Which place is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur or Beirut?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Beirut or Kuala Lumpur?
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 Beirut and Kuala Lumpur. 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: Beirut or Kuala Lumpur?
Beirut
Some travelers are seeking the hustle, bustle and posh atmosphere that only comes from a big city. Those travelers should have Beirut, Lebanon at the top of their list. The capital city is jam packed with 2.1 million people that are constantly on the go. As the commercial and financial hub of Lebanon, this city is fast-paced, fashion conscious and always ready for a night on the town.
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 Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeirut $2.26Kuala Lumpur $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Beirut is $2.26, while the average daily cost in Kuala Lumpur is $62. 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 Beirut and Kuala Lumpur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeirut $1.26Kuala Lumpur $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeirut $2.52Kuala Lumpur $72
Compare Hotels in Beirut and Kuala Lumpur
Looking for a hotel in Beirut 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: Beirut Hotel Prices and Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beirut $0.44Kuala Lumpur $6.41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beirut
Also for Beirut, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport to Beirut: $46
- Private Transfer from Beirut to Rafic Hariri (BEY) Airport: $46
- Private Transfer from Beirut Hotels to the Beirut Airport: $10
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beirut International Airport: $18
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beirut International Airport to Hotel: $18
- Departure Transfer:From Hotel To Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY): $10
- Hiking Day Trip to Chouwen Lake with Hotel Transfers: $86
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer Pickup: $9.89
- Beirut Arrival Airport Transfer: $13
- Beirut Airport one Way Private Transfer to the hotel: $15
- BEY Airport to Hotel, Private Arrival Transfer: $10
- Airport Arrival Transfer to Your Beirut Hotel: $10
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:
- i-City Shah Alam Theme Park Adventure with Return Transfer: $59
- VIP Transfer by Mercedes Benz : Airport to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $75
- VIP Arrival Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Airport: $196
- VIP Airport Transfer - Departure: $183
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Kuala Lumpur APT-HTL (KUL): $19
- Transfer To Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort : $30
- Taman Negara Kuala Tahan Transfer Private Hyundai Starex: $120
- 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 Ticket and 1 WAY Transfer (SIC – shared transfer): $55
- Sunway Lagoon One-Day Admission Tickets Including Transfer: $68
Is it cheaper to fly into Beirut or Kuala Lumpur?
Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur and Beirut 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 dayBeirut $0.71Kuala Lumpur $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beirut
For Beirut, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Authentic Lebanese Virtual Cooking Class Live from Lebanon: $30
- Traveling Spoon Lebanese Mezze Private Online Cooking Class : $40
- Private, Traditional Lebanese Cooking Class with a Contemporary Twist: $72
- Private Lebanese Cooking Class in Beirut with Amal and Hotel Transfers: $142
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
- Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Cultural Night Experience with Buffet Dinner : $53
- From Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour with Dinner: $53
- Cultural Night Tour with Dinner: $55
- Malaysia Cooking Classes: $60
- Kuala Lumpur by Night and Malaysian Food Tour: $61
- Petaling Street Heritage Food Tour: $62
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $63
- Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour Include Seafood Dinner (Free Boat Ride): $65
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beirut $0.26Kuala Lumpur $13
Tours and Activities in Beirut
For Beirut, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Hours ATV Rental Guided Tour in Nature: $130
- 3 days tour package : Jeita grotto-Byblos-Baalbek & Beirut tour: $295
- 3-Day Tour of Beirut with Pick Up: $250
- ATV (2 Seat) Full Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $150
- ATV (2 Seat) Half Day Off-Road Tour & Scenic Adventure: $120
- All in 1 Lebanon Local Multi day Tour, 3 days: $289
- Anjar baalback & Ksara tour: $130
- Baalback Roman temples tour: $128
- Baalbek Tour: $111
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Group Tour: $95
- Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara Guided Full-Day Tour from Beirut: $90
- Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Jeita Grotto and Byblos Tour: $170
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
- Batu Caves And Countryside Tour: $24
- 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
- Historic And Heritage Melaka Tour: $55
- History, Heritage & Culture Of Malaysia Tour: $62
- Ipoh "The Land Of Grace" + Orang Utan Island +Lunch(Guided Tour): $241
- Kuala Lumpur (Genting Highlands 7.5 hours Private Tour): $65
- Kuala Lumpur Full Day City & Shopping Tour with Lunch (PRIVATE TOUR): $77
- Malacca Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $184
- Malaysia: Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $13
- *13 Hrs Kuala Lumpur & Melaka Van Tour from Bentong w' Tour Guide: $108
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeirut $0.23Kuala Lumpur $6.21
Sample the Local Flavors in Beirut
Also in Beirut, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour at Chateau Musar and Ixsir : $50
- Private Wine Tasting Day Tour from Beirut: $60
- Budget Wine Tasting Tour at the Bekaa Valley Wineries: $60
- Full-Day Private Wine Tour in Bekaa Valley with Tasting : $60
- Byblos & Chateau Musar: History and Wine Tour: $65
- From Full Day Wine Tasting in the Bekaa Valley Tour: $90
- Lebanon Wine Tasting Tour From Beirut: $91
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour to Chateau Musar and Ixsir Winery: $100
- Private tour to Jeita Grotto with Wine Tasting in Faqra Ruins: $110
- Full-Day Private Wine Tasting Tour: $150
- Wine Tasting and Culture : $150
- Wine Tasting Tour: $150
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 Beirut and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Kuala Lumpur is more expensive. And not only is Beirut much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beirut is in Middle East and Kuala Lumpur is in Asia, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beirut would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beirut 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 Beirut.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beirut Expensive? and Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beirut or Kuala Lumpur?
Beirut has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Beirut 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.
When is the best time to visit Beirut or Kuala Lumpur?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Beirut or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Beirut are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Beirut throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Beirut usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Beirut gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beirut. Beirut usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during summer. Beirut gets 369 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Beirut is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 27°C (81°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeirut 27°C (81°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Beirut during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Beirut because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.
Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beirut usually gets less rain in October than Kuala Lumpur. Beirut gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Beirut. In the autumn, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Beirut gets 254 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun.
Beirut is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beirut averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeirut 25°C (77°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beirut and Kuala Lumpur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Beirut year-round. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Beirut gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Beirut usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Beirut gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Beirut usually receives less sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during winter. Beirut gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Beirut is much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beirut in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeirut 13°C (55°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Beirut or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Beirut as well as Kuala Lumpur. Beirut attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Beirut usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Beirut gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beirut this time of the year. In the spring, Beirut often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Beirut gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun.
In April, Beirut is generally much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Beirut average around 17°C (63°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeirut 17°C (63°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Beirut
| Beirut | Kuala Lumpur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 13°C (55°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 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.