Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Phuket?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Phuket or Islamabad?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Phuket 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: Phuket or Islamabad?
Phuket
Phuket Island is the tourist mecca of southern Thailand. Known for its beaches and resorts, the island brings in a massive amount of travelers from all over the world, year round. Although the beaches are beautiful, Phuket has also become more westernized and tourist-oriented in recent decades, leaving many travelers to venture elsewhere to find that amazing beach with a more authentic Thai vibe. However, Phuket Island is quite large, and hidden gems can still be found.
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 dayPhuket $105Islamabad $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Phuket is $105, 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 Phuket and Islamabad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhuket $56Islamabad $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhuket $112Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Phuket and Islamabad
Looking for a hotel in Phuket 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: Phuket Hotel Prices and Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phuket $11Islamabad $7.68
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Phuket:
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Longtail Taxi (for Two)$8.18
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Taxi from Airport to Phuket Town$6.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phuket
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phuket:
- From Krabi: Phuket Transfer with Phi Phi Longtail Boat Tour: $362
- From Krabi Transfer with Phi Phi Longtail Boat Tour: $362
- Phuket Jet Ski Tour to 7 Islands with Pickup and Transfer: $212
- Flying Hanuman Ziplining Experience in Phuket with Return Transfer: $149
- ATV Bike 1 hr + ziplines 30 platforms with Roundtrip Transfer : $139
- Private Transfer from Phuket to Krabi: $137
- Morning Blue Sky Spa Package with Private Transfer: $125
- Full Day Guided Banana Beach Paradise Trip With Lunch & Hotel Transfers: $123
- Private Airport Arrival Transfer : Airport to Hotel in Krabi: $117
- ATV Bike 1 hr+ Skyline Adventure 28 platforms with free Transfer: $116
- Private Transfer from Phuket to Krabi with 2h of Sightseeing: $113
- Flying Hanuman Ziplines 42 platforms With Lunch & Transfer RoundTrips: $108
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- 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 Phuket or Islamabad?
Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Phuket 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 dayPhuket $22Islamabad $15
Typical Food Prices in Phuket
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phuket:
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Casual Dinner (for Two)$7.88
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.64
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Sit Down Dinner (for Two)$12
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Thai Noodles$2.45
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Bananas$0.68
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Pizza (for Two)$8.18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phuket
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phuket.
- Thai Cooking Class 1.5 Hrs ( 2 Dishes Menu): $36
- Express Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $43
- Coral Island Catamaran Cruise with Sunset Dinner: $43
- Vegetarian Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $52
- Flavours of the South Guided Food Tour: $52
- Coral Island & Sunset Dinner by Sailing Catamaran: $53
- Phuket Coral Island Sunset with Dinner by Catamaran Yacht: $53
- Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $55
- Phuket Cooking Class Thai activity: $55
- Thai Cooking Class in Phuket: $55
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option: $55
- Organic Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket: $55
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phuket $42Islamabad $9.48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Phuket
Here are a few typical costs in Phuket for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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One Day Boat Tour$25
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Scuba Diving (Two Dives)$68
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Thai Oil Massage$17
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Surfboard Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Phuket
Here are a few actual costs in Phuket for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 3 Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speed Boat: $43
- Activities In & Around Full Day Customizable Tour: $90
- Amazing Krabi Private 1 day tour from Phuket by VAN: $218
- James Bond Island Highlights Tour from Phuket with Lunch: $115
- Khai Island Half Day Tour by Speedboat from Phuket (SHA Plus): $61
- Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Tour with Seaview Lunch from Phuket: $68
- Whitewater Rafting & ATV Adventure Tour from Phuket including Lunch: $118
- Zipline Adventure 32 Platforms + Roller + Skywalk: $108
- 2 Hours Phuket Old Town Street Food Walking Tour: $45
- 2-Hour ATV Tour from Phuket: $77
- 2x Snorkelling Phi Phi, Maiton, Maya Bay, khai islands tour: $58
- 4 Waters Eco Adventure: $96
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 dayPhuket $6.35Islamabad $2.88
Typical Alcohol Prices in Phuket
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Phuket from other travelers:
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Cocktails (for Two)$5.46
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Beer$2.32
Sample the Local Flavors in Phuket
Also in Phuket, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- All-Night Bar Crawl with Drinks & 4 Venues: $22
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl: $25
- Pub Crawl Tour: $25
- Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail Distillery: $77
- Big Buddha & The Distillery Phuket: $97
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop And Wat Chalong Temple : $172
- Phuket Rum Distillery Cocktail Workshop & Wat Chalong Temple: $213
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phuket and Islamabad, we can see that Phuket 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 Phuket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phuket 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 Phuket Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phuket or Islamabad?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Phuket. When comparing the sizes of Phuket 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 Phuket or Islamabad?
Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Phuket experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Phuket or Islamabad in the Summer?
Both Islamabad and Phuket during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Phuket because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. In July, Phuket is generally cooler than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 28°C (82°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 32°C (90°F).
In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Phuket. In the summer, Phuket often gets less sunshine than Islamabad. Phuket gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 247 hours of full sun.
Islamabad gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually gets more rain in July than Islamabad. Phuket gets 287 mm (11.3 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 JulyPhuket 28°C (82°F)Islamabad 32°C (90°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Islamabad in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Phuket and Islamabad. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Phuket year-round.
Phuket is around the same temperature as Islamabad in the autumn. The daily temperature in Phuket averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Islamabad fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. Phuket usually receives less sunshine than Islamabad during autumn. Phuket gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 287 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Phuket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Phuket usually receives more rain than Islamabad. Phuket gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn. December to March in Phuket is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Phuket.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPhuket 27°C (81°F)Islamabad 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Islamabad in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Phuket as well as Islamabad. Phuket attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Phuket is much warmer than Islamabad. Typically, the winter temperatures in Phuket in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Islamabad averages at about 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Phuket this time of the year. In the winter, Phuket often gets more sunshine than Islamabad. Phuket gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamabad receives 213 hours of full sun.
Phuket usually gets less rain in January than Islamabad. Phuket gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to March in Phuket is the dry season.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPhuket 28°C (82°F)Islamabad 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Phuket or Islamabad in the Spring?
Both Islamabad and Phuket are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Phuket throughout the year.
In April, Phuket is generally around the same temperature as Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Phuket average around 29°C (84°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Phuket. Phuket usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Islamabad during spring. Phuket gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Islamabad receives 258 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Phuket. In April, Phuket usually receives more rain than Islamabad. Phuket gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Islamabad receives 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Phuket is June to October.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPhuket 29°C (84°F)Islamabad 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Islamabad and Phuket
| Phuket | Islamabad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.