Which place is cheaper, Karachi or Khao Lak?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Khao Lak or Karachi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Khao Lak and Karachi can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Khao Lak or Karachi?
Khao Lak
Resiliency and relaxation. Those are the two words used to describe one of Thailand's most breathtaking cities. Khao Lak is located in southern Thailand, and when the tsunami of 2004 hit, this area saw the most damage. With more than 4,000 fatalities, 3,000 still unaccounted for and enormous structural damages, many thought Khao Lak would not be able to bounce back. They have proved everyone wrong with a strong and impressive recovery. Now it has returned to its status of vacation hotspot. Unlike neighboring Phuket, though, the resorts in Khao Lak are designed for families and some peace and quiet.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan, and The Best Historical Tours in Pakistan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKhao Lak $112Karachi $26
The average daily cost (per person) in Khao Lak is $112, while the average daily cost in Karachi is $26. 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 Khao Lak and Karachi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKhao Lak $51Karachi $11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKhao Lak $102Karachi $22
Compare Hotels in Khao Lak and Karachi
Looking for a hotel in Khao Lak or Karachi? 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: Khao Lak Hotel Prices and Karachi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Khao Lak $52Karachi $4.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Khao Lak
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Khao Lak:
- Phuket: Private One-Way Transfer to/from Khao Lak by Car: $30
- Khao Lak/Bang Sak: 1-Way Private Transfer to Phuket Airport: $41
- 30-Minutes Guided Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $42
- Private Transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: $44
- 2-Hour Guided Eco-Tour & Transfer to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary: $55
- Khao Lak To Khao Sok Private Minivan & Car Transfer: $56
- Private Transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket (HKT) Airport: $100
- From Carnival Magic Phuket Ticket with Transfer: $106
- Krabi Airport: Private Transfer to/from Khaolak: $111
- Similan Island Snorkeling Adventure -Full-Day Tour with Transfers: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Khao Lak or Karachi?
Prices for flights to both Karachi and Khao Lak 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 dayKhao Lak $31Karachi $11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Khao Lak
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Khao Lak.
- Authentic Thai Cooking Class in Khao Lak with Market Tour by Pakinnaka School: $56
- Riverside Thai Cooking Half Day Class: $57
- Authentic Thai cooking class with market tour.: $59
- Thai Cooking Class in a Garden with Transfer: $59
- Thai Cooking Class in Khaolak: $61
- 3 hours Khao Lak Cooking Class and Market Visit: $68
- Half-Day Cooking Class and Ingredient Hunt: $68
- 3-Hour Khaolak Cooking Class with Food Market Visit: $69
- Khao Sok Local Life Adventure & Traditional Cooking Class: $89
- Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary, Cooking Class and Waterfall Tour: $97
- ATV Quad Bike Excursion to Stunning Waterfalls with Dinner: $97
- Thai Food Cooking Class & ATV Adventure Tour: $97
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Khao Lak $19Karachi $5.07
Tours and Activities in Khao Lak
Here are a few actual costs in Khao Lak for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Walk & Feed Elephant Experience with Pickup: $35
- Bamboo Rafting and Sea Turtle Conservation Center Half Day Tour From Khao Lak: $37
- Guide Tour to Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary in Small Group: $44
- Takuapa Cultural History Half-Day Tour From Khao Lak: $48
- Elephant Sanctuary Guided Tour: $51
- Khaolak: Begin the Day with Elephants - Walk and Feed Tour: $51
- Elephant Bathing and Feeding Tour: $52
- 30 Minutes Khaolak ATV Quadbike & Waterfall Adventure: $53
- 30-Minutes ATV Quads and Waterfall Experience in Khaolak : $55
- Little Amazon Canoe Ride & Tam Nang Waterfall Tour: $56
- Sok River Canoeing | Half-Day Tour: $58
- Historical And Cultural Day Tour To Takuapa Old Town From Khao Lak: $60
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKhao Lak $13Karachi $3.35
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Khao Lak and Karachi, we can see that Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Khao Lak 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 Khao Lak Expensive? and Is Karachi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Khao Lak or Karachi?
Karachi has a larger population, and is about 6840 times larger than the population of Khao Lak. When comparing the sizes of Khao Lak and Karachi, 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 Khao Lak or Karachi?
Karachi has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Khao Lak experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Khao Lak or Karachi in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Khao Lak and Karachi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Khao Lak year-round.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Karachi in the summer. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Karachi fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
In Khao Lak, it's very sunny this time of the year. Khao Lak usually receives more sunshine than Karachi during summer. Khao Lak gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Karachi receives 155 hours of full sun in the summer.
Khao Lak gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Karachi. Khao Lak gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Karachi receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKhao Lak 28°C (82°F)Karachi 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Karachi in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Khao Lak as well as Karachi. Khao Lak attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the autumn, Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Karachi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Khao Lak in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Karachi averages at about 29°C (84°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karachi. In the autumn, Khao Lak often gets less sunshine than Karachi. Khao Lak gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karachi receives 284 hours of full sun.
Khao Lak receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in October than Karachi. Khao Lak gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Karachi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Khao Lak is the dry season. May to October in Khao Lak is the rainy season.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKhao Lak 27°C (81°F)Karachi 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Karachi in the Winter?
Both Karachi and Khao Lak are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Khao Lak throughout the year.
In January, Khao Lak is generally a little warmer than Karachi. Daily temperatures in Khao Lak average around 27°C (80°F), and Karachi fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Karachi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karachi during winter. Khao Lak gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Karachi receives 271 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Khao Lak usually receives more rain than Karachi. Khao Lak gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Karachi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKhao Lak 27°C (80°F)Karachi 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Khao Lak or Karachi in the Spring?
Both Karachi and Khao Lak during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Khao Lak because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
Khao Lak is around the same temperature as Karachi in the spring. The daily temperature in Khao Lak averages around 29°C (83°F) in April, and Karachi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
In Karachi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Khao Lak. In the spring, Khao Lak often gets less sunshine than Karachi. Khao Lak gets 249 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karachi receives 277 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Khao Lak. Khao Lak usually gets more rain in April than Karachi. Khao Lak gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Karachi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Khao Lak. May to October is the rainy season in Khao Lak.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKhao Lak 29°C (83°F)Karachi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Karachi and Khao Lak
| Khao Lak | Karachi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.