Which place is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur or Bandung?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bandung or Kuala Lumpur?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bandung or Kuala Lumpur? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Bandung or Kuala Lumpur?
Bandung
Bandung is the capital city of West Java, and the third largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya. Nicknamed Parijs van Java (Paris of Java) by the Dutch for its resemblance to Paris and European atmosphere back in colonial times, Bandung also earned another nickname as Kota Kembang, literally meaning the Flower City since Bandung used to have a lot of flowers. Nowadays, Bandung has become a very popular weekend escape for Jakartans, who crowd the city on weekends and national holidays. It's known for colonial and art deco architecture, a lively, university-town feel and relatively cool tropical weather. Bandung is also a shopping destination, with fashion outlets clustered along Jalan Setiabudi and Jalan Riau in the Dago district. The city also make a good base for day trips to the surrounding countryside - high volcanic peaks, hot springs, and tea plantations are all within reach.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBandung $40Kuala Lumpur $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Bandung is $40, while the average daily cost in Kuala Lumpur is $57. 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 Bandung and Kuala Lumpur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBandung $21Kuala Lumpur $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBandung $42Kuala Lumpur $72
Compare Hotels in Bandung and Kuala Lumpur
Looking for a hotel in Bandung or Kuala Lumpur? 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: Bandung Hotel Prices and Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bandung $5.76Kuala Lumpur $6.41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bandung
Also for Bandung, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Kec. Batununggal Kel. Kacapiring 40271 to Bandung Airport (BDO): $35
- Private Transfer from ciwidey to Bandung Airport (BDO): $56
- Private Transfer from Villa Istana Bunga to Bandung Airport (BDO): $35
- Private Transfer from Tasikmalaya to Bandung Airport (BDO): $142
- Private Transfer from Sunyaragi to Kertajati Airport (KJT): $167
- Private Transfer from Sukatani Purwakarta Regency to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $109
- Private Transfer from Sukatani Cikarang to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $67
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi, Sukamakmur, Bogor to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $92
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Sukamakmur Bogor to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $92
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Garut Regency to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $167
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Cianjur Regency to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $109
- Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Cianjur Regency to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $109
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$3.14
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.67
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Short Taxi Ride$3.14
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Taxi From Airport$19
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Bus from Airport$1.68
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Kuala Lumpur HTL-APT (KUL): $19
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Kuala Lumpur APT-HTL (KUL): $19
- Transfer To Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort : $30
- Sunway Lagoon: Ticket with Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $87
- Sunway Lagoon: Admission Ticket & 2-Way Transfer: $72
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park with Round-Trip Transfer: $83
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer: $17
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park Ticket and 1 WAY Transfer (SIC – shared transfer): $55
- Sunway Lagoon One-Day Admission Tickets Including Transfer: $68
- Sunway Lagoon One-Day Admission (With & Without Transfer): $77
- Sunway Lagoon Full Day Admission Tickets Including Transfer: $111
- Sunway Lagoon Day Tour With Transfer (SIC): $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Bandung or Kuala Lumpur?
Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur and Bandung 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 dayBandung $14Kuala Lumpur $15
Typical Food Prices in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner at Ding Tai Fung$8.39
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Roti Bread$0.21
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Food Court Lunch$3.02
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$4.51
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:
- ARAS Restaurant at KL Tower Buffet Dinner: $28
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $43
- Malaysian Culture and Street Food Tour : $44
- Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Authentic Malaysian Street Food Tour in Kampung Baru: $50
- From Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour with Dinner: $53
- Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur : $55
- Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $59
- Kuala Lumpur by Night and Malaysian Food Tour: $61
- Petaling Street Heritage Food Tour: $62
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $63
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bandung $5.67Kuala Lumpur $13
Tours and Activities in Bandung
For Bandung, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3D 2N GOLDEN ROUTE TOUR PACKAGE [ Bandung - Garut - Pangandaran ] All include: $277
- Backpacker Style of the Java-Madura-Bali Island Tour 12 Days: $1,544
- Bandung , West Java Tour: $120
- Bandung One Day Tour Package: $160
- Kawah Putih Private Tour and Angklung Performance: $45
- Volcano Tour with Hot Springs Swim: $135
- Volcano, Hot Spring, Mud Bathing, & Lake Tour: $64
- Bandung:Kawah Putih,Volcano,HotSpring,Mud Bathing,Lake Tour: $50
- Day Trip White Crater Ciwidey Bandung All In - Tour Guide: $70
- Full-Day Tour to Bandung White Crater,Lake and Tea Plantation: $82
- Java Bali Private Tour Package with Driver as Guide: $468
- Java Classic Overland Tour: $1,332
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:
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KL Tower Admission (for Two)$9.43
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Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve$1.05
Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Adventure Sports & Thrilling White-water Rafting in Kampar River: $241
- Full Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour with Petronas Twin Tower Tickets: $95
- Full Day Melaka Tour with The Shore Sky Tower 43rd Floor - Unesco Heritage: $188
- Half Day Kuala Lumpur Culture And Communities Exploration Tour: $30
- Ipoh "The Land Of Grace" + Orang Utan Island +Lunch(Guided Tour): $241
- KL Tour with Petronas Twin Towers Observation Deck & Batu Cave: $145
- Malaysia: Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $13
- Shah Alam Islamic Arts and Culture Tours : $31
- *13 Hrs Bentong Van tour from Kuala Lumpur w' Tour Guide: $81
- *13 Hrs KL & Genting Highlands Fun Tour Van Tour w' Tour Guide : $116
- *13 Hrs KL & Melaka Van Tour from Genting Highlands w' Tour Guide: $109
- *13Hrs KL&GentingHighlands Van Tour frm Port Dickson w' TourGuide: $116
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBandung $3.46Kuala Lumpur $6.21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$9.43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bandung and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Kuala Lumpur is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bandung would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bandung 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 Kuala Lumpur would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kuala Lumpur than you might in Bandung.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bandung Expensive? and Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bandung or Kuala Lumpur?
Bandung has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Bandung and Kuala Lumpur, 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.
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.