Which place is cheaper, Mumbai or Karachi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Karachi or Mumbai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Karachi or Mumbai? 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 Mumbai?
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.
Mumbai
Mumbai is the largest city in India and the capital of Maharashtra state. It is still occasionally referred to as Bombay, but most people know it now as Mumbai. It's the commercial capital of the country and is a major port city. It's also famous for Bollywood, which is the movie capital of the country and famous for it's music filled Bollywood flicks that have become popular around the world. Mumbai is arguably the most cosmopolitan city in India and has some of the most liberal views of an otherwise conservative country. Many immigrants and expats live in Mumbai and it's easy to see the blend of cultures.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Mumbai, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to India.
-
Karachi Prices
Pakistan PricesMumbai Prices
India Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarachi $34Mumbai $76
The average daily cost (per person) in Karachi is $34, while the average daily cost in Mumbai is $76. 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 Mumbai in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarachi $11Mumbai $30
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarachi $22Mumbai $60
Compare Hotels in Karachi and Mumbai
Looking for a hotel in Karachi or Mumbai? 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 Mumbai Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karachi $4.60Mumbai $6.47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karachi
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Karachi:
- Karachi Half Day City Tour with Local Snacks and Private Transfer: $199
- Karachi airport transfer, pick and drop, private chauffeur: $68
- Karachi Pick up and Dropoff Transfer: $50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mumbai
Also for Mumbai, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer to Hotel Easy & Safe: $8.20
- Dharavi Slum Tour in Mumbai with Combo Packages & Transfers: $11
- One-Way Transfer Airport to Hotel: $11
- Mumbai Airport Transfer: $12
- Transfer Mumbai Airport Hotel/Navi Mumbai: $19
- VIP Mumbai Airport Transfer: Comfort & Convenience: $19
- Private Transfer from Mumbai to your Accommodation in Pune: $22
- Mumbai After Dark: Private Night Tour with AC Transfers: $25
- Private Transfer from Mumbai to Pune: $27
- Create Your Own Itinerary - Private Tour & Transfer: $27
- Private Transfer to/from Mumbai Airport: $28
- Mumbai Airport Transfer to and from Hotel: $31
Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Mumbai?
Prices for flights to both Mumbai 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 dayKarachi $20Mumbai $38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Karachi
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Karachi.
- Old Karachi Street food Tour with Private Transfers: $199
- Private Karachi Street Food Tour: $204
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mumbai
For Mumbai, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Bollywood Studio Tour & Indian Cooking Class: $11
- Private Evening City & Street Food Tour with AC Car: $11
- Best Steet Food Tour & Marekt with Train Ride Tour: $14
- Discover Mumbai's street & beach with Vegetarian food tour: $14
- Mumbai Street Food Tour with Evening Bazaar Walk: $14
- Authentic Indian Cooking Class in Mumbai with a Local Family: $16
- Small Group Authentic Mumbai Virtual Cooking Class with Dessert: $20
- Vegetarian Indian Cuisine Virtual Cooking Class Experience from Mumbai: $20
- Mumbai Street Food Tour: $21
- Indian Cooking Class & Cultural Delights: $23
- Private Dharavi Walking Tour & Indian Cooking Class: $25
- Safe Food Tour in Mumbai for 2 hours: $27
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karachi $5.09Mumbai $2.34
Tours and Activities in Karachi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Karachi are as follows:
- Day Tour in Karachi Unesco Heritage: $140
- Experience local village life in Sindh: $300
- Explore Karachi Like a Local Full Day City Tour: $150
- Full Day Karachi Private Customize Tour Included Beach: $200
- Full Day Karachi to Thatta Unesco Sites Tour: $92
- Full Day Private City Tour of Karachi: $125
- Full Day Private Karachi City Tour History and Culture: $125
- Karachi City Tour: $129
- Karachi City Tour, History, Culture & Sights: $60
- Karachi Heritage Express: Thatta UNESCO Tour: $150
- UNESCO World Heritage Tour Near Karachi: $150
Tours and Activities in Mumbai
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Mumbai.
- From 6 Days Golden Triangle (Delhi Agra Jaipur) Tour: $1.56
- Dharavi Slum Walking Tour by First Female Tour Guide: $3.37
- Dhobi Ghat Laundry and Dharavi Slum Tour with Local: $3.43
- Dharavi Slum and Dhobi Ghat Laundry Tour: $3.92
- Tour In Book Mumbai Sightseeing With Top Highlights: $3.94
- Dharavi Walking Tour & Dhobi Ghat Laundry Train Ride: $4.00
- Best Dharavi Tour -See the real Slum with a Local: $4.09
- Mumbai Slum Tour - Visit Dharavi Slum with Local Guide: $4.15
- Slum Tour Dharavi & Dhobi Ghat Laundry with a Local: $4.36
- Private Mumbai City Tour + Dharavi Slum Slumdog Millionaire Tour: $4.36
- Dharavi - Asia's larget Slum Tour with a Local Guide: $4.69
- Mumbai Self-Guided Walking City Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.00
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarachi $3.36Mumbai $3.25
Sample the Local Flavors in Mumbai
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mumbai:
- Sula Vineyards Wine Tasting Day Trip from Mumbai by Train or Car: $131
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karachi and Mumbai, we can see that Mumbai 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 Mumbai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mumbai 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 Mumbai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karachi or Mumbai?
Mumbai has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Karachi. When comparing the sizes of Karachi and Mumbai, 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 Mumbai?
Karachi has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Mumbai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Karachi or Mumbai in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Karachi as well as Mumbai. The warm climate attracts visitors to Mumbai throughout the year.
Karachi is around the same temperature as Mumbai in the summer. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Mumbai fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In the summer, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Mumbai. Karachi gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 73 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Mumbai. Karachi usually gets less rain in July than Mumbai. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 640 mm (25.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarachi 30°C (86°F)Mumbai 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Mumbai in the Autumn?
Both Mumbai and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Mumbai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Karachi is around the same temperature as Mumbai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Karachi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Mumbai averages at about 29°C (84°F).
It's quite sunny in Mumbai. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karachi. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Mumbai during autumn. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 240 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Karachi usually receives less rain than Mumbai. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarachi 29°C (84°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Mumbai in the Winter?
Both Mumbai and Karachi during the winter are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Mumbai year-round.
In January, Karachi is generally cooler than Mumbai. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 19°C (66°F), and Mumbai fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
In Mumbai, 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 Mumbai. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mumbai receives 270 hours of full sun.
Karachi usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mumbai. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarachi 19°C (66°F)Mumbai 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Mumbai in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Mumbai. Mumbai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Karachi is around the same temperature as Mumbai in the spring. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Mumbai fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mumbai this time of the year. In Karachi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Karachi usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mumbai during spring. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies, while Mumbai receives 284 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Karachi usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mumbai. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Mumbai receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarachi 29°C (84°F)Mumbai 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Mumbai and Karachi
| Karachi | Mumbai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 560 mm (22 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 640 mm (25.2 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 520 mm (20.5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.