Airport Transfer: $28
- A Private Airport Transfer in Srinagar: $27
- Srinagar Airport Transfers Taxi Service: $16
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Srinagar?
Prices for flights to both Srinagar 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 $15Srinagar $5.17
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Srinagar $10
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Shopping Tour: Full Day Islamabad Markets Exploration Tour: $90
- Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
- Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
- Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
- 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
Tours and Activities in Srinagar
Here are a few actual costs in Srinagar for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4 Days and 3 Nights Private Tour of Kashmir: $290
- 5 Days and 4 Nights Private Tour of Kashmir: $285
- 6 Days Kashmir Tour with Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg: $300
- Enchanting Kashmir: A 6-Day Srinagar Adventure: $420
- From 5-Day Kashmir Tour with Gulmarg and Pahalgam: $1,799
- Full day tour of Srinagar with Entrance Fee & Guide: $154
- Full day tour of Srinagar with Entrance Fee, Guide, Shikara ride & Lunch: $222
- Gulmarg Adventure: A Thrilling Day Trip from Srinagar: $71
- Kashmir Houseboat Tour Package - 2 Nights / 3 Days: $209
- Magical Kashmir Tour: $715
- Private Custom Excursion Tour to Pahalgam from Srinagar with Guide: $74
- Private Custom Tour: Pahalgam sightseeing with guide: $74
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Srinagar $2.56
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Srinagar, we can see that Islamabad is more expensive. And not only is Srinagar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Srinagar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Srinagar 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 Islamabad would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Islamabad than you might in Srinagar.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Srinagar Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Srinagar?
Srinagar has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Srinagar, 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.
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.