Which place is cheaper, Seoul or Karachi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karachi or Seoul?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Karachi or Seoul? 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 Seoul?
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.
Seoul
With a population of more than 11 million, Seoul is easily the largest city in South Korea. It is also the financial, political, and cultural capital of the country and has much to offer open minded travelers. It is often overlooked by travelers who instead head to Tokyo or Shanghai, but Seoul has a wide range of cultural experiences, food options, and historical sights. Seoul is a city of contrasts with ancient traditions, flashy technology, religious temples and a modern youth culture. It is also more affordable than many of the other Asian metropolis' to which it is often compared. If you're looking for an interesting and different experience that is a little off the tourist trail, Seoul can definitely offer that opportunity.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to South Korea, and The Best Adventure Tours to South Korea.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarachi $26Seoul $107
The average daily cost (per person) in Karachi is $26, while the average daily cost in Seoul is $107. 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 Seoul in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarachi $11Seoul $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarachi $22Seoul $108
Compare Hotels in Karachi and Seoul
Looking for a hotel in Karachi or Seoul? 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 Seoul Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karachi $4.58Seoul $15
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Seoul
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Seoul:
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Subway Card$3.62
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Short Taxi Ride$5.07
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Metro Ride$0.98
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Seoul City Pass Plus$7.24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Seoul
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Seoul:
- Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) Departure Private Transfer: $47
- Seoul to Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
- From Half-Day MBC Dae Jang Geum Park Transfer: $55
- From Everland Admission Ticket with Transfer: $75
- Everland Transfer + Admission ticket with Meal Coupon: $75
- Airport Private Transfer: Incheon Airport ⇔ Seoul Hotel (More member, Less cost): $78
- Airport Private Transfer : Seoul Hotel to Incheon International Airport (ICN): $78
- Private Airport Transfer: Gimpo Airport to Seoul City (1-5 pax): $80
- Seoul Incheon International Airport to from Incheon Private Transfer: $85
- Seoul Airport: Private Departure Transfer from Seoul City Center: $87
- Private Airport Transfer : Gimpo airport to/from Seoul (1~7pax): $95
- Incheon Airport Private Transfer between Seoul City: $98
Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Seoul?
Prices for flights to both Seoul 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 $11Seoul $30
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 Seoul
Some typical examples of dining costs in Seoul are as follows:
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Rice with Kimchi & Bacon$4.34
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Waffle$0.72
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Dippin' Dots$1.45
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Chicken Fried Rice$3.98
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Chicken Stick$1.45
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Drinking Yoghurt & Mi Chew$1.38
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Lunch Buffet$4.34
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Donut$0.72
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Mushroom Burger$3.76
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Green Tea Ice Cream$2.39
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Udon & Sushi$5.07
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Fresh Burger$3.48
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Soba Noodles Lunch$3.26
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Bibimbap Lunch$3.62
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Fried Rice$3.98
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Vietnamese Dinner$6.88
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Breakfast and Coffee for 2$6.88
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Donut$1.81
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Seoul
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Seoul.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace : Tour, dinner and coffee: $36
- Seoul Mangwon Market Social Night Food Tour: $44
- Grandma's Home Cooking Class at Korean House l Seoul: $45
- Namdaemun Market: the Largest Traditional Market Food Tour: $46
- Namdaemun Market Street Food Tour: $47
- Mangwon Market Food tour By Locals;Cheap Eats to Fancy Feast: $53
- Gwangjang Market Netflix Food Tour: $54
- Guided City Wall Sunset Hike with Korean Dinner: $57
- Sunset Walking Tour in Naksan Park with Dinner: $59
- Night Market Food Tour: $70
- Energizing Korean Cooking Class in a Local Home in Seoul: $71
- Night Market Food Tour: $72
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karachi $5.07Seoul $26
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 Seoul
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Seoul are as follows:
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Palace Tickets$5.79
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Movie Ticket$5.79
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Kimchi Museum$2.17
Tours and Activities in Seoul
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Seoul are as follows:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Hanbok Rental Experience in Seoul: $7.00
- [NEWTRO ART TOUR] Media art museum & walking tour: $8.00
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Skip the Line: 63 Building Observatory + Aqua Planet 63 Combo Ticket: $11
- Skip the Line: Figure Museum W Ticket (내국인 불가): $11
- Seoul Job Experience Theme Park Ticket for Kid (내국인 불가): $13
- Dongdaemun City Tour Bus(내국인불가): $14
- Seoul : Guided Consultation Tour (Filler, Cosmetic Surgery): $16
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Private Half-Day Tour: $19
- Seoul Myeongdong Catholic Church Historic Private Walking Tour: $20
- Hanbok rental, hanbok experience: $25
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Half Day Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarachi $3.35Seoul $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Seoul
Also in Seoul, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Chunpoong Makgeolli Brewery Tour: $10
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $21
- Pub Crawl: $25
- The Seoul Pub Crawl [official]: $25
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - story of 3 pigs: $42
- Soju Tasting at Distillery - Story of Three Pigs: $42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karachi and Seoul, we can see that Seoul 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 Seoul would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Seoul 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 Seoul Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karachi or Seoul?
Karachi has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Seoul. When comparing the sizes of Karachi and Seoul, 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 Seoul?
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 Seoul in the Summer?
Both Seoul and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Seoul for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Karachi is a little warmer than Seoul. Typically, the summer temperatures in Karachi in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Seoul averages at about 26°C (78°F).
Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during summer. Karachi gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 121 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Seoul. In July, Karachi usually receives less rain than Seoul. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 369 mm (14.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarachi 30°C (86°F)Seoul 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Seoul in the Autumn?
Both Seoul and Karachi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Seoul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.
In October, Karachi is generally much warmer than Seoul. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 29°C (84°F), and Seoul fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).
In Seoul, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Karachi. In the autumn, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 204 hours of full sun.
Karachi usually gets less rain in October than Seoul. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarachi 29°C (84°F)Seoul 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Seoul in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Seoul. Also, most visitors come to Seoul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Seoul can be very cold during winter. Karachi is much warmer than Seoul in the winter. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Seoul fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).
In Karachi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Seoul during winter. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Seoul receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Karachi usually receives less rain than Seoul. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarachi 19°C (66°F)Seoul -3°C (27°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Seoul in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Karachi as well as Seoul. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Seoul because of the activities around the city.
In the spring, Karachi is much warmer than Seoul. Typically, the spring temperatures in Karachi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Seoul averages at about 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seoul. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karachi this time of the year. In the spring, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Seoul. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seoul receives 205 hours of full sun.
Karachi usually gets less rain in April than Seoul. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Seoul receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarachi 29°C (84°F)Seoul 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Seoul and Karachi
| Karachi | Seoul | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -3°C (27°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 369 mm (14.5 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 294 mm (11.6 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 22 mm (0.9 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.