Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Koh Samet?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samet or Islamabad?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet 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: Koh Samet or Islamabad?
Koh Samet
The country of Thailand is full of some of the world's most stunning beauty and peaceful settings. So it begs the question, where the Thai people go to get away from it all? They go to Ko Samet on the eastern gulf coast. Located just outside of Bangkok, Ko Samet provides visitors an easily accessible and desirable weekend getaway spot. With white beaches and coral of every other color, this island has steadily developed over the last few years without an intense construction increase like many other Thai beaches. Once thought to be the home of pirates, this island provides plenty to wonder about including, are there hidden treasures under that gorgeous white sand?
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Samet $96Islamabad $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $96, 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 Koh Samet and Islamabad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samet $32Islamabad $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samet $64Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Islamabad
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet 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: Koh Samet Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samet $68Islamabad $7.68
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
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Samet or Islamabad?
Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Koh Samet 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 dayKoh Samet $27Islamabad $15
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Samet $8.96Islamabad $9.48
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Shopping Tour: Full Day Islamabad Markets Exploration Tour: $90
- Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
- Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
- City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
- 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
- Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad: $130
- 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Samet $4.68Islamabad $2.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Samet and Islamabad, we can see that Koh Samet is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Koh Samet would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samet 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 Koh Samet Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samet or Islamabad?
Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Samet experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Koh Samet or Islamabad in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Islamabad. Koh Samet attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. In July, Koh Samet is generally cooler than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 28°C (82°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 32°C (90°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. In the summer, Koh Samet often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Koh Samet gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 247 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Islamabad. Koh Samet receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Samet usually gets less rain in July than Islamabad. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 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 JulyKoh Samet 28°C (82°F)Islamabad 32°C (90°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Islamabad in the Autumn?
Both Islamabad and Koh Samet are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samet throughout the year.
Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Islamabad in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Islamabad fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. Koh Samet usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during autumn. Koh Samet gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Koh Samet. In October, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Islamabad. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 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 OctoberKoh Samet 27°C (81°F)Islamabad 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Islamabad in the Winter?
Both Islamabad and Koh Samet during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samet because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Koh Samet is much warmer than Islamabad. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samet in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Islamabad averages at about 14°C (57°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Koh Samet. In the winter, Koh Samet often gets more sunshine than Islamabad. Koh Samet gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun.
Koh Samet usually gets more rain in January than Islamabad. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 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 JanuaryKoh Samet 25°C (77°F)Islamabad 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Islamabad in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Islamabad. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet year-round.
In April, Koh Samet is generally around the same temperature as Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 29°C (84°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In Koh Samet, it's very sunny this time of the year. Koh Samet usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during spring. Koh Samet gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Koh Samet usually receives more rain than Islamabad. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 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 AprilKoh Samet 29°C (84°F)Islamabad 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Islamabad and Koh Samet
| Koh Samet | Islamabad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 380 mm (15 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.