Which place is cheaper, Manila or Karachi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karachi or Manila?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Karachi or Manila? 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 Manila?
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.
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan, The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarachi $26Manila $94
The average daily cost (per person) in Karachi is $26, while the average daily cost in Manila is $94. 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 Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarachi $11Manila $55
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarachi $22Manila $110
Compare Hotels in Karachi and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Karachi or Manila? 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 Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karachi $4.58Manila $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $9.80
- Private One-way Airport Transfer(Manila Airport To/From Manila): $22
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $22
- Private Departure Airport Transfer in Manila Bay and Makati Area: $23
- Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido Transfer: $25
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila APT-HTL (MNL) : $30
- Round-trip Coron Airport Transfer + Town Tour (Shared): $31
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
- Manila Airport Transfer: $37
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Private Transfer from Clark Airport (CRK) to Subic Bay Port: $46
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila 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 $11Manila $18
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 Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Manila Night Market and food tour Experience: $58
- Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $63
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $63
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $81
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karachi $5.07Manila $20
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 Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Guided Tour of the Historic San Sebastian Basilica (Manila): $6.42
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $18
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- ⭐ Makati Bar Hopping Tour with Venus ⭐: $27
- Intramuros Historical Walk Tour: $27
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $32
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $43
- ⭐ Intramuros The Walled City Walking Tour ⭐: $45
- ⭐ Authentic Manila Chinatown Experience ⭐: $46
- Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarachi $3.35Manila $9.97
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karachi and Manila, we can see that Manila 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 Manila would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manila 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 Manila Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karachi or Manila?
Karachi has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Manila. When comparing the sizes of Karachi and Manila, 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 Manila?
Karachi has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Manila experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Karachi or Manila in the Summer?
Both Manila and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In July, Karachi is generally a little warmer than Manila. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 30°C (86°F), and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. In July, Karachi usually receives less rain than Manila. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarachi 30°C (86°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Manila in the Autumn?
Both Manila and Karachi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
Karachi is a little warmer than Manila in the autumn. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Karachi usually gets less rain in October than Manila. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarachi 29°C (84°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Manila in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Manila. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the winter, Karachi is cooler than Manila. Typically, the winter temperatures in Karachi in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Manila averages at about 24°C (76°F).
In January, Karachi usually receives less rain than Manila. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarachi 19°C (66°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Manila in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Karachi as well as Manila. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
In April, Karachi is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 29°C (84°F), and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
Karachi usually gets less rain in April than Manila. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarachi 29°C (84°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Karachi
| Karachi | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 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.