Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Karachi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Karachi or San Diego?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Karachi or San Diego? 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 San Diego?
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.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarachi $26San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Karachi is $26, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $202. 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 San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarachi $11San Diego $115
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarachi $22San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Karachi and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Karachi or San Diego? 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 San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karachi $4.58San Diego $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Diego International Airport (SAN) Private Arrival Transfer: $40
- Transfer in private vehicle from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $47
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in San Diego HTL-APT(SAN): $47
- Private Departure Transfer to San Diego Airport SAN: $50
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- Private Arrival Transfer from San Diego Airport SAN: $56
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Marcos, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $68
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $68
- San Diego Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Diego: $70
- San Diego Airport - Private Round Trip Transfer: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego 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 $11San Diego $45
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 San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
-
Mexican Lunch for Two$27
-
Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $85
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karachi $5.07San Diego $48
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: $162
- Full Day Private Tour to Mohatta Palace Zainab and Burns road: $196
- Karachi City Tour : $129
- Karachi Sightseeing Private tour: $159
- UNESCO World Heritage Tour Near Karachi : $150
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
-
San Diego Zoo$15
-
Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Pies & Pickaxes: A Historic Walking Tour of Julian, CA: $4.49
- Waterfront Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.31
- Sights of San Diego Harbor: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $7.99
- A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- Historical Walking Tour of San Diego: $10
- Beaches & Bluffs San Diego's Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour: $12
- San Diego Natural History Museum Ticket: $12
- Haunted Historic Whaley House - Self-Guided Tour: $14
- Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Explore Balboa in a Private Tour of San Diego Hidden Gems: $20
- San Diego's Historic Treasures and Old Town Tour: $20
- Private Walking Tour and Gaslamp Adventure in San Diego: $20
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarachi $3.35San Diego $21
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $133
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karachi and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Karachi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Karachi is in Asia and San Diego is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego 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 San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karachi or San Diego?
Karachi has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Karachi and San Diego, 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 San Diego?
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 San Diego in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Karachi as well as San Diego. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Karachi is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in Karachi in July average around 30°C (86°F), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Diego. In the summer, Karachi often gets less sunshine than San Diego. Karachi gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 306 hours of full sun.
Karachi usually gets more rain in July than San Diego. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarachi 30°C (86°F)San Diego 71°F (22°C)
Should I visit Karachi or San Diego in the Autumn?
Both San Diego and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.
In October, Karachi is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 29°C (84°F), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).
It's quite sunny in San Diego. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karachi. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than San Diego during autumn. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 244 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Karachi usually receives more rain than San Diego. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarachi 29°C (84°F)San Diego 68°F (20°C)
Should I visit Karachi or San Diego in the Winter?
Both San Diego and Karachi during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Karachi is a little warmer than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).
In San Diego, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Karachi. In the winter, Karachi often gets more sunshine than San Diego. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Diego receives 239 hours of full sun.
Karachi usually gets less rain in January than San Diego. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarachi 19°C (66°F)San Diego 57°F (14°C)
Should I visit Karachi or San Diego in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and San Diego. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Diego in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Karachi is much warmer than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in Karachi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Diego 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 San Diego during spring. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies, while San Diego receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Karachi usually receives less rain than San Diego. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarachi 29°C (84°F)San Diego 62°F (17°C)
Typical Weather for San Diego and Karachi
| Karachi | San Diego | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.8 inches (46 mm) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.5 inches (39 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 59°F (15°C) | 1.8 inches (45 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 0.8 inches (20 mm) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.2 inches (5 mm) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 67°F (19°C) | 0.1 inches (2 mm) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0 inches (1 mm) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 73°F (23°C) | 0.1 inches (3 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 0.2 inches (6 mm) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 68°F (20°C) | 0.4 inches (9 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 62°F (17°C) | 1.5 inches (37 mm) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 57°F (14°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
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.