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

Should you visit Karachi or Kyoto?

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

Should I visit Karachi or Kyoto? 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 Kyoto?

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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a larger city of Japan, though it is very much set in the old ways. With quiet temples, sublime gardens, colorful shrines, and geisha walking amidst a city surrounded by stunning mountains, Kyoto feels like a world of another time and place. True to ancient Japanese tradition, most aspects of daily life are tied closely with the changing of the seasons.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Kyoto 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 Kyoto is $96. 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 Kyoto in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Karachi $11
    Kyoto $63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Karachi $22
    Kyoto $126
Compare Hotels in Karachi and Kyoto

Looking for a hotel in Karachi or Kyoto? 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 Kyoto


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 Kyoto Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Karachi $4.58
    Kyoto $7.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kyoto

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kyoto:

  • Shared Departure Transfer : Kyoto City to Kansai International Airport: $67
  • Private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International airport: $107
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $136
  • Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Kyoto: $207
  • Osaka (Itami) Airport ITM Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $212
  • Osaka City to/from Kyoto City Private transfer: $221
  • Kansai Intl. Airport KIX Private Transfer to/from Kyoto: $222
  • Kansai Int Airport to/from Kyoto City Private Transfer: $264
  • Kyoto Early Bird Half Day Private Tour with Transfer: $292
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Kansai Airport: $316
  • One-Way Private Transfer to/from Itami Airport: $316
  • Customizable Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $504

Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Kyoto?

Prices for flights to both Kyoto 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
    Kyoto $24

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 Kyoto

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kyoto.

  • Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan: $40
  • Japanese Washoku Bento Cooking Class with Lunch: $41
  • Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour: $45
  • Japanese Home Cooking Lesson with Local Hosts in Peaceful Kyoto Suburb Otsu: $49
  • Kyoto Nishiki Market & Depachika: 2-hours Food Tour with a Local: $59
  • Afternoon Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class: $59
  • Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class: $59
  • Japanese Cooking Class: $60
  • Japanese Udon and Sushi Cooking Class with Tastings: $62
  • Wagashi(Japanese sweets) Cooking :Kyoto near Fushimiinari: $63
  • Bento Box Cooking Class: $66
  • Izakaya Style Cooking Class: $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Karachi $5.07
    Kyoto $13

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 Kyoto

Here are a few actual costs in Kyoto for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Arashiyama self guided tour app multilingual audio guide: $2.14
  • Kyoto Tower Admission Ticket: $6.13
  • Audio Guide Tour of Kinkaku-ji & Ryōan-ji Areas ~ Zen Echoe: $6.32
  • Audio Guide Tour Sanjusangen-do & Chishaku-in: $6.32
  • Audio Guide Tour through Gion: Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji: $6.32
  • Audio Guide Tour: Unveiling Kyoto Station Surroundings: $6.32
  • Nijo Castle & Kitano Tenmangu Shrine: Auidio Guide Tour: $6.32
  • Arashiyama: Self-Guided Audio Tour through History & Nature: $6.32
  • Audio guide tour of the Kyoto Imperial Palace & surroundings: $6.32
  • Ninnaji Temple Entry Ticket: $6.95
  • Kyoto self-guided tour app with multi-language audioguide: $8.56
  • Kyoto Gion Night Walking Tour: $9.47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Karachi $3.35
    Kyoto $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Kyoto

Also in Kyoto, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Japanese Sake Brewery and Fushimi Inari Sightseeing Tour: $18
  • Sake Brewery and Tasting Tour in Fushimi: $80
  • Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Sake and Food Pairing: $83
  • Rural Brewery Town Walk: Half-Day Private Tour Near Kyoto: $97
  • Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour: $153
  • Rural Villages & Brewery Town: Private 1-Day Cycling Near Kyoto: $181
  • Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $189
  • Kyoto Sake Bar and Pub Crawl (Food & Sake Tour): $195
  • Private Guided Local Bar Crawl Experience in Kyoto: $223
  • Kyoto Nightlife: Local Bar Crawl Experience: $435


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


Which is Bigger, Karachi or Kyoto?

Karachi has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kyoto. When comparing the sizes of Karachi and Kyoto, 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 Kyoto?

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 Kyoto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Kyoto. Furthermore, most visitors come to Kyoto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Karachi is around the same temperature as Kyoto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Karachi in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Kyoto averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Karachi usually receives less sunshine than Kyoto during summer. Karachi gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 183 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Karachi usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Karachi 30°C (86°F) 
    Kyoto 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Kyoto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Karachi as well as Kyoto. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Kyoto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Karachi is generally much warmer than Kyoto. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 29°C (84°F), and Kyoto fluctuates around 18°C (64°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 Kyoto. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 159 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. Karachi usually gets less rain in October than Kyoto. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Karachi 29°C (84°F) 
    Kyoto 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Kyoto in the Winter?

Both Kyoto 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 Kyoto this time of year.

It's quite cold in Kyoto in the winter. Karachi is much warmer than Kyoto in the winter. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Kyoto fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karachi. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Kyoto during winter. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Kyoto receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Karachi usually receives less rain than Kyoto. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Karachi 19°C (66°F) 
    Kyoto 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Kyoto in the Spring?

Both Kyoto and Karachi during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Kyoto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Karachi is much warmer than Kyoto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Karachi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Kyoto averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Karachi. In the spring, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Kyoto. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kyoto receives 176 hours of full sun.

Kyoto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Karachi usually gets less rain in April than Kyoto. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kyoto receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Karachi 29°C (84°F) 
    Kyoto 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kyoto and Karachi

Karachi Kyoto
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 153 mm (6 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 154 mm (6 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 251 mm (9.9 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 29°C (83°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)