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

Should you visit Karachi or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Karachi or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Koh Phi Phi?

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.

Koh Phi Phi

The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi is $72. 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 Koh Phi Phi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Karachi $11
    Koh Phi Phi $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Karachi $22
    Koh Phi Phi $80
Compare Hotels in Karachi and Koh Phi Phi

Looking for a hotel in Karachi or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Koh Phi Phi


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 Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Karachi $4.58
    Koh Phi Phi $6.89

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi

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


  • Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)
    $15
  • Longboat Taxi
    $2.73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi

Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Koh Phi Phi to Phuket VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $22
  • Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $25
  • Superfast Transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi by Arisa Speed Boat: $28
  • One-Way Departure Transfer from Phi Phi Island (Speedboat) to Phuket Airport : $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Koh Phi Phi?

Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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
    Koh Phi Phi $11

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 Koh Phi Phi

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:


  • Crepe
    $1.64
  • Sit Down Lunch
    $9.27
  • Casual Lunch
    $5.73
  • Coconut Donut
    $0.27
  • Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)
    $11
  • Sit Down Dinner
    $14

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Karachi $5.07
    Koh Phi Phi $45

Tours and Activities in Karachi

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Karachi are as follows:

  • Experience local village life in Sindh: $200
  • Full Day Private Tour in Karachi City: $161
  • Full Day Private Tour to Mohatta Palace Zainab and Burns road: $195
  • Karachi City Tour : $129
  • Karachi Sightseeing Private tour: $159
  • UNESCO World Heritage Tour Near Karachi : $150

Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi

For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Kayak Rental
    $8.18

Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.

  • Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $13
  • Phuket Trick Eye 3D Museum Admission Ticket: $14
  • Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
  • Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
  • Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
  • Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
  • Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $21
  • Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $27
  • Wonderful Phi Phi Islands Highlights Tour: $50
  • PHI PHI ISLAND - Sunrise Trip From Phi Phi Don By Phi Phi Local Tour: $53
  • Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
  • Half Day & Sunset Phi Phi Island Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Karachi $3.35
    Koh Phi Phi $5.66

Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:


  • Mojito Bucket
    $14
  • Banana Daiquiri
    $5.46


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karachi and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Karachi or Koh Phi Phi?

Karachi has a larger population, and is about 11620 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Karachi and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Karachi has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Koh Phi Phi experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Karachi or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Karachi as well as Koh Phi Phi. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.

In the summer, Karachi is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Karachi in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In the summer, Karachi often gets less sunshine than Koh Phi Phi. Karachi gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 206 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Koh Phi Phi. Karachi usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Karachi 30°C (86°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Karachi is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karachi. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. In October, Karachi usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Koh Phi Phi is December to March. The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Karachi 29°C (84°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?

Both Koh Phi Phi and Karachi during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.

Karachi is cooler than Koh Phi Phi in the winter. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

In Koh Phi Phi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Karachi. In the winter, Karachi often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 hours of full sun.

Karachi usually gets less rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Koh Phi Phi.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Karachi 19°C (66°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Karachi is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Karachi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 29°C (84°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Phi Phi this time of the year. In Karachi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Koh Phi Phi during spring. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 249 hours of full sun in the spring.

Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Karachi usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Karachi 29°C (84°F) 
    Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Karachi

Karachi Koh Phi Phi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)