Kuala Lumpur Prices & Travel Costs

Last Updated: Jan 2024

My personal favorite of Asia’s large cities, Kuala Lumpur has almost everything. The modern architecture is world-class and the historic temples and monuments are also excellent and accessible. The combination of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures (and cuisines!) makes for a wonderful mix that makes it feel like several cities at once.

Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive or Cheap?

Kuala Lumpur doesn’t get nearly the attention that its nearby neighbor of Singapore does, but in many ways they are quite similar and KL is noticeably cheaper as well. It’s a very modern city that nicely blends genuine Asian experiences and culture with a slick facade that makes visiting quite easy.

Partly since this isn’t a hugely popular tourist destination for Westerners, most of the attractions are priced more for an Asian budget, so things should seem cheap to most people.

Kuala Lumpur City Featured Image

Travel Costs to Kuala Lumpur

Population 1,800,000
Area 7,200,000
Timezone UTC+8
Currency Malaysian ringgit
Airports Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
BACKPACKER INDEX: US$36.59
1 USD = 4.7200 MYR
134 World cities ranked cheapest to most expensive: Backpacker Index for 2024

Accommodation Costs in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur Hotel Seasons

Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices

Rating Price(USD)
starstarstarstarstar5.51 - 10.59
starstarstarstarstar6.36 - 27.12
starstarstarstarstar7.84 - 31.78
starstarstarstarstar34.96 - 54.24
starstarstarstarstar56.14 - 155.08

Kuala Lumpur Hostels Prices

Type Price(USD)
Hostel Bed2.54 - 12.71

Kuala Lumpur Attractions Prices

Best tours in Kuala Lumpur

Location Description Type Price(USD)
Petronas Towers Skybridge & Observation DeckA tour includes both the 41st floor Skybridge and the 86th floor observation deck. First come first served.
adults
18.01
KL Tower observation deckThis tower has several interesting attractions near the top, in addition to the observation deck. Some cost extra.
adults
children
10.38
6.14
KL Hop-on Hop-offAll-day double-decker bus tours hit all the main sights in the city, and are good value for those with only a short stay.
adults
children
9.53
5.08

Kuala Lumpur Food and Drink Prices

Food Type Description Price(USD)
breakfastIf your room doesn't include breakfast then great options are easy to find at local cafes and food stalls.1.91 - 3.39
Budget lunchTourist restaurants with lots of Western options will be more expensive, but plenty to choose from in this range.2.54 - 4.24
Budget dinnerEven sit-down meals at cafes and small restaurants can be great bargains if you eat with locals.4.66 - 7.42
Beer .5 liter glassBeer prices vary greatly in Kuala Lumpur depending on where you are drinking. Look for happy hour deals to keep prices reasonable.3.18 - 5.30

Kuala Lumpur Transport Prices

Type Price(USD)
Taxi from airport to city center17.80 - 25.42
Express train from airport to city center11.65
Express bus to city center2.54
3km taxi ride in Kuala Lumpur1.48 - 2.12
Light-rail ride in Kuala Lumpur0.21 - 0.42
Monorail ride in Kuala Lumpur0.21 - 1.06

Getting to Kuala Lumpur

Getting around Kuala Lumpur

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When to visit Kuala Lumpur

Temperature and rainfall

Month High F Low F Precip (inches)
January90736.7
February91736.5
March92749.5
April927510.2
May91758.0
June91754.9
July90745.0
August90746.1
September90747.6
October907410.0
November897411.3
December89739.7

Kuala Lumpur Weather advice

Sunrise and sunset

21 Mar7:17am7:24pm
21 Jun7:06am7:24pm
21 Sep7:03am7:10pm
21 Dec7:13am7:09pm

Where to go before and after