Which place is cheaper, Ho Chi Minh City or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Ho Chi Minh City?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Islamabad and Ho Chi Minh City 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: Islamabad or Ho Chi Minh City?
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.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It previously served as the capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). The metropolitan area, including Ho Chi Minh City, Thu Dau Mot, Di An, Bien Hoa, and other surrounding towns, has a population of more than 9 million people and continues to grow.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Ho Chi Minh City, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Vietnam.
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Islamabad Prices
Pakistan PricesHo Chi Minh City Prices
Vietnam Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIslamabad $51Ho Chi Minh City $87
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $51, while the average daily cost in Ho Chi Minh City is $87. 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 Islamabad and Ho Chi Minh City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Ho Chi Minh City $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Ho Chi Minh City $96
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Ho Chi Minh City
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Ho Chi Minh City? 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 and Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.49Ho Chi Minh City $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transit Trip: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110
- Islamabad Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Karachi Airport Transfer, Airport Pick and Drop, Rent a Car KHI: $60
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad Airport Transfers : $54
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Short Taxi Ride$1.33
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Taxi From Airport$7.58
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Cyclo Ride (One Hour)$1.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ho Chi Minh City
Also for Ho Chi Minh City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Taxi transfer from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City: $358
- Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang - Private Transfer: $259
- Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Phang Rang Thap Cham: $257
- Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Ca Mau: $249
- Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Ha Tien Pier: $249
- Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Mui Ne - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $237
- Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Vung Tau Round-Trip Private Transfer: $222
- Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Soc Trang: $216
- Private Transfer: Ho Chi Minh City Center to Mui Ne: $196
- Private Transfer from Ho Chi Minh City Hotels to Phu My Port: $192
- Private Transfer from Ho Chi Minh Airport (SGN) to Phu My Port : $192
- Private Transfer from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) Airport to Chau Doc: $184
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Ho Chi Minh City?
Prices for flights to both Ho Chi Minh City and Islamabad 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 dayIslamabad $25Ho Chi Minh City $23
Typical Food Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ho Chi Minh City:
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Street Food Dinner (for Two)$4.06
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Pizza$4.93
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Sweet Rice$1.14
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Pork Sandwich$0.57
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$6.43
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Western Lunch (for Two)$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vietnamese Cooking and Craft Workshop by the Lake: $12
- Saigon Food Tour & Culture Explore Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour: $15
- Mekong Delta 4 Islands, TukTuk, Boat, Try Khot Cake Local Cooking: $24
- Saigon Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $25
- Pu Luong Cooking Class at Traditional Stilt House: $25
- Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Tour With Students: $27
- Saigon - Tasty Food Tour By Scooters: $28
- Private Half-Day Ho Chi Minh Food Tour with Local Students: $29
- Ho Chi Minh Private Half Day Street Food Tour with Local Students: $29
- Ho Chi Minh Street Food Tour With Young Local (Safe & Authentic): $29
- The Coolest Vegan Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $29
- Super Niche Walking Street Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $29
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Islamabad $9.25Ho Chi Minh City $19
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- Best of Islamabad City Landmarks Exploration Tour (Private & Guided).: $95
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- Best of One-Day Sightseeing Tour: $95
- Discover Peshawar Full Day Guided Tour from Islamabad: $120
- Exclusive Luxury Private Tour: Discover the Gems of Islamabad: $80
- Explore Takht I Bahi and Peshawar Full Day Tour from Islamabad: $145
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
- From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
- Full Day Islamabad & Taxila Tour: $78
- Full Day Islamabad Guided City Tour: $100
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $110
- Islamabad City Tour : $72
Typical Entertainment Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
For Ho Chi Minh City, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Massage$5.31
Tours and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ho Chi Minh City.
- 8-Hour City Tour: Hidden Gems, Local Life & Modern Saigon: $46
- A O Show - Included: Tour guide, Car Pick Up And Drop Off : $65
- Cu Chi Tunnels and Sai Gon City Tour : $64
- Cu Chi Tunnels half day tours: $39
- From Ho Chi Minh to Mui Ne 3 Days Tour | 4 Star Beach Resort : $170
- Half Day Private Tour in Ho Chi Minh City: $54
- Ho Chi Minh City Bus Tour Experience: $100
- Street Food Walking Tour with 12 Tastings: $30
- Jeep tour Sai Gon Private half day culture and history tour: $100
- Mekong Delta Discovery Day Tour - My Tho - Ben Tre: $46
- Non-Touristy Mekong Delta with Biking in Ben Tre Private Tour: $113
- Private Ho Chi Minh 30 minutes Experience by Electric Cart: $9.71
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIslamabad $2.82Ho Chi Minh City $7.57
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ho Chi Minh City
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Ho Chi Minh City:
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Beer$0.38
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Ho Chi Minh City, we can see that Ho Chi Minh City 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 Ho Chi Minh City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ho Chi Minh City 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 Islamabad Expensive? and Is Ho Chi Minh City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Ho Chi Minh City, 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.
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.