Which place is cheaper, Karachi or Lahore?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Lahore or Karachi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lahore and Karachi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Lahore or Karachi?
Lahore
As Pakistan's second largest city and the capital of the north-eastern Punjab province, Lahore is widely considered the country's cultural capital. Some of its best-known features include the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque and Gurdwara, a mall surrounded by buildings from the British Raj, and many unique markets and neighborhoods.
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 Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, The Best Budget Tours to Pakistan, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Pakistan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLahore $57Karachi $25
The average daily cost (per person) in Lahore is $57, while the average daily cost in Karachi is $25. 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 Lahore and Karachi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLahore $37Karachi $11
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLahore $74Karachi $22
Compare Hotels in Lahore and Karachi
Looking for a hotel in Lahore 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: Lahore Hotel Prices and Karachi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lahore $9.97Karachi $4.58
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lahore
Also for Lahore, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Arrival : $30
- Chauffeur: Lahore International Airport Transfer - Departure: $30
- Airport Transfer : $60
- Transit Trip: Lahore Guided Day Trip With Round Trip Airport Transfers: $140
Is it cheaper to fly into Lahore or Karachi?
Prices for flights to both Karachi and Lahore 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 dayLahore $14Karachi $11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lahore
For Lahore, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Street Food Tour of Lahore's Walled City : $85
- Lahore's Complete Night Food Tour: Local Culinary Experience: $110
- Private Street Food Tour of Lahore: $168
- Full Day Lahore Private Guided Food Tour: $299
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: $96
- 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.Lahore $5.07Karachi $5.07
Tours and Activities in Lahore
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lahore.
- Lahore Big Bus City Tour: $20
- Lahori Food Experience: $65
- Wahga Border Flag Ceremony & Shalimar Garden Private Tour: $80
- Guided Walking Tour: Walled City of Lahore : $90
- Full Day Private Guided Lahore Sightseeing Tour : $95
- Lahore Walled City Walking Tour: $102
- Rangeela Rickshaw Walled City Lahore Guided Tour : $110
- Rangeela Rikshaw Walled City Guided Tour Lahore : $110
- Heer Ranjha Tomb & Jhang City Pvt Guided & All-Incl. 1-day Tour: $110
- Private Guided Lahore City Full Day Tour: $110
- Lahore City, Fort, Museums and Walled City Exploration Tour: $120
- Private Tour: Lahore Full Day Customized Guided Trip : $120
Tours and Activities in Karachi
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Karachi are as follows:
- Day Tour in Karachi Unesco Heritage: $130
- Experience local village life in Sindh: $200
- Full Day Private City Tour of Karachi: $110
- Full Day Private Tour in Karachi City: $165
- Full Day Private Tour to Mohatta Palace Zainab and Burns road: $200
- Karachi City Tour : $129
- Karachi Sightseeing Private City Tour.: $199
- UNESCO World Heritage Tour Near Karachi : $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayLahore $4.89Karachi $3.34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lahore and Karachi, we can see that Lahore 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 Lahore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lahore 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 Lahore Expensive? and Is Karachi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lahore or Karachi?
Karachi has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Lahore. When comparing the sizes of Lahore 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 Lahore or Karachi?
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 Lahore or Karachi in the Summer?
Both Karachi and Lahore during the summer are popular places to visit.
It's very hot in Lahore this time of the year. Lahore is around the same temperature as Karachi in the summer. The daily temperature in Lahore averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Karachi fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
It's quite sunny in Lahore. In the summer, Lahore often gets more sunshine than Karachi. Lahore gets 228 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karachi receives 155 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Lahore. Lahore usually gets more rain in July than Karachi. Lahore gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Karachi receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyLahore 33°C (91°F)Karachi 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Karachi in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lahore and Karachi.
In the autumn, Lahore is around the same temperature as Karachi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lahore in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Karachi averages at about 29°C (84°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karachi this time of the year. In Lahore, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lahore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karachi during autumn. Lahore gets 290 hours of sunny skies, while Karachi receives 284 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Lahore usually receives more rain than Karachi. Lahore gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Karachi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLahore 27°C (81°F)Karachi 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Karachi in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Lahore as well as Karachi.
In January, Lahore is generally cooler than Karachi. Daily temperatures in Lahore average around 14°C (58°F), and Karachi fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karachi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lahore this time of the year. In the winter, Lahore often gets less sunshine than Karachi. Lahore gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karachi receives 271 hours of full sun.
Lahore usually gets more rain in January than Karachi. Lahore gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Karachi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLahore 14°C (58°F)Karachi 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Lahore or Karachi in the Spring?
Both Karachi and Lahore are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
Lahore is around the same temperature as Karachi in the spring. The daily temperature in Lahore averages around 28°C (83°F) in April, and Karachi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
It's quite sunny in Karachi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lahore. Lahore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karachi during spring. Lahore gets 278 hours of sunny skies, while Karachi receives 277 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Lahore usually receives more rain than Karachi. Lahore gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Karachi receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilLahore 28°C (83°F)Karachi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Karachi and Lahore
| Lahore | Karachi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 17°C (62°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 22°C (72°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (83°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 33°C (91°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (96°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 31°C (88°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 33°C (91°F) | 202 mm (8 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 32°C (90°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (88°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (60°F) | 14 mm (0.5 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.