Which place is cheaper, Osaka or Karachi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karachi or Osaka?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Karachi or Osaka? 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 Osaka?
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.
Osaka
The third largest city in Japan, Osaka has a lot to offer travelers. It's at the center of the Kansai region, and is a wonderful place to spend a few days. The city sits at the mouth of the Yodo River on Osaka Bay and is a major commercial hub for the country.
Osaka has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. The winters are mild with January temperatures having an average high of almost 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow is very rare. Springs start cool and become hot and humid. This is also the wettest season with the rainiest time being between May and early July. Summers are hot and humid with July temperatures climbing into the high 90s Fahrenheit. The fall season becomes cooler as winter approaches.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarachi $26Osaka $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Karachi is $26, while the average daily cost in Osaka is $88. 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 Osaka in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarachi $11Osaka $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarachi $22Osaka $90
Compare Hotels in Karachi and Osaka
Looking for a hotel in Karachi or Osaka? 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 Osaka Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karachi $4.58Osaka $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Osaka
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Osaka:
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Subway$7.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Osaka
Also for Osaka, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Osaka Itami Airport to/from Osaka City: Shared Transfer: $23
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Osaka City: $25
- Private Transfer by Sedan from Itama Airport ITM to Osaka City : $58
- Kuchu Teien Observatory Ticket with Private Transfer: $62
- Private Transfer from Osaka Cruise Port to Osaka city hotels: $66
- Osaka Int Airport (ITM) to Osaka city - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
- Private Transfer from Osaka Airport (ITM) to Osaka Cruise Port: $66
- Shared Arrival Transfer: Osaka Itami Airport to Kyoto City: $66
- Airport Transfer from Osaka city to Kansai airport: $68
- Osaka to Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) - Departure Private Transfer: $70
- TeamLab Botanical Garden Ticket and Private Transfer: $71
- Private Transfer from Osaka Port to Osaka Kansai Int Airport: $71
Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Osaka?
Prices for flights to both Osaka 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 $11Osaka $25
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 Osaka
For Osaka, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Osaka:Food Tour & Shopping(Grand Opening Limited Time Offer): $25
- 2-Hour Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour: $26
- Private Takoyaki Cooking Class by Natives in Osaka: $36
- Japanese home cooking class in Osaka Umeda: $45
- Osaka Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience!: $49
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori: $61
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka: $63
- Osaka Authentic Tempura & Miso Soup Japan Cooking Class: $64
- RAMEN and 2 types GYOZA (dumplings) Cooking Class: $65
- Three Types of RAMEN Cooking Class: $65
- Kimono experience and Japanese home-cooking lesson Osaka Umeda : $65
- Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Osaka Dotonbori: $66
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karachi $5.07Osaka $20
Tours and Activities in Karachi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Karachi are as follows:
- Experience local village life in Sindh: $200
- Full Day Private Tour in Karachi City: $161
- Full Day Private Tour to Mohatta Palace Zainab and Burns road: $195
- Karachi City Tour : $129
- Karachi Sightseeing Private tour: $159
- UNESCO World Heritage Tour Near Karachi : $150
Typical Entertainment Prices in Osaka
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Osaka's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Osaka Aquarium (for 2)$30
Tours and Activities in Osaka
For Osaka, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Osaka Castle: Museum and Tower Entry Ticket: $3.79
- Table Tennis Experience with Local Players: $4.42
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum Entrance Ticket: $4.42
- Ryurei Teicha: Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony) Experience in Osaka: $5.05
- Osaka Sakishima Observatory Advance Ticket: $5.68
- Dotonbori District Sightseeing Cruise & Beer Discount: $7.58
- Tsutenkaku Entry Ticket: $7.67
- Umeda Sky Building E-Ticket: $9.47
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory E-Ticket: $11
- Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory Entry Ticket: $12
- Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum:Ukiyo-e Woodblock Printing Experience: $12
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarachi $3.35Osaka $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Osaka
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Osaka:
- Osaka Namba Hidden Places Bar Crawl: $16
- Osaka Pub Crawl and Nightlife Tour: $23
- Namba Pub Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $30
- Osaka Evening: Ultimate Pub Bar Crawl with an Expert Local Guide: $32
- Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori and Uranamba Area: $38
- Osaka Local Bar Crawl in Dotombori & Uranamba Area: $39
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karachi and Osaka, we can see that Osaka 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 Osaka would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Osaka 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 Osaka Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karachi or Osaka?
Karachi has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Osaka. When comparing the sizes of Karachi and Osaka, 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 Osaka?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Karachi or Osaka in the Summer?
Both Osaka and Karachi during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Osaka in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Karachi is generally around the same temperature as Osaka. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 30°C (86°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In the summer, Karachi often gets less sunshine than Osaka. Karachi gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 183 hours of full sun.
Osaka gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Karachi usually gets less rain in July than Osaka. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarachi 30°C (86°F)Osaka 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Osaka in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Osaka. Furthermore, most visitors come to Osaka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Karachi is much warmer than Osaka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Osaka fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In Karachi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during autumn. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Osaka receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Karachi usually receives less rain than Osaka. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarachi 29°C (84°F)Osaka 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Osaka in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Karachi as well as Osaka. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Osaka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Karachi is much warmer than Osaka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Karachi in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Osaka averages at about 6°C (42°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karachi this time of the year. In the winter, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Osaka. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Osaka receives 140 hours of full sun.
Karachi usually gets less rain in January than Osaka. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarachi 19°C (66°F)Osaka 6°C (42°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Osaka in the Spring?
Both Osaka and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Osaka this time of year.
In April, Karachi is generally much warmer than Osaka. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 29°C (84°F), and Osaka fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karachi. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Osaka during spring. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies, while Osaka receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Osaka. In April, Karachi usually receives less rain than Osaka. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Osaka receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarachi 29°C (84°F)Osaka 15°C (59°F)
Typical Weather for Osaka and Karachi
| Karachi | Osaka | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.