A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Kuala Lumpur for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Dubai 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 Dubai and Kuala Lumpur can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a modern, glamorous, and opulent city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a modern, welcoming, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Dubai and Kuala Lumpur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Kuala Lumpur?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Dubai than Kuala Lumpur. While Kuala Lumpur is larger than Dubai, Dubai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Dubai is better known for its skiing, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its museums and food. Dubai is well known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. Also, Dubai is famous for Burj Khalifa. Kuala Lumpur is well known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Kuala Lumpur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kuala Lumpur and Dubai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Dubai or Kuala Lumpur Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Dubai to take advantage of their winter sports. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Kuala Lumpur is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Kuala Lumpur has many famous sights for visitors. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dubai can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Kuala Lumpur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kuala Lumpur has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Is Dubai or Kuala Lumpur Better for Nightlife?

Dubai is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

Is Dubai or Kuala Lumpur Better for Music?

Dubai is a world-class destination for live music. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Dubai is known as a music capital around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Kuala Lumpur Better for Resorts?

Dubai is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Dubai for its luxury resorts. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Kuala Lumpur Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Kuala Lumpur Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a good destination for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Dubai offers a nice beach destination. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Kuala Lumpur?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur both offer plenty of first-rate spots.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Kuala Lumpur is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

Is Dubai or Kuala Lumpur Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Kuala Lumpur.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubai. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly place to visit. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Is Dubai or Kuala Lumpur Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Kuala Lumpur is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Kuala Lumpur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kuala Lumpur. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Kuala Lumpur Better for Students?

For students, both Dubai and Kuala Lumpur are first-rate places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Is Dubai or Kuala Lumpur Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Kuala Lumpur can get you around easily. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Kuala Lumpur a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable destination. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kuala Lumpur or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Kuala Lumpur?

In either Dubai or Kuala Lumpur, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than Kuala Lumpur because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 1-5 days is enough time in Kuala Lumpur.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Kuala Lumpur. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dubai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Dubai. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kuala Lumpur that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Dubai if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Dubai or Kuala Lumpur?

Each neighborhood in Dubai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Kuala Lumpur, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this colorful big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dubai or Kuala Lumpur?

Dubai is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Kuala Lumpur?

Each neighborhood in Dubai has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Kuala Lumpur is a fun place to experience. In Kuala Lumpur, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Kuala Lumpur?

Dubai is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. It's also a relaxing resort destination. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the modern big city of Kuala Lumpur. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai 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 Dubai or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Kuala Lumpur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

June to August in Dubai is the dry season. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

The heat can be very extreme in Dubai. In the summer, Dubai is a little warmer than Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dubai in July average around 35°C (95°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Kuala Lumpur. Dubai 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. Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Kuala Lumpur. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.

In October, Dubai is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 29°C (84°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

The rainy season in Dubai is January to March. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Dubai is cooler than Kuala Lumpur in the winter. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 19°C (66°F) in January, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Should I visit Dubai or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Dubai during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.

June to August is the dry season in Dubai. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

In the spring, Dubai is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dubai in April average around 26°C (79°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 28°C (82°F).

Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Dubai