Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Istanbul?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Istanbul or Islamabad?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Islamabad, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Istanbul or Islamabad?
Istanbul
Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIstanbul $126Islamabad $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Istanbul is $126, while the average daily cost in Islamabad is $42. 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 Istanbul and Islamabad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIstanbul $47Islamabad $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIstanbul $94Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Istanbul and Islamabad
Looking for a hotel in Istanbul or Islamabad? 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: Istanbul Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Istanbul $55Islamabad $7.68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Ferry$0.09
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Local Bus$0.09
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:
- Private Bosphorus Tour on Luxury Yacht w/transfer: $745
- From Pamukkale Day Tour With Flights and Transfers: $319
- Private Full Day Walking Tour in Istanbul with Transfer: $293
- Istanbul Airport S-Class Premium Luxury Sedan Transfer: $286
- Hagia Sophia, Topkapi & Mosque Tour with Transfer: $286
- Private Guided Istanbul Luxury Tour (Tickets and Transfers): $283
- Troy and Gallipoli Day Guided Tour with Transfer: $280
- Istanbul Dolmabahçe Palace Private Tour with Transfers: $225
- 3-Day Tours & Transfer Package: $223
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to Sabiha Airport SAW in Luxury Car: $223
- Istanbul Airport Transfer: Istanbul to New Airport IST in Luxury Car: $223
- Istanbul Airport to Sabiha Airport Private Transfer or Vice Versa (1-10pax): $210
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
- Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170
Is it cheaper to fly into Istanbul or Islamabad?
Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Istanbul 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 dayIstanbul $31Islamabad $15
Typical Food Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:
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Juice$0.06
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Turkish Delight$0.02
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Dessert$0.26
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Pastries$0.05
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show from Istanbul: $16
- Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Tour With Turkish Night Show: $21
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $21
- Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $26
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: $28
- Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $28
- 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Istanbul $79Islamabad $9.48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:
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Bosphurus Boat (for 2)$0.62
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Yerebatan Cistern for Two$0.62
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Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two$0.31
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Hagia Sofia entrance$0.93
Tours and Activities in Istanbul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:
- 4 Hours Private Highlights Tour Of Istanbul: $272
- All in One Day Istanbul - Historical Tour of Istanbul with Bosphorus Cruise: $163
- Dolmabace Palace, Bosphorus Boat Tour , Eyüp Sultan Mosque Tour: $150
- Full Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour: $42
- Istanbul Customized Daily Tour: $200
- City Highlights Tour w/Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque: $35
- Must - See Istanbul Stops 1: Half Day Morning Tour: $138
- 1 Day Private Istanbul Guided Tour: $68
- 1 Tour: Istanbul Highlights Street Food & Hidden Pearls: $201
- 1-Day Best of Istanbul Private Tour with the Best Local Guides: $250
- 1-Day Private Istanbul Layover Tour : $220
- 2 Continents Tour incl. Beylerbeyi Palace [full-day]: $218
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Half Day Private Instagram Guided City Tour : $80
- Private Tour: Half Day Islamabad Saidpur Village Exploration Tour: $80
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $85
- Shopping Tour: Full Day Islamabad Markets Exploration Tour: $90
- Private Tour: Islamabad Full Day Customized Exploration Tour: $90
- 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: $98
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIstanbul $15Islamabad $2.88
Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:
- Istanbul Pub Crawl Big Nightout . Rooftop parties,party Bus & Nightlife: $22
- Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
- Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
- Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $45
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $84
- 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
- Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $245
- Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
- Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $840
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Istanbul and Islamabad, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Istanbul is in Europe and Islamabad is in Asia, 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 Istanbul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Islamabad?
Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul and Islamabad, 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 Istanbul or Islamabad?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Istanbul or Islamabad in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Islamabad. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. Istanbul is cooler than Islamabad in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Islamabad fluctuates around 32°C (90°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Istanbul this time of the year. In the summer, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Islamabad. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 247 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Islamabad. Istanbul usually gets less rain in July than Islamabad. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIstanbul 24°C (74°F)Islamabad 32°C (90°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Islamabad in the Autumn?
Both Islamabad and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Istanbul is much colder than Islamabad. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Islamabad averages at about 26°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Islamabad. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIstanbul 16°C (61°F)Islamabad 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Islamabad in the Winter?
Both Islamabad and Istanbul during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Istanbul is generally much colder than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun.
Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Islamabad. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIstanbul 6°C (43°F)Islamabad 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Istanbul or Islamabad in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Islamabad. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
Istanbul is much colder than Islamabad in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Islamabad fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Islamabad. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIstanbul 13°C (55°F)Islamabad 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Islamabad and Istanbul
| Istanbul | Islamabad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (47°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (71°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (74°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 12°C (54°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 9°C (47°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
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.