Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Karachi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karachi or Guangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Karachi or Guangzhou? 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 Guangzhou?
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.
Guangzhou
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarachi $26Guangzhou $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Karachi is $26, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $89. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarachi $11Guangzhou $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarachi $22Guangzhou $114
Compare Hotels in Karachi and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Karachi or Guangzhou? 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 $4.58Guangzhou $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Railway Station: $34
- Private Departure Transfer:Hotel to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport(CAN): $35
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Nan Railway Station: $38
- Guangzhou Chimelong International Circus Private Transfer Service: $38
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain and City Area: $44
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou South Railway Station to City Center : $49
- Private Baiyun Airport Transfer to Guangzhou Railway or East Railway Station: $49
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Guangzhou APT-HTL (CAN): $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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 $11Guangzhou $19
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 Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Guangzhou Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $100
- Yum Cha Dim Sum Dinner and Pearl River Night Cruise Private Tour : $110
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
- Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karachi $5.07Guangzhou $18
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: $195
- Experience local village life in Sindh: $200
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
- Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
- 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $75
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
- Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
- Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
- Walking Tour of Xiguan Ancient Town: $89
- Guangzhou Walking Tour To Explore The Old Xiguan Area: $89
- 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Option: $95
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarachi $3.35Guangzhou $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karachi and Guangzhou, we can see that Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karachi or Guangzhou?
Karachi has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Guangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Karachi and Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?
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 Guangzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Guangzhou.
Karachi is around the same temperature as Guangzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Guangzhou this time of the year. Karachi usually receives less sunshine than Guangzhou during summer. Karachi gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.
Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Karachi usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarachi 30°C (86°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Karachi as well as Guangzhou.
In the autumn, Karachi is a little warmer than Guangzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Karachi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 25°C (76°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 Guangzhou. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 192 hours of full sun.
Karachi usually gets less rain in October than Guangzhou. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarachi 29°C (84°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Guangzhou in the Winter?
Both Guangzhou and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
In January, Karachi is generally a little warmer than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 19°C (66°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karachi. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Guangzhou during winter. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Guangzhou receives 133 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Karachi usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarachi 19°C (66°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Guangzhou in the Spring?
Both Guangzhou and Karachi during the spring are popular places to visit.
Karachi is a little warmer than Guangzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite sunny in Karachi. In the spring, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Guangzhou. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Guangzhou receives 78 hours of full sun.
Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Karachi usually gets less rain in April than Guangzhou. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarachi 29°C (84°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Karachi
| Karachi | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.