Which place is cheaper, Kota Kinabalu or Karachi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karachi or Kota Kinabalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Karachi or Kota Kinabalu? 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 Kota Kinabalu?
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.
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, originally Jesselton, is the capital of Sabah, which is on the northern part of the island of Borneo. Kota Kinabalu is located just between the western side of the island and Tambunan Rafflesia Forest Reserve. Most of Kota Kinabalu's historic buildings were destroyed by bombing during World War II, so the city had to be rebuilt. KK, as it's commonly called, is a compact, but booming town today, with its new shopping centers, seaside condominiums, and bustling marketplaces.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan, The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarachi $26Kota Kinabalu $49
The average daily cost (per person) in Karachi is $26, while the average daily cost in Kota Kinabalu is $49. 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 Kota Kinabalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarachi $11Kota Kinabalu $18
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarachi $22Kota Kinabalu $36
Compare Hotels in Karachi and Kota Kinabalu
Looking for a hotel in Karachi or Kota Kinabalu? 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 Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karachi $4.58Kota Kinabalu $22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Airport Private Transfer with 1 hour Charter: $12
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $23
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI): $28
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $28
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $28
- Private Transfer from Kota Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kinabalu Port: $28
- Monsopiad Cultural Village Visit with Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu: $31
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $32
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $32
- Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Kota Kinabalu?
Prices for flights to both Kota Kinabalu 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 $11Kota Kinabalu $15
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 Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Private Kinabalu Night Tour with Cultural Show and Dinner: $62
- Kota Kinabalu K2 Fireflies Sunset River Cruise Tour with Dinner: $86
- Half Day Klias Mangrove Wildlife and Fireflies with dinner: $128
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karachi $5.07Kota Kinabalu $5.67
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 Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Kota Kinabalu Historical Photo Walking Tour: $37
- Private Half Day Kota Kinabalu City Tour: $38
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $40
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Sunset E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $47
- Private Guided E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $47
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Kota Kinabalu City Tour: $54
- Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour Including Lunch: $55
- Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu: $58
- Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
- Cultural Night Tour From Kota Kinabalu : $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarachi $3.35Kota Kinabalu $6.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karachi and Kota Kinabalu, we can see that Kota Kinabalu 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 Kota Kinabalu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kota Kinabalu 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 Kota Kinabalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karachi or Kota Kinabalu?
Karachi has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Kota Kinabalu. When comparing the sizes of Karachi and Kota Kinabalu, 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 Kota Kinabalu?
Karachi has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kota Kinabalu experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Karachi or Kota Kinabalu in the Summer?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Karachi is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 30°C (86°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Kota Kinabalu. Karachi usually receives less sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during summer. Karachi gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 205 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. In July, Karachi usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 255 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarachi 30°C (86°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Kota Kinabalu in the Autumn?
Both Kota Kinabalu and Karachi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
Karachi is around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
It's quite sunny in Karachi. In the autumn, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 192 hours of full sun.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Karachi usually gets less rain in October than Kota Kinabalu. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarachi 29°C (84°F)Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Kota Kinabalu in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Karachi is cooler than Kota Kinabalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Karachi in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Kota Kinabalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).
In Karachi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu during winter. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Kota Kinabalu receives 181 hours of full sun in the winter.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Karachi usually receives less rain than Kota Kinabalu. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarachi 19°C (66°F)Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Kota Kinabalu in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Karachi as well as Kota Kinabalu. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
In April, Karachi is generally around the same temperature as Kota Kinabalu. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 29°C (84°F), and Kota Kinabalu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karachi this time of the year. In the spring, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Kota Kinabalu. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kota Kinabalu receives 237 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Karachi usually gets less rain in April than Kota Kinabalu. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kota Kinabalu receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarachi 29°C (84°F)Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kota Kinabalu and Karachi
| Karachi | Kota Kinabalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 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.