Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Lahore?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lahore or Islamabad?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lahore and Islamabad. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Lahore or Islamabad?
Lahore
As Pakistan's second largest city and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province, Lahore is widely considered the country's cultural capital. Some of its best-known features include the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara, a mall surrounded by buildings from the British Raj, and many unique markets and neighborhoods.
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 Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Budget Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLahore $57Islamabad $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Lahore is $57, 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 Lahore and Islamabad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLahore $37Islamabad $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLahore $74Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Lahore and Islamabad
Looking for a hotel in Lahore 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: Lahore Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lahore $9.97Islamabad $7.67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lahore
Also for Lahore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transit Trip: Lahore Guided Day Trip With Round Trip Airport Transfers: $140
- Airport Transfer : $60
- Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Arrival : $30
- Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Departure: $30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad Airport Transfers : $54
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Lahore or Islamabad?
Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Lahore 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 dayLahore $14Islamabad $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lahore
For Lahore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour of Lahore's Walled City : $85
- Lahore's Complete Night Food Tour: Local Culinary Experience: $110
- Private Street Food Tour of Lahore: $168
- Full Day Lahore Private Guided Food Tour: $299
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lahore $5.07Islamabad $9.47
Tours and Activities in Lahore
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lahore.
- 2 Days Private Guided Tour in Lahore : $300
- 2-Perfect Days in Lahore with a Local Tour Guide: $300
- Full Day Private Guided Lahore Sightseeing Tour : $95
- Full Day Sightseeing Tour to Lahore City: $220
- Guided Walking Tour: Walled City of Lahore : $90
- Half Day Private Shopping Tour for Ladies in Lahore: $156
- Heer Ranjha Tomb & Jhang City Pvt Guided & All-Incl. 1-day Tour: $110
- Kartarpur Corridor and Gurdwara Sahib Yatra Guided Tour: $175
- Kartarpur-Guru-Nanak sab One Day Tour : $250
- Katas Raj Temple and Khewra Salt Mines in Kalar Kahar Day Tour: $200
- Lahore Big Bus City Tour: $20
- Lahore City Tour : $150
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Best of Islamabad City Landmarks Exploration Tour (Private & Guided).: $95
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- From 15 Day Trekking Tour of Thalay and Nangma: $3,635
- From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,650
- 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: $2,990
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
- Full Day Private Murree Nathiagali Tour : $193
- Full Day Private Tour Top 10 Wonders of Islamabad: $201
- Full Day Tour To The Ancient City Of Taxila From Islamabad: $90
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLahore $4.89Islamabad $2.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lahore and Islamabad, we can see that Lahore 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 Lahore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lahore 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 Lahore Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lahore or Islamabad?
Lahore has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Lahore 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 Lahore or Islamabad?
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 Lahore or Islamabad in the Summer?
Both Islamabad and Lahore are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. It's very hot in Lahore this time of the year. Lahore is around the same temperature as Islamabad in the summer. The daily temperature in Lahore averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Islamabad fluctuates around 32°C (90°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lahore. Lahore usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during summer. Lahore gets 228 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 247 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. It's quite rainy in Lahore. In July, Lahore usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Lahore gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLahore 33°C (91°F)Islamabad 32°C (90°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Islamabad in the Autumn?
Both Islamabad and Lahore during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In the autumn, Lahore is around the same temperature as Islamabad. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lahore in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Islamabad averages at about 26°C (80°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lahore. In the autumn, Lahore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Islamabad. Lahore gets 290 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun.
Lahore usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Islamabad. Lahore gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLahore 27°C (81°F)Islamabad 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Islamabad in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lahore and Islamabad.
In January, Lahore is generally around the same temperature as Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Lahore average around 14°C (58°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In Lahore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lahore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Islamabad during winter. Lahore gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Lahore usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Lahore gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLahore 14°C (58°F)Islamabad 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Islamabad in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Lahore as well as Islamabad.
Lahore is around the same temperature as Islamabad in the spring. The daily temperature in Lahore averages around 28°C (83°F) in April, and Islamabad fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lahore this time of the year. In the spring, Lahore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Islamabad. Lahore gets 278 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun.
Lahore usually gets less rain in April than Islamabad. Lahore gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLahore 28°C (83°F)Islamabad 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Islamabad and Lahore
| Lahore | Islamabad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (83°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 33°C (91°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (96°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (60°F) | 14 mm (0.5 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.