Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Karachi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karachi or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Karachi or Beijing? 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 Beijing?
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.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarachi $26Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Karachi is $26, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarachi $11Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarachi $22Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Karachi and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Karachi or Beijing? 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: Karachi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karachi $4.58Beijing $7.65
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.72
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Train from Airport for Two$6.91
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Taxi to Hotel$8.29
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Museum of the Communist Party of China Transfer Optional: $10
- Juyongguan Great Wall Entrance Ticket with Guide&Transfer Service: $11
- From Mutianyu Great Wall Transfer with Pick-Up: $17
- Beijing Daxing International Airport shuttle bus transfer service: $20
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Train Stations to Hotel: $22
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Train Stations: $22
- Private Airport Pick Up or Drop Off Transfer: $26
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX): $27
- Private One Way Transfer Service from Your Hotels to Train Stations in Beijing: $27
- Private One Way Transfer Services from Train Stations in Beijing to Your Hotels : $27
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX) to Hotel: $27
- Beijing Airport Transfer From Beijing Downtown Hotel: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing 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
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Food Meals for one dayKarachi $11Beijing $21
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
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.91
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.94
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
- Nangong Hot Spring Water World with Dinner: $38
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karachi $5.07Beijing $24
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.29
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.68
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Small Group Hutongs Walking Tour : $5.00
- Small Group Summer Palace Walking Tour: $5.00
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Beijing Lama Temple Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $7.00
- Temple of Heaven Ticket Booking: $7.90
- The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Entrance Ticket: $8.00
- Summer Palace+Ming Tombs/Heaven Temple/China National Museum Tour: $8.00
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Confucius Temple and Imperial College Entrance Ticket : $8.00
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Summer Palace Admission Ticket Pre-booking Service: $8.80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarachi $3.35Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $161
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karachi and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Karachi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing 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 Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karachi or Beijing?
Karachi has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Beijing. When comparing the sizes of Karachi and Beijing, 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 Beijing?
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 Beijing in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Beijing. Furthermore, most visitors come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Karachi is generally a little warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 30°C (86°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. Karachi usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during summer. Karachi gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Karachi usually receives less rain than Beijing. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarachi 30°C (86°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Beijing in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Karachi as well as Beijing. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Karachi is much warmer than Beijing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karachi this time of the year. In the autumn, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun.
Karachi usually gets less rain in October than Beijing. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarachi 29°C (84°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Beijing in the Winter?
Both Beijing and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
It's quite cold in Beijing in the winter. In the winter, Karachi is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Karachi in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Beijing averages at about -4°C (26°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karachi. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Beijing during winter. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Karachi usually receives more rain than Beijing. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarachi 19°C (66°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Beijing in the Spring?
Both Beijing and Karachi during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Karachi is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 29°C (84°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Karachi. In the spring, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun.
Karachi usually gets less rain in April than Beijing. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarachi 29°C (84°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Karachi
| Karachi | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.