Is Islamabad expensive to visit?
Islamabad is a very affordable travel destination with an average daily cost of $41. Compared to the rest of Asia, it is a reasonably affordable place to visit. It's ranked in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability, comparable to places like Phnom Penh and Agra.
Islamabad, Pakistan
How expensive is Islamabad?
For a trip to Islamabad, travelers spend on average $41 per day (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations from previous visitors. As this is an average cost, your individual spending may vary, especially since there's a wide range of accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment options here. If you stick to moderately-priced hotels and restaurants, as well as take advantage of some of free things to do in the area, you can stick close to the average budget. See more travel costs for Islamabad here to see how all of the average spending costs pan out.
How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Islamabad?
On average, a weekend trip to Islamabad costs about $124 per person. This is based on the previous expenses of actual travelers, and includes accommodation, food, activities, local transportation, and more. For two people, a weekend trip costs $249.
How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Islamabad?
A one week trip to Islamabad costs about $290 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $581.
Is it expensive to backpack in Islamabad?
With more than 3 hostels in the area, Islamabad is a fairly popular backpacker destination for travelers looking to stay on a tight budget and have a fun time along the way. Here, hostels cost an average of $8 per night for a dorm bed, with private rooms being more expensive. (See hostel prices in Islamabad here.) There's a wide range in prices for beds, as the cheapest hostels cost $7, but the most expensive can be more than $9 per night.
Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Islamabad.
- $9 for a dorm bed at Coyote Den Travelers Hostel Islamabad
- $8 for a dorm bed at The Happy Hostel
Are hotels expensive in Islamabad?
Examining hotel prices in Islamabad, we can see that they are very expensive when compared to hotels in other cities. The average cost for a night in a hotel room is approximately $79. The city is equipped with about 1 five-star hotels, boasting an average nightly rate of $254. For travelers aiming for a comfortable yet budget-conscious stay, three-star hotels come in at an average of $66 per night, while two-star hotels offer a more pocket-friendly choice at $38 per night.
Hotels by star rating in Islamabad
| Rating | Number of Hotels | Average Hotel Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5 stars | 1 | $254 |
| 4 stars | 4 | $116 |
| 3 stars | 12 | $66 |
| 2 stars | 4 | $38 |
| No rating | 1 | $24 |
How expensive are sightseeing activities in Islamabad?
In Islamabad, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the area. On average, previous travelers have spent around $9 per day on sightseeing and entertainment, which is more than the country's average of $6.
- Top Ten Wonders of Islamabad Guided City Tour: $120
- From Islamabad: Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $85
- From Islamabad: Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
- Private Islamabad City Tour: $199
- Private Tour: Half Day Islamabad Saidpur Village Exploration Tour: $80
- Islamabad In & Around Full Day Customized City Tour: $80
- Private Tour: Islamabad Full Day Customized Exploration Tour: $90
Is food expensive in Islamabad?
In Islamabad, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $15 per day on food, which is more than the country's average of $13.
Is transportation expensive in Islamabad?
Local transportation in Islamabad can vary in price depending on the type of transit used. Generally, other travelers have spent $8 on local transportation per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $8. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.
More for Islamabad
If you're planning a trip to Islamabad, Pakistan, check out these other informative travel guides.
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.
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.