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

Should you visit Islamabad or Wellington?

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 Wellington 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 Wellington?

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.

Wellington

Wellington is the capital and second largest city in New Zealand. It sits on the southwestern edge of the North Island between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It's a beautiful setting that is encircled by mountains giving it a beautiful backdrop. There are also many cultural sights and attractions around town. Wellington really is the perfect mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and a vibrant urban core. The film industry is also prevelant in the city. The city's production centers have helped create Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, Tin Tin, and District 9.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Wellington 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 Wellington is $104. 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 Wellington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Wellington $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Wellington $122
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Wellington

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Wellington? 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 Wellington


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 Wellington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.67
    Wellington $12

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 Wellington

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

  • Private Airport Transfer: $78
  • Wellington Airport Transfer to Wellington Hotels and Vice versa: $77
  • Private Transfer with Wellington Dial a Driver: $74
  • Wētā Workshop Experience with Guided Transfers: $62
  • Wellington Airport(WLG) to Wellington-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $57
  • Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
  • Private Transfer from Wellington Cruise Port to Wellington Hotels: $26
  • Private Transfer from Wellington hotels to Wellington Cruise Port: $26
  • Departure Transfer: Wellington Central City Centre Hotels to Wellington Airport: $13
  • Arrival Transfer: Wellington Airport to Central Wellington City Centre Hotels: $13
  • Private Transfer from Wellington Airport (WLG) to Wellington Port: $11

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Wellington?

Prices for flights to both Wellington 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
    Wellington $30

Typical Food Prices in Wellington

For Wellington, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner
    $9.02

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Wellington

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

  • Walking Food Tour Of Wellington: $153
  • A Taste Of Wellington Food Tour (half Day): $188

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.48
    Wellington $16

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 Wellington

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

  • 5 hour Martinborough Bespoke Food & Wine shared tour with lunch: $153
  • 5 hour Wellington City Heights Shared tour: $90
  • 7-Hour Private Scenic Kapiti Coast Tour from Wellington: $243
  • A Taste of Kapiti - Kapiti Foodie Delights Tour: $288
  • A Taste of Wellington Foodie Delights Tour: $299
  • From Cave to Coast Wellington Highlights Tour: $119
  • From Source to Sea Remutaka Mountain Bike Cycle Tour: $103
  • From Source to Sea eBike Remutaka Cycle Tour: $123
  • From Half-Day Foodie Tour of the Wairarapa: $106
  • From Taste Buds Tour of Petone: $167
  • Full Day Lord of the Rings Tour: $178
  • Full Day Tour of Wellington: $178

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.88
    Wellington $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Wellington

Also in Wellington, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half Day Tour: $93
  • Wellington Craft Brewery Half-Day Guided Tour with Tastings: $96
  • 5 hour Martinborough shared Chefs Wine Tour with Gourmet lunch: $153
  • Martinborough Full Day Wine Tour: $172
  • Full Day Martinborough Wine Tour: $178
  • 1/2 Day Martinborough Private Chefs wine tastings tour with lunch: $245
  • Martinborough Private 5 hour Food & Wine tour with Gourmet lunch: $264
  • Chefs Private Martinborough wine tour with Gourmet Lunch: $361


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


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Wellington?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Wellington. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Wellington, 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 Wellington?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Wellington. Also, many visitors come to Wellington in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Wellington averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wellington 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 Wellington during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 242 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 Wellingtonin January. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Wellington 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Wellington in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Wellington. Also, most visitors come to Wellington for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Islamabad is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin April. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°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 Wellingtonin April. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Wellingtonin April. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Wellington 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Wellington in the Winter?

Both Wellington and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Wellington because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Islamabad is a little warmer than Wellington in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wellington. In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Wellingtonin July. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Wellington 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Wellington in the Spring?

Both Wellington and Islamabad during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches are the main draw to Wellington this time of year.

In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Wellington averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the spring, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Wellingtonin October. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Wellingtonin October. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Wellington 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Wellington and Islamabad

Islamabad Wellington
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)