Travel Budget for Islamabad Visit Islamabad on a Budget or Travel in Style

Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Asia / Pakistan /
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Islamabad is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Islamabad?

You should plan to spend around $52 (P₨14,543) per day on your vacation in Islamabad. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $26 (P₨7,143) on meals
  • $7.62 (P₨2,129) on local transportation
  • $41 (P₨11,357) on hotels

A one week trip to Islamabad for two people costs, on average, $729 (P₨203,602). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $52
    P₨14,543
  • One Week Per person
    $365
    P₨101,801
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $729
    P₨203,602
  • One Month Per person
    $1,562
    P₨436,290
  • One Week For a couple
    $729
    P₨203,602
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,458
    P₨407,204
  • One Month For a couple
    $3,125
    P₨872,580
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Islamabad cost?

A one week trip to Islamabad usually costs around $365 (P₨101,801) for one person and $729 (P₨203,602) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Islamabad on average costs around $729 (P₨203,602) for one person and $1,458 (P₨407,204) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Islamabad will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Islamabad on average costs around $1,562 (P₨436,290) for one person and $3,125 (P₨872,580) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Islamabad expensive to visit?

Islamabad is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

Islamabad can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $23 (P₨6,362) per day, mid-range travelers spend $52 (P₨14,543) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $100 (P₨27,790) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Islamabad.

Within Asia, Islamabad is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Mandalay, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Similan Islands.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Islamabad Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Islamabad?

The average Islamabad trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Islamabad travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Islamabad cost?

Islamabad on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$9
(P₨2,484) 		$20
(P₨5,679) 		$39
(P₨10,851)
Local Transportation 1 $3
(P₨931) 		$8
(P₨2,129) 		$15
(P₨4,068)
Food 2 $11
(P₨3,125) 		$26
(P₨7,143) 		$49
(P₨13,649)
Entertainment 1 $4
(P₨1,150) 		$9
(P₨2,629) 		$18
(P₨5,023)
Alcohol 2 $1-2
(P₨175-525) 		$1-4
(P₨400-1,200) 		$3-8
(P₨764-2,293)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to Islamabad without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $23 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Islamabad is packed with plenty of hostels, including Coyote Den Travelers Hostel Islamabad and The Happy Hostel. At hostels like these, you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation and a lively social scene, but amenities might be quite minimal.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Islamabad. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $52 per person, per day.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $100. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Tour: Guided Day Trip To Murree from Islamabad - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Islamabad

Islamabad offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $79, but during peak season, they can average $147. Prices range from $39 to $465, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Islamabad for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $41 (P₨11,357). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $20 (P₨5,679) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $20
    P₨5,679
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $41
    P₨11,357

Hotels in Islamabad

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Islamabad

The average hotel room price in Islamabad based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $79 in the low season and $147 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Islamabad include:

  • Islamabad Marriott Hotel starting at $243
  • Hotel Margala starting at $99
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Islamabad

By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of , you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Islamabad

The public transit system in Islamabad is not very good.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $7.62 (P₨2,129) per person, per day, on local transportation in Islamabad. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Islamabad is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $7.62
    P₨2,129

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Islamabad International Airport Transfer for $35 details
  • Airport Transfer/Pickup and Dropoff Karachi for $55 details
  • Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures for $55 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Islamabad
How much does it cost to go to Islamabad? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Islamabad
The price of renting a car in Islamabad will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Islamabad

Food is a major attraction for travelers, so make sure you don't miss out on the local culinary delights.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Islamabad can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Islamabad is $26 (P₨7,143) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $26
    P₨7,143

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Islamabad is around $26 (P₨7143) per person, with previous travelers spending from $11 to $49. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Islamabad are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $3 to $8
  • Lunch: $4 to $10
  • Dinner: $8 to $18
  • Coffee: $2
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $4

Cuisine of Pakistan largely revolves around kebabs served with rice or flatbreads. Kebabs are cooked meat dishes that can vary with different kinds of beef, lamb, and chicken all seasoned with herbs and spices. There are also a variety of flatbreads, usually referred to as naan, which are commonly used to pick up and eat liquid foods as utensils are not commonly used with meals in Pakistan. Other popular Pakistani specialties include a whole roasted chicken called charga, a seasoned chicken and rice dish called biryani, a spicy barbequed chicken called chicken tikka, a thick stew-like mix of meat, lentils, and wheat grains called haleem, and a thick gravy made from local spices and either chicken or beef called nihari. A vegetarian soup called daal is also common as are black and green teas. Flavored with cardamom and a lot of sugar, tea is referred to as chai in Pakistan. As a metropolitan city, Islamabad will have a full range of these traditional dishes as well as a variety of American, European, and British restaurants.

