A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Karachi vs. Amsterdam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Karachi or Amsterdam?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Karachi or Amsterdam? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Karachi or Amsterdam?

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.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan, The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam.


Which place is cheaper, Amsterdam or Karachi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Karachi is $26, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $187. 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 Karachi and Amsterdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Karachi $11
    Amsterdam $109
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Karachi $22
    Amsterdam $218
Compare Hotels in Karachi and Amsterdam

Looking for a hotel in Karachi or Amsterdam? 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 Karachi


Hotels in Amsterdam


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: Karachi Hotel Prices and Amsterdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Karachi $4.58
    Amsterdam $21

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:


  • Ride on Tram
    $3.43
  • Renting a Bike
    $16
  • One Hour Canal Cruise
    $11
  • Single Day Transit Pass
    $2.79
  • Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport
    $3.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:

  • Train transfer From/To Zaandijk Zaanse Schans: $5.06
  • Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Amsterdam: $6.35
  • Airport Express Bus Transfer to/from City Center: $7.00
  • 1-Way Train Transfer to/from Haarlem: $7.43
  • Train Transfer From/To Zandvoort in Amsterdam: $8.07
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Utrecht: $12
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Leiden: $14
  • Travel Ticket for 1-3 Days With Airport Transfer: $19
  • Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Rotterdam: $21
  • Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Eindhoven: $26
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Amsterdam: $27
  • From Bus Transfer to Flower Fields Keukenhof: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Amsterdam?

Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Karachi 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
    Karachi $11
    Amsterdam $47

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: $94
  • Half-Day Karachi Burns Road Private Victoria Ride with Dinner: $100
  • Street Food Tour of Karachi: $199

Typical Food Prices in Amsterdam

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:


  • Afternoon Tea
    $6.43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam

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

  • Food Tour Amsterdam (Tip Based): $5.46
  • Amsterdam Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood : $8.19
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Jordaan Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour in De Pijp Neighbourhood: $13
  • Self-Guided Food Tour of Amsterdam's De Jordaan District: $14
  • Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam with Set Lunch or Dinner: $31
  • Exclusive Burger Dinner Cruise: $32
  • Dinner Cruise with Fries Bitterballen and Drink from Amsterdam: $38
  • Pizza Cruise with Drinks: $40
  • Evening Canal Cruise with Pizza and Drinks: $43
  • Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket with A GOLD MENU Hard Rock Dinner: $43
  • Food Tour Jordaan District: $51

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Karachi $5.07
    Amsterdam $40

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: $162
  • Full Day Private Tour to Mohatta Palace Zainab and Burns road: $196
  • Experience local village life in Sindh: $200

Typical Entertainment Prices in Amsterdam

Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum
    $6.43
  • Entry for two to the Anne Frank House
    $18

Tours and Activities in Amsterdam

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

  • Golden Age Canals Walking Tour: $1.08
  • Free walking tour of haunted Amsterdam: $1.08
  • Red Light District Haunted History Night Tour: $1.71
  • The Amsterdam Walking Tour 2 hours: $3.23
  • City Exploration Game and Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Amsterdam: $3.23
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Best of Amsterdam City Tour: $3.23
  • Two-hour walking tour of Amsterdam: $3.26
  • Self Guided Tours Amsterdam With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.26
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Amsterdam: $3.26
  • Amsterdam Spanish Tour 2 Hours: $3.26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Karachi $3.35
    Amsterdam $25

Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam

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

  • Bar Crawl with Shots and Beer Maid Guide: $25
  • Red Light District Pub Crawl: $27
  • Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Central Pub Crawl and Nightlife Experience: $27
  • Original Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entrance: $29
  • Chateau Urban Wine Tasting and optional bites: $32
  • Original Amsterdam Pub Crawl: $33
  • Self-guided Red Light District Pub Crawl Mystery: $38
  • Leidseplein and Red Light Pub Crawl: 2 Night Pass: $38
  • Red Light District and Local Pub Tour: $39
  • Dutch Cheese and Wine Tasting: $43
  • Dutch Wine Tasting || Amsterdam City Centre: $48


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karachi and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Karachi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Karachi is in Asia and Amsterdam is in Europe, 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam 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 Karachi Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Karachi or Amsterdam?

Karachi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Karachi and Amsterdam, 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 Karachi or Amsterdam?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Karachi or Amsterdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Amsterdam. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Karachi is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Karachi in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Amsterdam this time of the year. Karachi usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Karachi gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Karachi usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Karachi 30°C (86°F) 
    Amsterdam 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Karachi as well as Amsterdam. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Karachi is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 29°C (84°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karachi this time of the year. In the autumn, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

Karachi usually gets less rain in October than Amsterdam. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Karachi 29°C (84°F) 
    Amsterdam 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Amsterdam in the Winter?

Both Amsterdam and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Amsterdam can be very cold. Karachi is much warmer than Amsterdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karachi. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Karachi usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Karachi 19°C (66°F) 
    Amsterdam 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Amsterdam in the Spring?

Both Amsterdam and Karachi during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

In the spring, Karachi is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Karachi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 8°C (46°F).

It's quite sunny in Karachi. In the spring, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

Karachi usually gets less rain in April than Amsterdam. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Karachi 29°C (84°F) 
    Amsterdam 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Karachi

Karachi Amsterdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)