Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Karachi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karachi or Bilbao?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Karachi or Bilbao? 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 Bilbao?
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.
Bilbao
The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarachi $26Bilbao $147
The average daily cost (per person) in Karachi is $26, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is $147. 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 Bilbao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarachi $11Bilbao $78
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarachi $22Bilbao $156
Compare Hotels in Karachi and Bilbao
Looking for a hotel in Karachi or Bilbao? 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 and Bilbao Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karachi $4.58Bilbao $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Private One way Airport Transfer Bilbao Airport to from Bilbao: $33
- Private transfer from Bilbao City Center to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $33
- Private transfer from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City Center: $33
- Bilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities : $45
- Bilbao city to Bilbao Airport (BIO) - Departure Private Transfer: $49
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
- Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Business Car: $50
- Arrival Private Transfer from Bilbao airport BIO to Bilbao City by Business Car: $60
- Bilbao Airport Transfers : Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
- Departure Private Transfers: Bilbao City to Bilbao Airport BIO in Luxury Van: $66
- Private one way arrival OR departure transfer in Bilbao from/to airport: $67
- Private Transfer on arrival and departure in Bilbao: $72
Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Bilbao?
Prices for flights to both Bilbao 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 $11Bilbao $48
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
- Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $113
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $115
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
- The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $135
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $135
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $156
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $198
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karachi $5.07Bilbao $31
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
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Bilbao´s Old Town Responsible Free Walking Tour: $1.94
- Bilbao Cathedral and San Anton Church Entry Ticket: $4.31
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
- Panoramic boat tour through the bay of Abra: $6.46
- Bilbao Self-Guided Historical Walking Tour: $7.52
- VITORIA DE LEGEND night tour: $11
- Bilbao Confidential Tour: Crime and Punishment: $13
- 1- or 2-Hour Sightseeing Boat Tour: $15
- Tour of the Great Villas in Getxo and Hanging Bridge: $16
- Bilbao tour: $18
- San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour: $18
- Bilbao Estuary and Abra Bay Boat Tour: $20
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarachi $3.35Bilbao $23
Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
- Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
- Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $80
- Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $81
- Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $178
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $188
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Bilbao: $201
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $217
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $241
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $242
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karachi and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao 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 Bilbao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karachi or Bilbao?
Karachi has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Karachi and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?
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 Bilbao in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Bilbao. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Karachi is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Karachi in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).
Karachi usually receives less sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Karachi gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Karachi usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarachi 30°C (86°F)Bilbao 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Bilbao in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Karachi as well as Bilbao. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.
In October, Karachi is generally much warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 29°C (84°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°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 Bilbao. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Karachi usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarachi 29°C (84°F)Bilbao 16°C (62°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Bilbao in the Winter?
Both Bilbao and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene.
Karachi is much warmer than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karachi. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In January, Karachi usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarachi 19°C (66°F)Bilbao 9°C (48°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Bilbao in the Spring?
Both Bilbao and Karachi during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Karachi is much warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Karachi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).
It's quite sunny in Karachi. In the spring, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.
Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Karachi usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarachi 29°C (84°F)Bilbao 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Bilbao and Karachi
| Karachi | Bilbao | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (62°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 135 mm (5.3 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.