Which place is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Cebu or Kuala Lumpur?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu 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: Cebu or Kuala Lumpur?
Cebu
Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.
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 10-Day Tours in Philippines, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, 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 dayCebu $65Kuala Lumpur $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $65, 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 Cebu and Kuala Lumpur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Kuala Lumpur $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Kuala Lumpur $72
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Kuala Lumpur
Looking for a hotel in Cebu 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: Cebu Hotel Prices and Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Kuala Lumpur $6.41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Transfer Cebu City - Bantayan Island: $70
- Seamless Transfer from MactanCebu Airport to Your City Hotel: $23
- Private Canyoneering in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer opt: $53
- Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
- Oslob Car Hire and Transfers: $150
- Malapascua: Advance Divers Shark Dive & Optional Transfer: $108
- Mactan Cebu Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Mactan Airport - Cebu City Sepoart (Transfer): $20
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering w/ Lunch & Transfers from Cebu City: $122
- Hotel Private Transfer Airport to Cebu, Mandaue, LapuLapu: $25
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $25
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:
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport Departure Transfer KLIA1/KLIA2: $13
- Exclusive Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer: $14
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer Services: $15
- Private Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $15
- Private: Kuala Lumpur Departure Transfer: $17
- Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $17
- Kuala Lumpur Hotels to Sunway Lagoon Theme Park Transfer (1-way): $17
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $17
- Kuala Lumpur Hotel to Airport Transfer: $18
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer : $18
- Kuala Lumpur City to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer: $18
- Kuala Lumpur Airport Arrival Transfer: $18
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Kuala Lumpur?
Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur and Cebu 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 dayCebu $21Kuala Lumpur $15
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $67
- Cebu City Historical Street and Food Tour: $69
- Panoramic View of Cebu and Dinner with Night View: $89
- Traditional Filipino Bamboo Cooking Class: $108
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $131
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.Cebu $17Kuala Lumpur $13
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Cebu Steet food, historical and mountain tour: $110
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- A snorkelling tour to Cebu’s Hilutungan: $130
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $84
- Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $80
- Beach Adventure: $85
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise: $145
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour from Cebu City or Mactan - Best Seller: $155
- Bohol Countryside Joiners Tour From Cebu City: $144
- Bohol Countryside Private Tour From Cebu City: $213
- Canyoneering Experience in Kawasan Falls with Lunch: $55
- Cebu City All Day Tour; An Unforgettable Experience of Cebu.: $60
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:
- KL Tower Admission E-Ticket with Options: $3.92
- Malaysia: KL Tower Entry Ticket: $4.60
- Alive 3D Art Gallery Admission Ticket: $7.67
- Zoo Negara Instant Entry E-Ticket: $9.81
- Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $9.81
- KL Tower Observation Deck Entry Ticket: $11
- KL Tower Admission Ticket: $12
- Kuala Lumpur's Cultural Highlights and Landmarks: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Berjaya Times Square Theme Park Entry Ticket: $12
- Malaysia: Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $13
- KL Tower Admission Ticket: $13
- Half-Day City Tour: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Kuala Lumpur $6.21
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $99
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 comparing the travel costs between Cebu and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Cebu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cebu Expensive? and Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Kuala Lumpur?
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Cebu. When comparing the sizes of Cebu 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 Cebu or Kuala Lumpur?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Cebu or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Cebu during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. Cebu usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Kuala Lumpur. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
Cebu is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the summer. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCebu 28°C (82°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Kuala Lumpur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cebu usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Cebu is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cebu in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCebu 28°C (82°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Kuala Lumpur. Cebu 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. Cebu usually gets less rain in January than Kuala Lumpur. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Cebu is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 27°C (81°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCebu 27°C (81°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu 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 April, Cebu usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Cebu is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the spring. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCebu 29°C (84°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Cebu
| Cebu | Kuala Lumpur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°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.