Which place is cheaper, Islamabad or Surat Thani?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Surat Thani or Islamabad?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Surat Thani and Islamabad can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Surat Thani or Islamabad?
Surat Thani
The best way to see the real culture of a country is to go where the tourists are not. If you are itching to experience real Thai culture, you may want to visit the city of Surat Thani. Located on the central gulf coast of southern Thailand, this city is usually the gateway to other Thai islands – meaning visitors run through it without stopping. Stay a while and get to know Surat Thani – known to the locals as the "City of Good People."
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 10-Day Tours from Bangkok, The Best 2-Week Tours from Bangkok, The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySurat Thani $53Islamabad $42
The average daily cost (per person) in Surat Thani is $53, 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 Surat Thani and Islamabad in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSurat Thani $25Islamabad $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSurat Thani $50Islamabad $40
Compare Hotels in Surat Thani and Islamabad
Looking for a hotel in Surat Thani 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: Islamabad Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Surat Thani $24Islamabad $7.68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surat Thani
Also for Surat Thani, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer Surat Thani Airport (URT) to / from Surat Thani: $196
- Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer: $114
- Transfer to Don Sak Pier: $59
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Bo Phut: $36
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Chaweng: $36
- Private Transfer from Samui (USM) Airport to Choeng Mon Beach: $36
- Private Arrival Transfer : Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui Hotel (SHA Plus): $14
- Private Airport Transfer in Koh Samui Sedan 1-3 PAX: $12
- From Koh Samui: One-Way Ferry Transfer to Surat Thani: $7.16
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 Surat Thani or Islamabad?
Prices for flights to both Islamabad and Surat Thani 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 daySurat Thani $14Islamabad $15
Typical Food Prices in Surat Thani
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Surat Thani:
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Dinner$4.09
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Surat Thani
For Surat Thani, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Khao Sok: Elephant Day Care, Cooking Class, & Bamboo Raft: $71
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Surat Thani $4.97Islamabad $9.48
Tours and Activities in Surat Thani
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Surat Thani.
- 5 island tour: $459
- Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park: $69
- From Khao Lak/Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake and Emerald Pool Tour: $105
- From Phuket: Cheow Lan Lake 2Day Guided Tour with Activities: $203
- From Phuket: Full-Day Private Tour to Khao Sok Highlights: $170
- Khao Sok Lake: Private Day Tour with Boat and Jungle Trek: $179
- Khao Sok: Cheow Lan Lake Sunset Cruise w/ Drinks: $91
- Khao Sok: Private Longtail Boat Tour at Cheow Lan Lake: $227
- Koh Phangan: Private Land Tour with Snorkeling: $241
- Koh Samui Day and Night Fishing Experience: $48
- Koh Samui Waterfall And Mummified Monk Temple Tour: $241
- Koh Samui: 4x4 Sightseeing Safari & Elephant Sanctuary Tour: $58
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 daySurat Thani $4.96Islamabad $2.88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surat Thani and Islamabad, we can see that Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani Expensive? and Is Islamabad Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Surat Thani or Islamabad?
Islamabad has a larger population, and is about 601600 times larger than the population of Surat Thani. When comparing the sizes of Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani or Islamabad?
Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Surat Thani experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Surat Thani or Islamabad in the Summer?
Both Islamabad and Surat Thani are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Surat Thani throughout the year.
The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. Surat Thani is cooler than Islamabad in the summer. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Islamabad fluctuates around 32°C (90°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. It's quite rainy in Surat Thani. In July, Surat Thani usually receives less rain than Islamabad. Surat Thani gets 143 mm (5.6 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 JulySurat Thani 28°C (82°F)Islamabad 32°C (90°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Islamabad in the Autumn?
Both Islamabad and Surat Thani during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Surat Thani because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Islamabad. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Surat Thani in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Islamabad averages at about 26°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Surat Thani. Surat Thani usually gets more rain in October than Islamabad. Surat Thani gets 240 mm (9.5 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 OctoberSurat Thani 27°C (81°F)Islamabad 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Islamabad in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Surat Thani and Islamabad. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Surat Thani year-round.
In January, Surat Thani is generally much warmer than Islamabad. Daily temperatures in Surat Thani average around 25°C (77°F), and Islamabad fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In January, Surat Thani usually receives more rain than Islamabad. Surat Thani gets 51 mm (2 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 JanuarySurat Thani 25°C (77°F)Islamabad 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Surat Thani or Islamabad in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Surat Thani as well as Islamabad. Surat Thani attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Surat Thani is around the same temperature as Islamabad in the spring. The daily temperature in Surat Thani averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Islamabad fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Surat Thani usually gets more rain in April than Islamabad. Surat Thani gets 55 mm (2.2 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 AprilSurat Thani 29°C (83°F)Islamabad 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Islamabad and Surat Thani
| Surat Thani | Islamabad | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (83°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 240 mm (9.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 335 mm (13.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 26°C (78°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.