Which place is cheaper, Washington or Karachi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Karachi or Washington?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Karachi or Washington? 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 Washington?
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.
Washington
Washington, DC is the capital city of the United States of America. It is also a city rich in history and culture. The city dates back to 1791 when the states of Maryland and Virginia donated the land to create the capital. In 1846, Congress returned the land that was ceded by Virginia and in 1871 it created a single municipal government with the remaining area. Today, Washington, DC has a population of over 600,000 people. The metropolitan area includes suburbs in Maryland and Virginia and has a population of about 5.8 million.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKarachi $26Washington $198
The average daily cost (per person) in Karachi is $26, while the average daily cost in Washington is $198. 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 Washington in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKarachi $11Washington $113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKarachi $22Washington $226
Compare Hotels in Karachi and Washington
Looking for a hotel in Karachi or Washington? 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 Washington Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Karachi $4.58Washington $47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Washington
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Washington are as follows:
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Metro Day Pass$9.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Washington
Also for Washington, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Washington DC: Bus transfer from/to Philadelphia: $5.74
- Washington R. Reagan Airport (DCA) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
- Transfer in private car from Washington Ronald Reagan Airport to Washington City: $53
- Private Departure Transfer to Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
- Washington to Washington Airport (IAD) Departure Private Transfer: $64
- Washington to Baltimore Airport (BWI) Departure Private Transfer: $75
- Private Transfer- Washington City Center to Dulles Airport (IAD): $81
- Private Transfer- Dulles Airport (IAD) to Washington City Center: $81
- Transfer in private vehicle from Washington City to Dulles Airport: $88
- Washington to Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
- Arrival Transfer Dulles Airport IAD to Washington DC by Sedan: $106
- Washington DC: DCA Private Transfer from/to Downtown: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Karachi or Washington?
Prices for flights to both Washington 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 $11Washington $38
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 Washington
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Washington:
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Water$2.00
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Snacks on Monuments Tour$6.15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Washington
For Washington, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- DC: Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Spirit: $69
- Washington DC Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $70
- DC: Gourmet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner Cruise on the Odyssey: $74
- Acquired Taste Food Tour in Georgetown: $85
- Washington D.C.: Georgetown Guided Secret Food Tour: $98
- Washington, DC: African American History Tour with Dinner: $108
- Washington,DC: Union Market Private Food Tour: $125
- Washington D.C.: Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour: $129
- Washington DC: Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $140
- Washington DC Premier Dinner Cruise: $144
- Washington DC: Personalized & Private Food Tour with a Local: $152
- Private Traditional Filipino Cooking Class Near Washington DC : $154
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Karachi $5.07Washington $24
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
Tours and Activities in Washington
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Washington.
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Washington: $5.45
- Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- The Kennedy Homes of Georgetown: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Scandals & Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- DC's Presidents, Pubs, and Parties: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- The Kennedy Homes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Blossoming Friendship: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Washington D.C.’s Tidal Basin: $5.99
- Secrets on Embassy Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Washington DC: $5.99
- Washington, DC: Lincoln Assassination Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- Washington DC: National Mall Self Guided App Walking Tour: $6.50
- Lincoln Memorial to the Cap Hill D.C. Smart Phone App/GPS Tour: $6.75
- Washington DC Outdoor Escape Game Tour: FBI vs. Bank Robbers: $7.09
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKarachi $3.35Washington $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Washington
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Washington:
- Epic Washington DC Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam: $12
- Washington DC: Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
- Small-Group History Tour Pub Crawl of Washington, D.C.: $59
- Washington, D.C.: History Tour Pub Crawl: $59
- DC: Guided Craft Brewery Tours with a Snack: $105
- From Washington DC: Seneca Creek Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
- Full-Day Private Virginia Wine Tour Experience from Washington : $242
- Private Washington DC Virginia Winery Wine Tasting Tour -Spirited: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Karachi and Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Karachi or Washington?
Karachi has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Karachi and Washington, 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 Washington?
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 Washington in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Karachi as well as Washington. Also, many travelers come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
Karachi is a little warmer than Washington in the summer. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Washington. In the summer, Karachi often gets less sunshine than Washington. Karachi gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun.
Karachi usually gets less rain in July than Washington. Karachi gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKarachi 30°C (86°F)Washington 79°F (26°C)
Should I visit Karachi or Washington in the Autumn?
Both Washington and Karachi are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Washington in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Karachi is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Karachi in October average around 29°C (84°F), and Washington averages at about 60°F (15°C).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karachi. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Washington during autumn. Karachi gets 284 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Karachi usually receives less rain than Washington. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKarachi 29°C (84°F)Washington 60°F (15°C)
Should I visit Karachi or Washington in the Winter?
Both Washington and Karachi during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Washington for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.
Washington can be very cold during winter. In January, Karachi is generally much warmer than Washington. Daily temperatures in Karachi average around 19°C (66°F), and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).
It's quite sunny in Karachi. In the winter, Karachi often gets more sunshine than Washington. Karachi gets 271 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun.
Karachi usually gets less rain in January than Washington. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKarachi 19°C (66°F)Washington 35°F (1°C)
Should I visit Karachi or Washington in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Karachi and Washington. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Washington because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Karachi is much warmer than Washington in the spring. The daily temperature in Karachi averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Washington this time of the year. In Karachi, it's very sunny this time of the year. Karachi usually receives more sunshine than Washington during spring. Karachi gets 277 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Karachi usually receives less rain than Washington. Karachi gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKarachi 29°C (84°F)Washington 56°F (14°C)
Typical Weather for Washington and Karachi
| Karachi | Washington | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 35°F (1°C) | 2.7 inches (68 mm) |
| Feb | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 37°F (3°C) | 2.7 inches (69 mm) |
| Mar | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 47°F (8°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 56°F (14°C) | 2.8 inches (72 mm) |
| May | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 66°F (19°C) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Jun | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 75°F (24°C) | 3.3 inches (83 mm) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 79°F (26°C) | 3.5 inches (88 mm) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 78°F (26°C) | 3.9 inches (98 mm) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 71°F (22°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Oct | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 60°F (15°C) | 2.9 inches (73 mm) |
| Nov | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 50°F (10°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Dec | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 39°F (4°C) | 3.2 inches (82 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.