Travel Budget for Karachi Visit Karachi on a Budget or Travel in Style

Karachi, Sind, Pakistan

Karachi is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Karachi?

You should plan to spend around $34 (P₨9,364) per day on your vacation in Karachi. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $20 (P₨5,413) on meals
  • $4.58 (P₨1,271) on local transportation
  • $21 (P₨5,929) on hotels

A one week trip to Karachi for two people costs, on average, $472 (P₨131,096). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $34
    P₨9,364
  • One Week Per person
    $236
    P₨65,548
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $472
    P₨131,096
  • One Month Per person
    $1,012
    P₨280,920
  • One Week For a couple
    $472
    P₨131,096
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $945
    P₨262,192
  • One Month For a couple
    $2,024
    P₨561,840
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Karachi cost?

A one week trip to Karachi usually costs around $236 (P₨65,548) for one person and $472 (P₨131,096) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Karachi on average costs around $472 (P₨131,096) for one person and $945 (P₨262,192) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Karachi will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Karachi on average costs around $1,012 (P₨280,920) for one person and $2,024 (P₨561,840) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Karachi expensive to visit?

Karachi is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

Karachi has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $15 (P₨4,097) per day, mid-range travelers spend $34 (P₨9,364) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $64 (P₨17,894) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Karachi.

Within Asia, Karachi is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Asia for its affordability. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Karachi.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Karachi Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Karachi?

The average Karachi trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Karachi travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Karachi cost?

Karachi on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$5
(P₨1,297)
$11
(P₨2,964)
$20
(P₨5,665)
Local Transportation 1 $2
(P₨556)
$5
(P₨1,271)
$9
(P₨2,430)
Food 2 $9
(P₨2,368)
$20
(P₨5,413)
$37
(P₨10,343)
Entertainment 1 $2
(P₨616)
$5
(P₨1,407)
$10
(P₨2,689)
Alcohol 2 $1-2
(P₨203-609)
$2-5
(P₨464-1,393)
$3-10
(P₨887-2,662)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Karachi. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $15 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.

For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Many visitors to Karachi are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $34 per person, per day.

What Luxury Travel Looks Like

If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $64 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the destination with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Half-Day Karachi Burns Road Private Victoria Ride with Dinner - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Karachi

In Karachi, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $70, but during peak season they jump to an average of $131. You can find budget options starting at $36 up to luxury rates at $200. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Karachi for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $21 (P₨5,929). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $11 (P₨2,964) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $11
    P₨2,964
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $21
    P₨5,929

Hotels in Karachi

Looking for a hotel in Karachi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Karachi

The average hotel room price in Karachi based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $70 in the low season and $131 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Karachi

Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in ) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Karachi

Karachi does not has a good public transit system.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $4.58 (P₨1,271) per person, per day, on local transportation in Karachi. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Karachi is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $4.58
    P₨1,271



Flights to Karachi
How much does it cost to go to Karachi? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Karachi
The price of renting a car in Karachi will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Karachi

Food is a major attraction for travelers, so make sure you don't miss out on the local culinary delights.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Karachi can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Karachi is $20 (P₨5,413) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $20
    P₨5,413

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Karachi is around $19 (P₨5413) per person, with previous travelers spending from $8 to $37. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Karachi are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $2 to $6
  • Lunch: $3 to $8
  • Dinner: $6 to $14
  • Coffee: $2
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $3

Karachi is one of the fastest growing cities in South Asia, with a booming economy and an increasing affluence which is fueling the growth of the city's restaurant scene. The culinary establishments of Karachi now combine a wide range of world cuisines with authentic Pakistani food included. Bun kebab, the jazzed-up Pakistani version of the burger, is the stuff from which food dreams are made: minced meat (most likely mutton) is spiced with black cumin and red chilies, and comes with a fried egg, onions, a coriander and mint chutney spiked with green chilies, and sometimes lentils, all served between charred buns. If red meat isn't to your liking, you can opt for the vegetarian version, the aloo bun kebab (made of potato, and without the egg), or perhaps a paratha chicken roll. Chicken smeared in ginger, garlic paste, turmeric and mustard is necklaced with white onions and then rolled into an oily and deliciously chewy paratha. It's impossible to eat just one!

Food & Dining Tips

A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.

Fill a water bottle rather than purchasing drinks constantly. It's a smart and eco-friendly choice.

Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.

If you want to experience the culture in Karachi, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Street Food Tour of Karachi for $199 details
  • Half-Day Karachi Burns Road Private Victoria Ride with Dinner for $100 details
  • Private Karachi Street Food Tour for $92 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Karachi

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Karachi typically cost an average of $5.07 (P₨1,407) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $5.07
    P₨1,407

Clifton Beach is Karachi's busiest beach, although you'll want to take a stroll rather than a swim. Clifton is one of Karachi's posher neighborhoods, but the beach attracts a complete cross section of society, so gives a good picture of Karachi at play. It's deserted before late afternoon, and at its most festive on Sundays.

