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

Should you visit Islamabad or Sydney?

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 Sydney 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 Sydney?

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.

Sydney

Sydney, known as the harbour city, is the most famous and frequently visited city in Australia. It is at the economical and cultural heart of the country, and is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world. It's situated on the water with stunning views of the famous harbour throughout the city. It's most famous landmarks include the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It is also very close wonderful beaches, parks, and nature.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Sydney 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 Sydney is $278. 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 Sydney in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Sydney $104
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Sydney $208
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Sydney

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Sydney? 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 Sydney


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 Sydney Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.67
    Sydney $15

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 Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
  • Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
  • 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: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sydney

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $13
  • Taxi to Airport
    $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sydney

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sydney:

  • Limoroo, Luxe Private Transfers to The Blue Mountains Australia: $297
  • Airport Transfer From Sydney Airport to Hotels and Home: $295
  • Private Transfer from Sydney Hotels to Airport: $255
  • Tandem Skydive with Optional Transfers: $251
  • Premium Private Transfer FROM Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD/Downtown 1-11 people: $238
  • Premium Private Transfer FROM Sydney Airport to Sydney CBD/Downtown 1-13 people: $215
  • Sydney Airport (SYD): Private Transfer to Sydney hotels: $207
  • Airport transfers and shuttle bus - home/hotels: $198
  • From Sydney Hotels - Hotel Transfer to Airport: $195
  • Airport Transfer From Sydney Airport to Hotels and Home: $165
  • Sydney Airport Departure Transfer (Sydney Central Business District to Airport): $164
  • Sydney Airport Private Car Departure Transfer: $162

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Sydney?

Prices for flights to both Sydney 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
    Sydney $45

Typical Food Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sydney:


  • Tea
    $2.64
  • Lunch Special
    $9.91
  • Food/Drink Coogie Beach
    $9.91
  • Meat Pies
    $3.30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sydney

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

  • Vivid Lights Festival Pizza Cruise Tour in Vivid Sydney: $16
  • VIVID Dinner Cruise with Complimentary Drink on Arrival: $36
  • Admission to Vivid Dinner Cruise in Sydney : $46
  • Vivid Sydney Harbor Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $46
  • Sydney's Little Italy Food Tour: $50
  • Sydney Street Art & Food Tour: $53
  • Christmas in July Dinner Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $56
  • Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
  • Twilight Dinner Cruise (1.5 hour): $59
  • Twilight Dinner Cruise on Coral Trekker: $59
  • Harbor Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $59
  • Sydney Harbour: Tall Ship Vivid Dinner Cruise: $59

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Sydney $32

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Sydney

Here are a few typical costs in Sydney for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Theatre Show
    $30
  • Sydney Tower Visit (for 2)
    $30
  • Blue Mountain Tour/Featherdale Park (for 2)
    $126
  • Powerhouse Museum
    $9.94

Tours and Activities in Sydney

Here are a few actual costs in Sydney for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Small-Group Sydney's Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai National Park Bus Tour: $228
  • 2 Hours Sydney Harbour's True Crime Cruise Tour: $36
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Sydney Harbour National Park : $36
  • 3 Hours Abba Tribute Cruise on Sydney Harbour: $65
  • 3 Hr Whale Watching Discovery Cruise in Sydney: $72
  • 3-Hour Private Bike Tour with a Local Sydney Guide: $227
  • 3.5 Hours Explore Bondi Beach and Sydney Sightseeing Tour: $195
  • 4-Hour Freediving Taster Experience at Shelly Beach, Manly: $182
  • Afternoon Discovery Cruise on Coral Trekker: $46
  • Allianz Stadium Guided Walking Tour: $17
  • Art Gallery of NSW: State of the Art Gallery Tour: $30
  • Art Gallery of NSW: Stories of Art and Place gallery tour: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Sydney $15

Typical Alcohol Prices in Sydney

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Sydney:


  • Wine
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Sydney

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

  • Haunted Pub Tour with Local Guide: $21
  • Night Out Pub Crawl with Local Guide: $30
  • Urban Winery Wine Tasting Tour with Cheese Platter: $56
  • Private Wine Tour and Tasting: $56
  • Beach and Brew - Hike and Brewery (Men and Women): $73
  • Balmain Pub Walking Tour: $76
  • Luxury Hunter Valley Wildlife & Wine Tasting Tour from Sydney: $83
  • Sydney Beer and Brewery Tour: $102
  • Brewery, Winery, and Distillery Tasting Tour: $112
  • Northern Beaches Brewery Tour and Tasting: $122
  • From Hunter Valley Wine Tour with Cheese Tasting: $145
  • Hunter Valley Wine Tour from Sydney with Lunch and 3 Cellar Door Tastings: $149


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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Islamabad has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Islamabad or Sydney in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Sydney. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Sydneyin January. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the summer, Islamabad often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sydneyin January. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sydney. Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets more rain in July than Sydneyin January. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Sydney 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Sydney in the Autumn?

Both Sydney and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.

Islamabad is a little warmer than Sydney in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Sydney during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sydney. In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Sydneyin April. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Sydney 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Sydney in the Winter?

Both Sydney and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Islamabad is a little warmer than Sydney. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Sydney averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the winter, Islamabad often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sydneyin July. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Sydneyin July. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Sydney 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Sydney in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Sydney. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sydney in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Sydneyin October. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sydney during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Sydneyin October. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Sydney 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Sydney and Islamabad

Islamabad Sydney
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)