Which place is cheaper, Karachi or Abu Dhabi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Abu Dhabi or Karachi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Abu Dhabi and Karachi can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Abu Dhabi or Karachi?
Abu Dhabi
It doesn't get more "lifestyles of the rich and famous" than a vacation to Abu Dhabi. The federal capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates is arguably the most modern city in the world.
Abu Dhabi has a population of 1.5 million and provides a home to several oil companies and embassies, but this place is definitely a playground for the world's fanciest tourists. This city has several large projects underway including Yas Island's Formula 1 track and Ferrari theme park.
Note: homosexuality is still outlawed in the UAE with harsh punishments including deportation, fines, jail time or even a death sentence.
Karachi
Karachi is the capital of the Pakistani province of Sindh. It is the most populous city in Pakistan, and sixth most populous city proper in the world. Karachi, located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, is the financial and commercial center of the nation, as well as its largest port. The pace of life here is more hurried, and social attitudes are far more liberal than elsewhere in Pakistan. Locals call it the City of Lights, the City of The Quaid, and the City that Never Sleeps. The city credits its growth to the mixed populations of economic and political migrants along with refugees from different national, provincial, linguistic and religious origins, who generally come to the city to settle permanently.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Arab Emirates, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, and The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAbu Dhabi $164Karachi $26
The average daily cost (per person) in Abu Dhabi is $164, while the average daily cost in Karachi is $26. 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 Abu Dhabi and Karachi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAbu Dhabi $98Karachi $11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAbu Dhabi $196Karachi $22
Compare Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Karachi
Looking for a hotel in Abu Dhabi or Karachi? 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: Abu Dhabi Hotel Prices and Karachi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Abu Dhabi $20Karachi $4.58
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Abu Dhabi
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Abu Dhabi are as follows:
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Car Rental$31
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Taxi to Airport$14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Abu Dhabi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Abu Dhabi:
- Private One-way Abu Dhabi Airport Transfer To/From Abu Dhabi: $26
- Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi Ticket with Transfers Option: $33
- Abu Dhabi Airport Private Departure Transfer: $33
- Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) - Departure Private Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) to Abu Dhabi Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi city to Abu Dhabi Cruise Port: $38
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi city: $38
- Arrival Transfer Abu Dhabi Airport AUH to Abu Dhabi by Car or SUV: $40
- Private transfer: Abu Dhabi to Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH): $41
- Abu Dhabi to Dubai Airport (DXB) - Departure Private Transfer: $41
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Airport to Abu Dhabi Port: $42
- Private Transfer from Abu Dhabi Cruise Port to Abu Dhabi Hotels: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Abu Dhabi or Karachi?
Prices for flights to both Karachi and Abu Dhabi 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 dayAbu Dhabi $45Karachi $11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Abu Dhabi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai Marina luxury Dhow Cruise Dinner (catamaran): $42
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari BBQ Dinner Live Shows Pick & Drop More: $45
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With BBQ Dinner & Live Shows: $49
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $50
- Desert Tour with BBQ Dinner and Hotel Transfer: $51
- Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride and BBQ Dinner in Abu Dhabi: $60
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari With Live Shows And BBQ Buffet Dinner: $60
- Evening Desert Safari Abu Dhabi with Hot BBQ Dinner : $62
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner and all Camp Activities : $72
- Desert Safari Abu Dhabi w/ Sand Boarding, Camel Ride & BBQ Dinner: $75
- Abu Dhabi Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under the Stars: $77
- Abu Dhabi Desert Safari (Dune Bashing, BBQ Dinner, Camel Ride & Sand Skii): $80
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Karachi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Karachi.
- Private Karachi Street Food Tour: $93
- Half-Day Karachi Burns Road Private Victoria Ride with Dinner: $100
- Street Food Tour of Karachi: $199
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Abu Dhabi $39Karachi $5.07
Tours and Activities in Abu Dhabi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Abu Dhabi are as follows:
- Qasr Al Hosn: Entry Tickets with 1 GB Data eSIM: $7.93
- Sea Breeze Boat Tour: $8.17
- Abu Dhabi 4G & 5G Data Roaming for Tourist: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Louvre Join an Express Tour: $14
- Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi Entry Ticket: $15
- Louvre Abu Dhabi with Tourist Shuttle Bus & eSIM: $17
- Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket: $17
- Qasr Al Watan Palace & Garden Entrance Ticket: $18
- Ticket to Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi: $19
- Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour: $19
- Abu Dhabi Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big UAE Quiz (1 Day Pass): $19
Tours and Activities in Karachi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Karachi are as follows:
- Karachi City Tour : $129
- UNESCO World Heritage Tour Near Karachi : $150
- Karachi Sightseeing Private tour: $159
- Full Day Private Tour in Karachi City: $161
- Full Day Private Tour to Mohatta Palace Zainab and Burns road: $194
- Experience local village life in Sindh: $200
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAbu Dhabi $13Karachi $3.35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Abu Dhabi and Karachi, we can see that Abu Dhabi is more expensive. And not only is Karachi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Abu Dhabi is in Middle East and Karachi is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Karachi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Karachi 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 Abu Dhabi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Abu Dhabi than you might in Karachi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Abu Dhabi Expensive? and Is Karachi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Abu Dhabi or Karachi?
Karachi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Abu Dhabi. When comparing the sizes of Abu Dhabi and Karachi, 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 Abu Dhabi or Karachi?
Karachi has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Abu Dhabi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Karachi in the Summer?
Both Karachi and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Abu Dhabi throughout the year.
It's very hot in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. Abu Dhabi is a little warmer than Karachi in the summer. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 35°C (95°F) in July, and Karachi fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi usually receives more sunshine than Karachi during summer. Abu Dhabi gets 331 hours of sunny skies, while Karachi receives 155 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Abu Dhabi usually receives less rain than Karachi. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Karachi receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAbu Dhabi 35°C (95°F)Karachi 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Karachi in the Autumn?
Both Karachi and Abu Dhabi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Abu Dhabi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Karachi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Abu Dhabi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Karachi averages at about 29°C (84°F).
In Karachi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Abu Dhabi. In the autumn, Abu Dhabi often gets more sunshine than Karachi. Abu Dhabi gets 314 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karachi receives 284 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Karachi. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Karachi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAbu Dhabi 29°C (84°F)Karachi 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Karachi in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Abu Dhabi and Karachi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Abu Dhabi year-round.
In January, Abu Dhabi is generally around the same temperature as Karachi. Daily temperatures in Abu Dhabi average around 18°C (64°F), and Karachi fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karachi this time of the year. In Abu Dhabi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Abu Dhabi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karachi during winter. Abu Dhabi gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Karachi receives 271 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Abu Dhabi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Karachi. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Karachi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAbu Dhabi 18°C (64°F)Karachi 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Abu Dhabi or Karachi in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Abu Dhabi as well as Karachi. Abu Dhabi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Abu Dhabi is around the same temperature as Karachi in the spring. The daily temperature in Abu Dhabi averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Karachi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karachi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Abu Dhabi this time of the year. In the spring, Abu Dhabi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karachi. Abu Dhabi gets 297 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karachi receives 277 hours of full sun.
Abu Dhabi usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Karachi. Abu Dhabi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Karachi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAbu Dhabi 27°C (81°F)Karachi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Karachi and Abu Dhabi
| Abu Dhabi | Karachi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 20°C (68°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 35°C (95°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 36°C (97°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 33°C (91°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.