A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lahore vs. Nara for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lahore or Nara?

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 Nara. 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 Nara?

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.

Nara

As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nara or Lahore?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lahore is $57, while the average daily cost in Nara is $86. 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 Nara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lahore $37
    Nara $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lahore $74
    Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Lahore and Nara

Looking for a hotel in Lahore or Nara? 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 Lahore


Hotels in Nara


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 Nara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lahore $9.98
    Nara $5.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lahore

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

  • Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Arrival : $30
  • Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Departure: $30
  • Airport Transfer : $60
  • Transit Trip: Lahore Guided Day Trip With Round Trip Airport Transfers: $140

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:

  • Kansai Airport (KIX):Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Lahore or Nara?

Prices for flights to both Nara 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lahore $14
    Nara $28

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
  • Full Day Lahore Private Guided Food Tour: $299

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.

  • Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $72
  • Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $111
  • Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lahore $5.08
    Nara $7.81

Tours and Activities in Lahore

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lahore.

  • Lahore Big Bus City Tour: $20
  • Lahori Food Experience: $65
  • Wahga Border Flag Ceremony & Shalimar Garden Private Tour: $70
  • Guided Walking Tour: Walled City of Lahore : $90
  • Full Day Private Guided Lahore Sightseeing Tour : $95
  • Lahore Walled City Walking Tour: $102
  • Rangeela Rikshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore : $110
  • Rangeela Rickshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore : $110
  • Private Tour: Lahore Full Day Customized Guided Trip : $120
  • 1 Day Rohtas Fort & Khewra Salt Mines Tour: $120
  • Lahore City, Fort, Museums and Walled City Exploration Tour: $120
  • Private Lahore Full Day Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide: $120

Tours and Activities in Nara

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:

  • 1 Day Walking Tour in Nara Palace Deer and Inkstick: $166
  • 1-Day Walking Tour in Palace, Deer and Inkstick: $147
  • All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
  • EBike Eco Chic Tour Explore 1300 Year Old Primeval Forest: $88
  • Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
  • Experience Authentic Sushi making in Nara: $115
  • Guided Tour of Todai ji and Nara Park: $83
  • Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour : Nara Imperial Palace: $95
  • Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Nara City: $95
  • Immersive Experience Tour in Totsukawa village: $3,202
  • Katsuragi: Unique Sumo Experience: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lahore $4.89
    Nara $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lahore and Nara, we can see that Nara is more expensive. And not only is Lahore much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lahore would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lahore 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 Nara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nara than you might in Lahore.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Lahore Expensive? and Is Nara Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lahore or Nara?

Lahore has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Lahore and Nara, 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 Nara?

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 Lahore or Nara in the Summer?

Both Nara and Lahore during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

The heat can be very extreme in Lahore. In the summer, Lahore is a little warmer than Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lahore in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Lahore. In the summer, Lahore often gets more sunshine than Nara. Lahore gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 183 hours of full sun.

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lahore. Lahore usually gets more rain in July than Nara. Lahore gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lahore 33°C (91°F) 
    Nara 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Lahore or Nara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lahore and Nara. Also, many visitors come to Nara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lahore is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Lahore average around 27°C (81°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Lahore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lahore usually receives more sunshine than Nara during autumn. Lahore gets 290 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nara receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lahore usually receives less rain than Nara. Lahore gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lahore 27°C (81°F) 
    Nara 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Lahore or Nara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lahore as well as Nara. Also, most visitors come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nara can be very cold during winter. Lahore is much warmer than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Lahore averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lahore this time of the year. In the winter, Lahore often gets more sunshine than Nara. Lahore gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun.

Lahore usually gets less rain in January than Nara. Lahore gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lahore 14°C (58°F) 
    Nara 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Lahore or Nara in the Spring?

Both Nara and Lahore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nara because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lahore is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lahore in April average around 28°C (83°F), and Nara averages at about 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lahore. Lahore usually receives more sunshine than Nara during spring. Lahore gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. In April, Lahore usually receives less rain than Nara. Lahore gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lahore 28°C (83°F) 
    Nara 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Nara and Lahore

Lahore Nara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 28°C (83°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 33°C (91°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 35°C (96°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 214 mm (8.4 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 202 mm (8 in) 27°C (80°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 16°C (60°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)