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

Should you visit Karachi or Tokyo?

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

Should I visit Karachi or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo?

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.

Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.

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 in Japan, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Tokyo 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 Tokyo is $157. 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 Tokyo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Karachi $11
    Tokyo $76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Karachi $22
    Tokyo $152
Compare Hotels in Karachi and Tokyo

Looking for a hotel in Karachi or Tokyo? 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 Tokyo


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 Tokyo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Karachi $4.58
    Tokyo $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tokyo

Also for Tokyo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Japan Railway Station Shared Departure Transfer : Tokyo City to Tokyo Station: $17
  • Haneda Airport: 1-Way Shared Shuttle Transfer: $30
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Narita Int Airport(NRT): $33
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT): $36
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Cruise Port to Tokyo City Hotels: $38
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo city hotels to Tokyo Cruise Port: $38
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND): $38
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND) to Tokyo Port: $38
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Cruise Port to Tokyo hotels: $43
  • Private Transfer from Tokyo Port to Tokyo Haneda Int Airport(HND): $43
  • One-Way Private Transfer From/To Haneda Airport (HND): $44
  • Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Tokyo - Arrival Private Transfer: $51

Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Tokyo?

Prices for flights to both Tokyo 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
    Tokyo $37

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 Tokyo

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tokyo:


  • Late Night Noodles
    $5.22
  • Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
    $5.22
  • Meal at Airport
    $6.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tokyo

For Tokyo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Takoyaki cooking experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $22
  • Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku: $25
  • 2 Hours Japanese Style Pub and Food Tour in Ueno: $33
  • 【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $35
  • Private Sushi Roll Cooking Class in Japan: $38
  • 【Contemporary Culture】Food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya: $38
  • Ueno Private Walking Tour and Night Food Tour: $40
  • Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi Making Experience in Tsukiji: $52
  • Tokyo Best Cooking Class! Sushi making class in Tsukiji: $55
  • Wagyu and 7 Japanese Dishes Cooking Class: $59
  • Japanese Traditional Cooking Class: $59
  • Tokyo Wagyu Culinary Tour Cooking Culture and Tasting: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Karachi $5.07
    Tokyo $68

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: $194
  • Karachi City Tour : $129
  • Karachi Sightseeing Private tour: $159
  • UNESCO World Heritage Tour Near Karachi : $150

Tours and Activities in Tokyo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tokyo.

  • Japan: Zen and Tea Ceremony Audio Guided Tour: $3.16
  • Ancient Orient Museum Admission Ticket: $3.79
  • Samurai and Bushido Audio Guided Tour: $4.55
  • 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Subway Ticket: $5.05
  • Akihabara Walking Tour with Otaku and Photography: $6.31
  • Local Food and Bar Tour in Ginza: $6.32
  • Ueno: Self-Guided Tour of Ameyoko and Hidden Gems: $6.32
  • Ueno Park Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide: $6.32
  • Tokyo Local Bar Hopping Tour in Shibuya: $6.32
  • Asakusa(Tokyo): Smartphone Audio Guide Tour: $6.32
  • Shibuya Sightseeing with an Audio Guide: $6.32
  • Akihabara (Tokyo): English Audio Guide Tour: $6.32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Karachi $3.35
    Tokyo $33

Typical Alcohol Prices in Tokyo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Tokyo:


  • Sake
    $3.91

Sample the Local Flavors in Tokyo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Tokyo:

  • Tokyo Pub Crawl: $25
  • 3-Hour Tokyo Pub Crawl Weekly Welcome Guided Tour in Shibuya: $52
  • Private Shinjuku Nightlife Walking Tour & Golden-Gai Bar Crawl: $79
  • barhopping tour&bar crawl in Retro Town Shimokitazawa: $82
  • Toshimaya Sake Brewery Tour with Sake Tasting: $88
  • Tokyo | 3 Hours Brewery Tour with Sake Sommelier: $101
  • Private Sake Tasting at 300 Years Old Sake Brewery in Tokyo : $104
  • 【Harajuku】Night Pub Crawl with Local Japanese: $125
  • Private Local Craft Brewery Tour in Tokyo: $150
  • Wooden Barrel Sake Brewery Tour and Unlimited Tasting Near Tokyo: $161
  • Private Walking Tour with Sake Brewery Visit in Chichibu: $190


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


Which is Bigger, Karachi or Tokyo?

Karachi has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Tokyo. When comparing the sizes of Karachi and Tokyo, 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 Tokyo?

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 Tokyo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Karachi as well as Tokyo. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year.

In July, Karachi is generally a little warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 30°C (86°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

In the summer, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Karachi gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 137 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. Karachi usually gets less rain in July than Tokyo. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Karachi 30°C (86°F) 
    Tokyo 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Tokyo in the Autumn?

Both Tokyo and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Karachi is much warmer than Tokyo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Tokyo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karachi. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during autumn. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 129 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. In October, Karachi usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Karachi 29°C (84°F) 
    Tokyo 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Tokyo in the Winter?

Both Tokyo and Karachi during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Tokyo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Karachi is much warmer than Tokyo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Karachi in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Tokyo averages at about 5°C (42°F).

It's quite sunny in Karachi. In the winter, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Tokyo. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tokyo receives 175 hours of full sun.

Karachi usually gets less rain in January than Tokyo. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Karachi 19°C (66°F) 
    Tokyo 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Karachi or Tokyo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Tokyo. Furthermore, most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Karachi is generally much warmer than Tokyo. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 29°C (84°F), and Tokyo fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Karachi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Tokyo during spring. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies, while Tokyo receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Karachi usually receives less rain than Tokyo. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Tokyo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Karachi 29°C (84°F) 
    Tokyo 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Tokyo and Karachi

Karachi Tokyo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 138 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Sep 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 29°C (84°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 165 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)