Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Pamukkale?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pamukkale or Islamabad?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Islamabad can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Islamabad?
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.
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 Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours 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 dayPamukkale $156Islamabad $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, 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 Pamukkale and Islamabad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPamukkale $56Islamabad $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPamukkale $112Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Islamabad
Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale 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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pamukkale $35Islamabad $7.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale
Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Izmir Airport Private Transfer to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $361
- Antalya; to Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour with Transfer: $236
- City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $166
- Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $137
- Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
- Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $124
- Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
- Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
- Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
- Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- 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 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 Pamukkale or Islamabad?
Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Pamukkale 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 dayPamukkale $69Islamabad $15
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pamukkale $54Islamabad $9.48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale
For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Entrance fees Travertines & Pool$2.01
Tours and Activities in Pamukkale
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tours: $121
- All-inclusive Private Guided Tour of Pamukkale: $256
- Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $81
- Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $38
- Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour with Lunch from Izmir&Kusadasi: $301
- Best Rates Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour : $278
- Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour included Pick Up from Denizli Airport: $118
- Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Hotel in Pamukkale.: $93
- Daily Pamukkale Guided Tour with extra Red spring enjoyment.: $93
- Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Airport : $109
- Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Bus station: $104
- Daily Pamukkale and Kaklik Cave Tour with drop-off at Denizli Airport: $230
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
- 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 Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
- Islamabad City Tour : $150
- Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPamukkale $15Islamabad $2.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pamukkale and Islamabad, we can see that Pamukkale is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Islamabad?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale or Islamabad in the Summer?
Both Islamabad and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. In the summer, Pamukkale is cooler than Islamabad. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamukkale in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Islamabad averages at about 32°C (90°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Islamabad during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 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. In July, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 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 JulyPamukkale 28°C (82°F)Islamabad 32°C (90°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Islamabad in the Autumn?
Both Islamabad and Pamukkale during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In October, Pamukkale is generally cooler than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 19°C (67°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the autumn, Pamukkale often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun.
Pamukkale usually gets more rain in October than Islamabad. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 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 OctoberPamukkale 19°C (67°F)Islamabad 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Islamabad in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Islamabad.
Pamukkale is much colder than Islamabad in the winter. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Islamabad fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun in the winter.
Pamukkale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Islamabad. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 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 JanuaryPamukkale 9°C (48°F)Islamabad 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Pamukkale or Islamabad in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Islamabad.
In the spring, Pamukkale is much colder than Islamabad. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamukkale in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Islamabad averages at about 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 Pamukkale this time of the year. In the spring, Pamukkale often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun.
Pamukkale usually gets more rain in April than Islamabad. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 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 AprilPamukkale 17°C (62°F)Islamabad 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Islamabad and Pamukkale
| Pamukkale | Islamabad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 10°C (51°F) | 129 mm (5.1 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.