Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Karachi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karachi or Shanghai?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Karachi or Shanghai? 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 Shanghai?
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.
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest and most modern city in China. With a population of over 23 million, it is the economic and financial hub of the country. It also continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in China with regular changes to the city's layout and skyline. It is not uncommon for buildings to be torn down, rebuilt and then torn down and rebuilt again. The city also has skyscrapers that rank among the tallest in the world. It has an ever changing downtown and street scape. In Shanghai, the general mantra remains "out with the old, in with the new".
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarachi $26Shanghai $115
The average daily cost (per person) in Karachi is $26, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $115. 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 Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarachi $11Shanghai $81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarachi $22Shanghai $162
Compare Hotels in Karachi and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Karachi or Shanghai? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karachi $4.58Shanghai $3.87
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
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Taxi Ride$3.59
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Two Subway Tickets$0.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $18
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Departure Transfers: $20
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Railway Station from City Hotels or Outskirts: $22
- Private Transfer to ERA Acrobats Show at Shanghai Circus World: $22
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Cruise Port to Shanghai Hotels: $24
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Hotels to Shanghai Cruise Port: $24
- Private Transfer to Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: $24
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $25
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Maglev Train Station to City Area : $25
- Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong New Int’l Expo Centre and City Area : $25
- Shanghai Maglev Train Station Private Transfer from City Area : $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai 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 $11Shanghai $21
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: $93
- Half-Day Karachi Burns Road Private Victoria Ride with Dinner: $100
- Street Food Tour of Karachi: $199
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.38
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.18
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Cantelope$1.66
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Dumplings and Soup$2.07
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Duck Dinner$4.14
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Pastries$2.90
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Barbeque Dinner$8.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai: $67
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $70
- 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings: $70
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $85
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- 4-Hour Food Tour in Qibao Water Town from Shanghai by Subway: $95
- 3-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai Night Tour with Local Dinner Option: $100
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karachi $5.07Shanghai $8.42
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: $194
- Experience local village life in Sindh: $200
Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
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30 Minute River Cruise for Two$28
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Zoo for Two$14
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions: $14
- Shanghai Yu Garden Tour：Harmony & Spirituality in Garden Art: $20
- Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour: $29
- Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour: $29
- Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $35
- Shanghai Downtown Hotel to Baoshan Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Greet service: $38
- Shanghai Hotels to Wusongkou Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Great service: $38
- Fudan University Student Guide Tour: $42
- Shanghai Tower Tickets Booking: $43
- 4-Hour Nightlife Adventure & Tasting Bike Tour: $45
- Oriental Pearl Tower Tickets Booking: $47
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarachi $3.35Shanghai $7.35
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Pub Crawl - Bar-hopping/Night life tour: $20
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karachi and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai 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 Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karachi or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Karachi. When comparing the sizes of Karachi and Shanghai, 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 Shanghai?
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 Shanghai in the Summer?
Both Shanghai and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Karachi is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Karachi in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Shanghai averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in Shanghai. Karachi usually receives less sunshine than Shanghai during summer. Karachi gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. In July, Karachi usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarachi 30°C (86°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Shanghai in the Autumn?
Both Shanghai and Karachi during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
In October, Karachi is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 29°C (84°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
It's quite sunny in Karachi. In the autumn, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun.
Karachi usually gets less rain in October than Shanghai. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarachi 29°C (84°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Shanghai in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Shanghai. Furthermore, many travelers come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Shanghai. Karachi is much warmer than Shanghai in the winter. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In Karachi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during winter. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Karachi usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarachi 19°C (66°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Karachi or Shanghai in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Karachi as well as Shanghai. Additionally, many visitors come to Shanghai in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Karachi is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Karachi in April average around 29°C (84°F), and Shanghai averages at about 15°C (58°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 Shanghai. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Karachi usually gets less rain in April than Shanghai. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarachi 29°C (84°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Karachi
| Karachi | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 7°C (44°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.