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

Should you visit Karachi or Railay Beach?

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

Should I visit Karachi or Railay Beach? 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 Railay Beach?

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.

Railay Beach

If you're looking to scale great heights and add more achievements to your list during your vacation, consider a trip to the peninsula of Rai Leh, or more commonly Railay Bay or Railay Beach, in the Krabi region of Thailand. This swimming and rock climbing hotspot is known for its towering limestone peaks and gorgeous surrounding scenery.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan, The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand.


Which place is cheaper, Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach is $103. 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 Railay Beach in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Karachi or Railay Beach? 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 Railay Beach


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Karachi $4.58
    Railay Beach $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Railay Beach?

Prices for flights to both Railay Beach 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
    Railay Beach $22

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

Typical Food Prices in Railay Beach

Some typical examples of dining costs in Railay Beach are as follows:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $5.46
  • Pizza
    $4.64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Karachi $5.07
    Railay Beach $23

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Railay Beach

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Railay Beach are as follows:


  • Rock Climbing (for Two)
    $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Karachi $3.35
    Railay Beach $15

Typical Alcohol Prices in Railay Beach

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Railay Beach are as follows:


  • Beer
    $1.64


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



When is the best time to visit Karachi or Railay Beach?

Karachi has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Railay Beach experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Karachi or Railay Beach in the Summer?

Both Railay Beach and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Railay Beach because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Karachi is around the same temperature as Railay Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Railay Beach. Karachi usually receives less sunshine than Railay Beach during summer. Karachi gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 206 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. In July, Karachi usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Railay Beach is August to October.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Karachi 30°C (86°F) 
    Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Railay Beach in the Autumn?

Both Railay Beach and Karachi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Railay Beach year-round.

In the autumn, Karachi is around the same temperature as Railay Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Karachi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Railay Beach averages at about 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Karachi. In the autumn, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Railay Beach. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 181 hours of full sun.

Railay Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Karachi usually gets less rain in October than Railay Beach. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain this time of the year. December to March is the dry season in Railay Beach. August to October is the rainy season in Railay Beach.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Karachi 29°C (84°F) 
    Railay Beach 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Railay Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Railay Beach. Railay Beach attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Karachi is generally cooler than Railay Beach. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 19°C (66°F), and Railay Beach fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Railay Beach 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 Railay Beach during winter. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Railay Beach receives 287 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Karachi usually receives less rain than Railay Beach. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter. December to March in Railay Beach is the dry season.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Karachi 19°C (66°F) 
    Railay Beach 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Railay Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Karachi as well as Railay Beach. The warm climate attracts visitors to Railay Beach throughout the year.

Karachi is around the same temperature as Railay Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Railay Beach fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Railay Beach. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karachi this time of the year. In the spring, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Railay Beach. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Railay Beach receives 249 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Railay Beach. Karachi usually gets less rain in April than Railay Beach. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Railay Beach receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Karachi 29°C (84°F) 
    Railay Beach 29°C (84°F)

Typical Weather for Railay Beach and Karachi

Karachi Railay Beach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 318 mm (12.5 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 279 mm (11 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 28°C (82°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 399 mm (15.7 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 304 mm (12 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)


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