A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Petra vs. Islamabad for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Petra 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 Petra and Islamabad can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Petra or Islamabad?

Petra

Whether you're checking off the Seven Wonders of the World, or you're just a huge Indiana Jones fan, the city of Petra must be on your bucket list. The "rose red city, half as old as time," was the capital of the Nabataean kingdom in the 6th century BC. It was the center for trade and commerce until an earthquake took out buildings and destroyed their water management system. After this destruction, the city of Petra seemed to be lost to western civilization.

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 Historical Tours in Jordan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Jordan, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.


Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Petra?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Petra is $125, while the average daily cost in Islamabad is $41. 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 Petra and Islamabad in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Petra $59
    Islamabad $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Petra $118
    Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Petra and Islamabad

Looking for a hotel in Petra 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.

Hotels in Petra


Hotels in Islamabad


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: Petra Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Petra $23
    Islamabad $7.66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Petra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Petra:

  • Petra to Madaba Private Transfer: $140
  • Private Transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $135
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Petra or vice versa via the King's Highway: $120
  • Private transfer Petra to/from Wadi Rum: $118
  • Petra to Aqaba South Beach Hotels Private Transfer: $110
  • Petra Private Transfer to or from Aqaba: $105
  • Petra to Aqaba Border Yitzhak Rabin Terminal Private Transfer: $100
  • Private Transfer From Petra to Amman or Airport With Optional : $99
  • Private Departure Transfer: Petra Hotels to Amman Airport: $93
  • Private Transfer from Petra City Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $93
  • Petra to Wadi Rum Private Transfer: $80
  • Private Transfer Amman Airport to Ma'in Hotel and vice versa: $73

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 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
  • Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
  • Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
  • Premium Services: Islamabad Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfers.: $170

Is it cheaper to fly into Petra or Islamabad?

Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Petra 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
    Petra $38
    Islamabad $15
Typical Food Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of dining costs in Petra are as follows:


  • Dinner for Two
    $12
  • Juice
    $1.76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Petra

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

  • Cooking outside in little Petra between the Mountains. : $45
  • Private Outdoor bedouin Dinner in Petra: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Petra $47
    Islamabad $9.46
Typical Entertainment Prices in Petra

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Petra are as follows:


  • Entry to Petra for One
    $71

Tours and Activities in Petra

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

  • 3 Hour Horse Riding Adventure around the Petra Area: $145
  • 3-hour Private Guided Tour In Petra with hotel pick up.: $75
  • Petra Back Entrance Private Walking Tour: $215
  • Private Full-Day Tour to Petra and Wadi Rum from Dead Sea: $269
  • Private Half-Day Tour of Petra with Lunch: $120
  • Private Indiana-Jones Archeological Trail Tour: $90
  • Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide .: $140
  • Wadi Rum Day Tour from Petra ending in Aqaba: $138
  • Wadi Rum Private Tour from Petra with Martian and Star Wars Film Site: $173

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

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

  • Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
  • Private Tour: Islamabad Full Day Customized Exploration Tour: $90
  • Private Tour: Hidden Gems of Islamabad Exploration Tour: $90
  • Best of Islamabad City Landmarks Exploration Tour (Private & Guided).: $95
  • City Tour with Faisal Mosque and Lake View Park: $95
  • Guided Top 5 Wonders Exploration Tour: $95
  • Full Day Private City Tour Of Islamabad: $99
  • 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
  • Murree Nathiagali Day Tour: $135

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Petra $15
    Islamabad $2.88


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Petra and Islamabad, we can see that Petra is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Petra is in Middle East 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 Petra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Petra 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 Petra Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Petra or Islamabad?

Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Petra. When comparing the sizes of Petra 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 Petra or Islamabad?

Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Petra experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Petra or Islamabad in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Petra as well as Islamabad. Petra attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Islamabad can become quite hot in the summer. The heat can be very extreme in Petra. In the summer, Petra is around the same temperature as Islamabad. Typically, the summer temperatures in Petra in July average around 33°C (91°F), and Islamabad averages at about 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 Petra this time of the year. In the summer, Petra often gets more sunshine than Islamabad. Petra gets 384 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 247 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Islamabad. Petra usually gets less rain in July than Islamabad. Petra gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Petra 33°C (91°F) 
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F)

Should I visit Petra or Islamabad in the Autumn?

Both Islamabad and Petra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Petra throughout the year.

In October, Petra is generally around the same temperature as Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Petra average around 27°C (80°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Petra. Petra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Islamabad during autumn. Petra gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Petra usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Petra gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Petra 27°C (80°F) 
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Petra or Islamabad in the Winter?

Both Islamabad and Petra during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Petra because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Petra is around the same temperature as Islamabad in the winter. The daily temperature in Petra averages around 15°C (59°F) in January, and Islamabad fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Petra. In the winter, Petra often gets more sunshine than Islamabad. Petra gets 234 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun.

Petra usually gets more rain in January than Islamabad. Petra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Petra 15°C (59°F) 
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Petra or Islamabad in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Petra and Islamabad. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Petra year-round.

In the spring, Petra is around the same temperature as Islamabad. Typically, the spring temperatures in Petra in April average around 25°C (76°F), and Islamabad averages at about 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In Petra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Petra usually receives more sunshine than Islamabad during spring. Petra gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Petra usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Petra gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Petra 25°C (76°F) 
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F)

Typical Weather for Islamabad and Petra

Petra Islamabad
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 15°C (59°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 32°C (90°F) 0 mm (0 in) 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 30°C (87°F) 0 mm (0 in) 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 27°C (80°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 16°C (62°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)


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