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

Should you visit Islamabad or Valletta?

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 Valletta 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 Valletta?

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.

Valletta

A harbor city and the capital city of the island of Malta, Valletta dates back to the 16th-century with a preserved architectural heritage that earned the city a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is best known for its museums, palaces, and churches.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical Tours in Malta, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Malta.


Which place is cheaper, Valletta 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 Valletta is $124. 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 Valletta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Valletta $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Valletta $140
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Valletta

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Valletta? 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 Valletta


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 Valletta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.67
    Valletta $25

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valletta

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

  • Temples Tour (Pick-up, Transfer, Tickets & Drop-off Included): $235
  • From Private Malta Highlights Tour with Transfer: $151
  • Private Airport Transfer from Malta to Gozo: $109
  • Airport Transfers (Private Group up to 15 people): $103
  • From Malta: Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch and Hotel Transfers: $88
  • Private Airport Transfer in Malta: $88
  • Turkish Gullet Cruise to Gozo and Comino with Lunch and Transfers: $81
  • Airport transfers to all locations in Malta (Private Groups or Families): $81
  • Mdina and Highlights of Malta Full Day Guided Tour Incl. Lunch and Transfers: $67
  • Malta Airport Private Transfers: $66
  • Malta Private Transfer from Malta Airport to any resort in Malta island: $51
  • Malta Airport (MLA) Departure Transfer (Saint Julian's Hotels to Malta Airport): $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Valletta?

Prices for flights to both Valletta 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
    Valletta $35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Valletta

For Valletta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Valletta Food Tour - Eat like a local: $46
  • Valletta Food Tour: $49
  • Folklore Evening Dinner Show at a Traditional Maltese Restaurant Incl. Transfers: $67
  • Maltese Traditional Dinner and Folklore Show with Transfers: $71
  • Fireworks Festival Cruise Including Dinner, Drinks and Transport: $77
  • The Ultimate Valletta Evening Food Tour: $81
  • Fernandes Sunset Cruise including Dinner with Open Bar: $81
  • Christmas Tour in Gozo (afternoon) inc. Dinner: $87
  • Blue Lagoon & Sunset Quad Tour in Gozo/Dinner: $101
  • From Blue Lagoon and Gozo Tour w/Quads and Dinner: $118
  • The Valletta Food Tour Experience, a private tour: $150
  • Private Valletta Food Tour: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Valletta $29

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

Tours and Activities in Valletta

For Valletta, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3 Cities Tour: $16
  • 3 Hours Private Picnic Experience in Malta: $273
  • 3 cities: Private Insider Walking Tour with Licensed Guide: $161
  • 30-Minute Mdina Experience Audio-Visual Show Ticket (Open Ticket): $6.55
  • 4-hr day tour around Malta: $208
  • 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Pass Bus + Harbour Cruise: $55
  • 90 minutes Harbour Cruise in Valletta - ticket only: $22
  • A Monumental Maltese Experience: $175
  • Adventures in Malta: Thrills, History, and Natural Beauty: $322
  • An Insider's Malta VIP Tour: $162
  • Best of Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour: $20
  • Best of Valletta Walking Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Valletta $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Valletta

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

  • Valletta Pub Crawl: $22
  • Malta Pub Crawl: $22
  • The Brewery Experience Self-Guided Tour with Tasting & Transport: $35
  • The Brewery Experience & beer tasting including transport: $35
  • Malta: The Three Cities and Wine Tasting Tour: $44


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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Valletta?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Valletta. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Valletta, 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 Valletta?

Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Valletta experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Islamabad or Valletta in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Valletta. Valletta attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Valletta. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 32°C (90°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valletta this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than Valletta during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 365 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 Valletta. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Valletta 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Valletta in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Valletta. The warm climate attracts visitors to Valletta throughout the year.

Islamabad is a little warmer than Valletta in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 26°C (80°F) in October, and Valletta fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valletta. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Valletta. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 221 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Valletta. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Valletta 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Valletta in the Winter?

Both Valletta and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Valletta because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Valletta. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamabad in January average around 14°C (57°F), and Valletta averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Valletta during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Valletta receives 159 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Valletta. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Valletta 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Valletta in the Spring?

Both Valletta and Islamabad during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Valletta year-round.

In April, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Valletta. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 27°C (80°F), and Valletta fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Valletta, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the spring, Islamabad often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Valletta. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valletta receives 247 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets more rain in April than Valletta. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Valletta receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Valletta 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Valletta and Islamabad

Islamabad Valletta
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)


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