A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Kuala Lumpur for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Bali or Kuala Lumpur?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Kuala Lumpur can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.

Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, often referred to as KL, is the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia. It is also the largest city in the country, having grown out of a small Chinese mining village. Today Kuala Lumpur is a microcosm of the country of Malaysia. The population is split between the Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures which you can see reflected in the city's neighborhoods, cuisine, and entertainment. It's also an incredibly affordable city, even if you're looking for the comforts of a five star hotel or a luxury restaurant. Prices are almost always a fraction of what you would pay in Europe or the United States.

Which city is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur or Bali?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $63, while the average daily cost in Kuala Lumpur is $49. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bali and Kuala Lumpur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bali $36
    Kuala Lumpur $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bali $72
    Kuala Lumpur $60

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bali $7.97
    Kuala Lumpur $5.17
Typical Local Transportation prices in Bali

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:


  • Motorbike Rental
    $3.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:

  • Ubud: Jungle Trampoline, Swing & Luwak Coffee with Transfer: $57
  • Private Transfer from Bali to Sitia (JSH) Airport: $394
  • Nusa Dua: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) Transfer: $12
  • Ngurah Rai Bali Airport Private Transfer: $15
  • Departure Private Transfer Nusa Dua or Seminyak to Bali Airport DPS by Minivan: $52
  • Denpasar : Private Transfer to/from Ngurah Rai Intl. Airport: $14
  • Crete Private Transfer from Bali city to Heraklion (HER) Airport: $108
  • Return Private Transfer for Night Safari: $41
  • Private Transfer between Airport (DPS) and Seminyak: $12
  • Private One-Way Transfer Between Legian & DPS Airport: $17
  • Bali Departure Private Transfers from Bali Central to Bali Airport DPS: $83
  • Bali Airport: Luxury Private Transfer by Alphard Vellfire: $65

Typical Local Transportation prices in Kuala Lumpur

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.41
  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $0.73
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $3.41
  • Taxi From Airport
    $20
  • Bus from Airport
    $1.82
  • Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam
    $2.73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur

Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Attractions: $7.84
  • Kuala Lumpur International Airport Departure Transfer: $10
  • Airport Transfer: $11
  • Kuala Lumpur Shared Attraction Transfers: $11
  • Kuala Lumpur Hotels to Sunway Lagoon Theme Park Transfer (1-way): $12
  • Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer- Departure: $12
  • Kuala Lumpur International Airport Departure Transfer: $12
  • Budget Kuala Lumpur Airport Transfer-Departure: $12
  • Kuala Lumpur International Airport Departure Transfer: $12
  • Private: Kuala Lumpur International Airport Departure Transfer: $13
  • Departure Transfer : Kuala Lumpur International Airport: $13
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Lumpur Int. Airport (KUL): $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Bali or Kuala Lumpur?

Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur and Bali 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Bali $18
    Kuala Lumpur $10
Typical Food prices in Bali

Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:


  • Coffee
    $1.37
  • Lunch for Two
    $15
  • Bali Cafe for Two
    $30
  • Lunch for Two
    $8.90
  • Lunch for 2
    $9.85
  • Dinner for 2
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.

  • Eat while chef is cooking in front of you: $24
  • Sidemen: Firewood Cooking Class & Organic Farm Tour: $28
  • From Ubud: Balinese Cooking Class at an Organic Farm: $30
  • Withlocals your Way: 100% Personalised Bali Private Food Tour: $39
  • Bali Cooking Class: $39
  • Ubud: Romantic Barbecue Dinner by the Pool: $57
  • Private Full or Half-Day Authentic Food Tour: $58
  • Romantic Dinner by Oceana Restaurant & Bar: $74
  • Ubud: Romantic Dinner among the Rice Fields: $110
  • Ubud: Romantic Dinner on a Forest Tree Deck: $214

Typical Food prices in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner at Ding Tai Fung
    $9.09
  • Roti Bread
    $0.23
  • Food Court Lunch
    $3.27
  • Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)
    $4.88

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Amazing Local Food Tour in Kuala Lumpur: $29
  • Discover the Best Local Food Tour by Night in Kuala Lumpur: $39
  • Malaysian Ramadhan Buffet Dinner Cultural Show - nearby KLCC: $40
  • Small group epic food tour! Immerse yourself in the local culture too!: $44
  • Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur: $45
  • Market Visit & Garden-to-Table Cooking Class: $47
  • Yummy Yummy Street Food Tour - Kuala Lumpur By Night (Guided With Transport): $53
  • Old Markets & Beyond: Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $55
  • Cultural Night Tour with Dinner: $55
  • Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $59
  • Chef-Designed Small-Group Food Tour: $60
  • Withlocals The 10 Tastings: Kuala Lumpur Private Street Food Tour: $61

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bali $9.55
    Kuala Lumpur $12
Typical Entertainment prices in Bali

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:


  • Spa for Two
    $60
  • Snorkelling Trip
    $14
  • Cooking School
    $31

Tours and Activities in Bali

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:

  • 2 Days Rinjani Trekking Tour: $250
  • Amazing Nusa Penida Snorkeling Experience: $63
  • Ancient Tour to Yeh Pulu and Goa Gajah: $45
  • Ayung River: All Inclusive Rafting Adventure: $26
  • Bali - Kintamani Tour: $65
  • Bali - Ubud Tour: $60
  • Bali 5 Days Tour & Activities - All Included: $306
  • Bali ATV or Quad Bike Tandem Tour Package: $101
  • Bali Alternative Temples Private Group Tour: $74
  • Bali Bird Park 1-Day Admission Ticket: $25
  • Bali Countryside Bike Tour Package: $101
  • Bali Full-Day Private Customized Tour: $50

Typical Entertainment prices in Kuala Lumpur

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • KL Tower Admission (for Two)
    $10
  • Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve
    $1.14

Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Great Kuala Lumpur Tour with 21 Attractions: $5.00
  • Consultation Services for Your Tour Program: $5.00
  • City Highlights and Cultural Landmarks: An audio tour exploring KL's melting pot: $5.99
  • Skip the Line: Chocolate Factory Tour Ticket: $7.74
  • Skip the Line: KL Tower Mini Zoo Admission Ticket in Kuala Lumpur: $8.19
  • Laser Battle Experience in Kuala Lumpur: $8.30
  • Skip the Line: KL Tower Observation Deck Entry Ticket: $9.00
  • Kuala Lumpur City Tour: $9.43
  • KL Tower Admission Ticket: $9.49
  • KL Tower Admission Ticket: $9.72
  • KL Half Day City Tour SHARED: $10
  • Half Day City Tour-Xmas Special (25 Dec Only): $10

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bali $2.82
    Kuala Lumpur $5.38

Typical Alcohol prices in Kuala Lumpur

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $10

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Bali is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur 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 Bali would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bali than you might in Kuala Lumpur.

Budget Your Trip

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Bali vs. Kuala Lumpur Travel Comparison

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