This curiously shaped Quaid-i-Azam Mausoleum is a monument to Pakistan's founder, Mohammed Ali Jinnah. It's set at the top of a stepped pyramid in a small park. Built in 1958-68 from the design of a Turkish architect, it is minimalist and stark. The white marble structure makes some concession to traditional styles with a square plan and supporting a semicircular dome.

Frere Hall is a building in Karachi, Pakistan that dates from the early British colonial-era in Sindh. Completed in 1865, Frere Hall was originally intended to serve as Karachi's town hall, and now serves as an exhibition space and library.

The Chaukhandi Tombs near Karachi, Pakistan are constructed out of huge sandstone slabs, which are delicately stacked into a finessed pyramid shape. The slabs were painstakingly carved with intricate patterns, drawings and relatable scenes. Built between the 15th and 18th centuries, the Chaukhandi Tombs now form a remarkably well-preserved necropolis that often attracts curious visitors and archeologists alike.



There is much to do in Karachi. A city of more than 18 million people is unlikely to be short on activities. Simply let yourself be overwhelmed by this city, its size and scope, its heart breaking disparity between rich and poor, and its breathtaking sights and sounds. Karachi isn't just a city, it is a world unto itself.

Try camel and horse rides on the sands of Clifton Beach are popular, while stands sell cold drinks, chai (tea) and grilled corn. The main roundabout near the beach has plenty of buses, autorickshaws and taxis, many heading for Saddar.

Safari Park has a zoo, a children's playland and many gardens. It is one of the major recreation and amusement areas of Karachi geared with viewing facilities like chairlifts and safari tracks, as well as two natural lakes. You might be interested in catching a bird's-eye view of the animals from the Chair lifts here or enjoy Swan lake which is a natural lake featuring a pagoda style sitting place.

See a Dolphin Show. Experience the beauty of sea life and a dazzling array of flips, leaps and twists of Dolphins at Pakistan Maritime Museum. Go turtle spotting. In the evenings of September through November, you can easily spot giant Olive Ridley and green turtles along parts of Hawkes Bay and Sandspit. The best way see them is to go with a local naturalist or hire a boat with a knowledgeable captain for the specific purpose of watching them.

Experience Dreamworld Resorts, Pakistan's iconic Resort with a Golf club, Amusement Park, Water Park, 5-star Hotel, Spa, multiple World-class restaurants, numerous all-ages entertainment and sports events.

A nice way to explore destinations in Karachi is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Karachi City Tour for $129 details
  • Day Tour in Karachi Unesco Heritage for $150 details
  • Karachi Sightseeing Private City Tour. For $199 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Karachi

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $3.35 (P₨929) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Karachi per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $3.35
    P₨929
Nightlife Tips

Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.



Budgeting and Travel Tips for Karachi

  • During peak season, prices are generally much higher and the destination is more crowded. You can save money and avoid the crowds by visiting during the shoulder seasons or low season instead.
  • Taking it easy while traveling can help you save some cash, letting you appreciate the area's beauty without the stress. If you rush through your days with nonstop activities, you'll end up spending more. Slowing down often leads to a more enjoyable trip and less money spent.

Budgeting Challenges

  • There aren't many public transportation options in Karachi. Organizing another form of transport, like a tour or private driver, might be necessary. Just know that this could stretch your budget in other places.
  • Karachi isn't the best place for hostels, so if you're aiming for a budget dorm, you might want to rethink your plans. Checking for cheap hotels or apartment rentals is a better alternative.
Related Articles
Traveling in 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.



Neighborhoods & Around

South Karachi

The South is a diverse district, home to Saddar, Karachi's downtown area and center of activity. Home to Karachi's tallest skyscrapers and much historical architecture. Many beaches, parks, museums, landmarks, colonial buildings, restaurants and hotels are located within this district.

East Karachi

East district is a mix of Karachi's industrial heartland and white collar office center. There are some good museums along with many amusement and wildlife parks, and the major Karachi Airport.

Malir

The largest district of Karachi by area, and is regarded as the countryside of Karachi City due to its open atmosphere and lush green farmlands. It houses many of city's water amusement parks.

West Karachi

The West is home to South Asia's largest slum and also one of the success stories of low-cost housing: Orangi Town. Large industrial parks are scattered through the district, along with the Port of Karachi in the Kemari area. West Karachi also has many beaches and islands.

Central Karachi

This district is primarily a middle-class area, it developed immediately after Pakistan's independence, due to a wave of immigration. Many of these migrants were refugees from the partition.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.