Which place is cheaper, Washington or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Islamabad or Washington?
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 Washington 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 Washington?
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.
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $42Washington $198
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, while the average daily cost in Washington is $198. 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 Washington in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Washington $113
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Washington
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Washington? 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 Washington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.67Washington $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
- Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- 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 Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
-
Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Washington, DC: Airport Transfer to/from DCA or IAD: $350
- Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Dulles Airport in Washington: $251
- Private Transfer To or Form Lorton and Dulles International Airport: $228
- Private Departure Transfer: Washington DC (any accommodation) to Dulles Airport: $218
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Dulles Airport IAD in Luxury Car: $211
- Private Transfer to or from Springfield VA and Dulles Airport: $208
- Private transfer Service to or from Washington, DC and IAD: $208
- Private transfer to or form Arlington and Dulles International Airport: $200
- Washington to NY Kennedy Airport(JFK)- Departure Private Transfer: $199
- Private transfer to or from Vienna and Ronald Reagan National Airport: $195
- Private Airport Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $188
- Departure Private Transfer: Washington to Baltimore Airport BWI in Luxury SUV: $188
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Washington?
Prices for flights to both Washington 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 dayIslamabad $15Washington $38
Typical Food Prices in Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
-
Water$2.00
-
Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $69
- Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
- Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $85
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $98
- Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
- Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
- Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
- Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $144
- Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $152
- Private Traditional Filipino Cooking Class Near Washington DC : $154
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.48Washington $24
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 Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour : $99
- 2 For 1! DC Highlights & Arlington Cemetery Tour Bundle: $84
- 2 Hour Guided Bike Tour of Capitol Hill: $55
- 2-Hour African American Heritage Tour in Washington DC: $25
- 2-Hour Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour : $75
- 2-Hour National Mall Walking Tour from Washington DC: $25
- 4 Hours Washington Tour with Boat Cruise: $169
- A 9D Salt Cave Experience: $95
- A Self-Guided Tour of Washington DC's Monumental Marvels: $25
- Admission & Guided Tour of Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria: $99
- African American History Private Tour w/ Museum Entry: $450
- African American History Tour with Museum Admission: $89
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.88Washington $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
- From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
- Full-Day Private Virginia Wine Tour Experience from Washington : $242
- Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Washington?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Washington, 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 Washington?
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 Washington in the Summer?
Both Washington and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is a little warmer than Washington in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
It's quite sunny in Washington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives less sunshine than Washington during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Islamabad. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Washington. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Washington 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Islamabad or Washington in the Autumn?
Both Washington and Islamabad during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Islamabad is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Washington averages at about 60°F (15°C).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Washington. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Washington. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Washington 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Islamabad or Washington in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Washington. Furthermore, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Washington this time of year.
It's quite cold in Washington in the winter. In January, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Washington. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Washington during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Washington. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Washington 35°F (1°C)
Should I visit Islamabad or Washington in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Washington. Additionally, many travelers come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Islamabad is much warmer than Washington in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the spring, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Washington. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun.
Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Washington. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Washington 56°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Washington and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Washington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
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.