A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Islamabad vs. Kyoto for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Islamabad or Kyoto?

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 Kyoto 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 Kyoto?

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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Kyoto or Islamabad?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $51, while the average daily cost in Kyoto is $118. 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 Kyoto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamabad $20
    Kyoto $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamabad $40
    Kyoto $132
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Kyoto

Looking for a hotel in Islamabad or Kyoto? 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.

Hotels in Islamabad


Hotels in Kyoto


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 Kyoto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamabad $7.49
    Kyoto $7.82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad

Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Islamabad Airport Transfers : $54
  • 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 Round Trip Airport Transfer & Customizable Day Trip: $95
  • Karachi Airport Transfer, Airport Pick and Drop, Rent a Car KHI: $60
  • 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: Islamabad City Exploration Day Tour & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $110

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:

  • Minivan Departure Transfer from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport KIX: $260
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Port to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX): $226
  • Private Transfer from Maizuru Cruise Port to Osaka Airport (ITM): $155
  • Kyoto Gion & Fushimi E-Bike Tour with Hotel Transfer: $132
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $115
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Kyoto City to Osaka Itami Airport: $108
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Osaka Itami International airport: $83
  • Naruto & Boruto at Nijigen no Mori Entry & Transfer: $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Kyoto?

Prices for flights to both Kyoto 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Islamabad $25
    Kyoto $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kyoto

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.

  • Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $48
  • Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $55
  • 1 hour Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki cooking class in Kyoto: $61
  • Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $75
  • Bento Box Cooking Class: $75
  • Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto: $76
  • Japanese Cuisine Cooking Class in Kyoto: $76
  • Kyoto Ramen Bowl Painting and Michelin Cooking Class: $76
  • Nishiki Market Walking Food Tour with Local guide: $83
  • Private Japanese Home Cooking Class in Kyoto with Michiyo: $86
  • Japanese 'Bento' cooking class in Kyoto: $89
  • Experience 'IZAKAYA' food cooking class in Kyoto: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamabad $9.25
    Kyoto $13

Tours and Activities in Islamabad

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.

  • Islamabad and Rawalpindi Sightseeing Tour: $70
  • Islamabad City Tour : $72
  • Full Day Islamabad & Taxila Tour: $78
  • Half Day Private Instagram Guided City Tour : $80
  • Exclusive Luxury Private Tour: Discover the Gems of Islamabad: $80
  • Private Tour: Islamabad Full Day Customized Exploration Tour: $90
  • Islamabad Offbeat, Private City Tour Islamabad: $91
  • Guided Top 5 Wonders Exploration Tour: $95
  • Best of Islamabad City Landmarks Exploration Tour (Private & Guided).: $95
  • Islamabad Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $95
  • Best of One-Day Sightseeing Tour: $95
  • Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour (Morn & Eve Slots): $100

Tours and Activities in Kyoto

Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Kyoto Private Full-day Walking Tour from Kyoto Station: $160
  • Kyoto Private Tour with National Licensed Guide : $240
  • Kyoto Sake Tasting Shared Tour Experience: $59
  • Osaka Kyoto Experience Japanese Homogi: $139
  • Quick Kyoto Tour for the First-Timers by Local Tour Guide: $60
  • 1 Day Kyoto Tour with a Local Guide: $153
  • 10 Hrs Full day Kyoto Tour w/Hotel Pick-up: $629
  • 10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour (up to 7 people): $188
  • 160 Years Authentic Seated Archery Experience in Kyoto: $103
  • 2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion with snack: $35
  • 3 Hour Vegan Walking Tour with Lunch: $139
  • 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamabad $2.82
    Kyoto $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto

Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area: $42
  • Kyoto Bar Crawl with Local Guide: $65
  • Kyoto Kyo-Yuzen Craft Workshop Day Tour and Sake Brewery Visit : $141


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamabad and Kyoto, we can see that Kyoto 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 Kyoto would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kyoto 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 Kyoto Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Kyoto?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad and Kyoto, 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 Islamabad or Kyoto?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Islamabad or Kyoto in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Kyoto. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year.

The heat can be very extreme in Islamabad. In the summer, Islamabad is a little warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamabad in July average around 32°C (90°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the summer, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Islamabad receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kyoto. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamabad 32°C (90°F) 
    Kyoto 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Kyoto in the Autumn?

Both Kyoto and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Islamabad is generally a little warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 26°C (80°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during autumn. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. In October, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamabad 26°C (80°F) 
    Kyoto 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Kyoto in the Winter?

Both Kyoto and Islamabad during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Kyoto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kyoto can get quite cold in the winter. Islamabad is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 14°C (57°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the winter, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun.

Islamabad usually gets less rain in January than Kyoto. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamabad 14°C (57°F) 
    Kyoto 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Islamabad or Kyoto in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Kyoto. Also, most visitors come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Islamabad is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamabad in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during spring. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamabad 27°C (80°F) 
    Kyoto 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Islamabad

Islamabad Kyoto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 21°C (70°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 153 mm (6 in)
May 32°C (89°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 19°C (67°F) 154 mm (6 in)
Jun 35°C (94°F) 52 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Jul 32°C (90°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 31°C (89°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 29°C (83°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 31°C (87°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)