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

Should you visit Karachi or Nara?

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

Should I visit Karachi or Nara? 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 Nara?

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.

Nara

As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nara 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 Nara is $86. 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 Nara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Karachi $11
    Nara $52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Karachi $22
    Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Karachi and Nara

Looking for a hotel in Karachi or Nara? 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 Nara


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 Nara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Karachi $4.58
    Nara $5.83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:

  • Kansai Airport (KIX):Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Nara?

Prices for flights to both Nara 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
    Nara $28

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 Nara

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

  • Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $72
  • Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $111
  • Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Karachi $5.07
    Nara $7.81

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 Nara

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

  • Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
  • Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
  • A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $22
  • A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $23
  • Nara Craft Tours - local Craft beers tour experience in Nara City: $27
  • Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
  • Private Bike Tour in Nara with Japanese Guide: $36
  • All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
  • Nara Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
  • Nara Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
  • Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
  • Kyoto Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience (Reservations available for 2 people or more): $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Karachi $3.35
    Nara $11


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


Which is Bigger, Karachi or Nara?

Karachi has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Karachi and Nara, 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 Nara?

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 Nara in the Summer?

Both Nara and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nara this time of year.

In the summer, Karachi is a little warmer than Nara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Karachi in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Nara averages at about 27°C (80°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. In July, Karachi usually receives less rain than Nara. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Karachi 30°C (86°F) 
    Nara 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Nara in the Autumn?

Both Nara and Karachi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Karachi is generally much warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 29°C (84°F), and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Karachi. In the autumn, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Nara. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 159 hours of full sun.

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Karachi usually gets less rain in October than Nara. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Karachi 29°C (84°F) 
    Nara 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Nara in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Nara. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nara in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nara can get quite cold in the winter. Karachi is much warmer than Nara in the winter. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In Karachi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Nara during winter. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Nara receives 140 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Karachi usually receives less rain than Nara. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Karachi 19°C (66°F) 
    Nara 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Nara in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Karachi as well as Nara. Additionally, most visitors come to Nara for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Karachi is much warmer than Nara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Karachi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Nara averages at about 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karachi this time of the year. In the spring, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Nara. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nara receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nara. Karachi usually gets less rain in April than Nara. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Karachi 29°C (84°F) 
    Nara 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Nara and Karachi

Karachi Nara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 214 mm (8.4 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)