Food & Dining Tips

Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.

Instead of buying drinks, bring a water bottle. It's also an environmentally friendly option.

While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Islamabad

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Islamabad typically cost an average of $9.41 (P₨2,629) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $9.41
    P₨2,629

The best of Islamabad is to be had looking out to the beautiful scenery and green spaces that are abundant in and around the city. Serving as the backdrop to the north, for example, are the Margalla Hills within Margalla Hills National Park. Foothills to the Himalayas, these tree-covered mountains provide access to waterfalls, hiking trails, and plenty of wildlife. Also in these hills is Daman-e-Koh, a viewing point and hilltop garden with sweeping views of the city, Faisal Mosque, and Rawal Lake.

The Mosque is an iconic landmark of the city, featuring a contemporary design inspired by a Bedouin tent, built in 1987. The lake is another opportunity to experience Islamabad's plentiful green space, supplying water to Islamabad and neighboring Rawalpindi, while also providing a scenic location for picnics, boating, fishing, wildlife viewing.

At the very center of the city, Shakarparian National Park offers additional respite. Not only is it a lush green hill, but it is also site to the National Star and Crescent Monument, representing Pakistan's flag. Nearby, visitors can also see the Lok Virsa Museum, which preserves the folk and traditional cultural legacies of Pakistan with displays of embroidered costumes, jewelry, musical instruments, woodwork, utensils and many more artifacts of folkloric significance.



Islamabad's many green spaces and unique scenery make it a great location to enjoy the outdoors. The wide range of activities includes things like hiking, rock climbing, cycling, horseback riding, fishing, boating, paragliding, and much more. Visitors can also stop at the Islamabad Zoo, which houses more than 300 animals. There are many parks and overlooks worth exploring, as well as mosques, shrines, and monuments to admire throughout the city.

While the Lok Virsa Museum is the most popular museum as far as local history goes, other popular museums of Islamabad include Golra Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum, the Pakistan Museum of Natural History, National Art Museum, and many additional privately owned galleries.

A nice way to explore destinations in Islamabad is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour for $120 details
  • Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad for $90 details
  • Half Day Private Instagram Guided City Tour for $80 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Islamabad

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $2.86 (P₨800) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Islamabad per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $2.86
    P₨800
Nightlife Tips

Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.



Travel cost data last updated: Dec 20, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Islamabad

  • During peak season in , expect higher prices and larger crowds. To save money and enjoy fewer crowds, plan your visit for the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Slowing down your travel pace can be a great way to save money while still enjoying the beautiful sights around you. If you fill your days with too many activities, the costs can quickly add up. However, by taking your time and appreciating the moment, you'll typically find yourself spending less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Islamabad has limited options for public transportation. You might want to have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour or private driver. This may cut into your budget elsewhere.
  • You won't find many hostels in Islamabad, so if you're planning on saving money with a cheap dorm, it might be time to reconsider. A budget hotel or an apartment rental could be a better option.
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Islamabad Islamabad, Pakistan

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.



Neighborhoods & Around

Greater Islamabad is generally divided into eight zones: Administrative Zone, Commercial District, Educational Sector, Industrial Sector, Diplomatic Enclave, Residential Areas, Rural Areas, and Green Area. The city itself, however, consists of five zones all named by number. Zones I and II are both residential sectors - I is developed, and II is under-developed. Zone III encompasses the Margalla Hills and Margalla Hills National Park, as well as Rawal Lake. Zones IV and V consist of Islamabad Park and rural areas of the city, with Zone V being the largest of the sectors. The hub of activity is concentrated largely in Zone I, radiating outwards into Zone III. To the south of Islamabad is the sister city of Rawalpindi, which operates independently. Islamabad is the center of all governmental activities, while Rawalpindi is the hub for industrial, commercial, and military activities.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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.
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