Which place is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur or Islamabad?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Islamabad or Kuala Lumpur?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Islamabad and Kuala Lumpur can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Islamabad or Kuala Lumpur?
Islamabad
Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, specially built in the 1960's to replace the former capital, Karachi. Most of the city's population are employees of the government, though many people come from all over Pakistan to enjoy the city's peaceful atmosphere and green spaces, museums, and monuments.
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 Adventure Tours to Pakistan, The Best Cultural Tours in Pakistan, 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 dayIslamabad $42Kuala Lumpur $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Islamabad is $42, 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 Islamabad and Kuala Lumpur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIslamabad $20Kuala Lumpur $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIslamabad $40Kuala Lumpur $72
Compare Hotels in Islamabad and Kuala Lumpur
Looking for a hotel in Islamabad 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: Islamabad Hotel Prices and Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Islamabad $7.68Kuala Lumpur $6.41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Islamabad
Also for Islamabad, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transit Trip: Murree Exploration Day Trip & Round Trip Airport Transfer: $140
- Private Transfer from Islamabad Airport to Pakistan: $61
- Private Chauffeur: Arrival Transfer Airport Pick up (Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore): $50
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Departures: $55
- Premium Services: Islamabad International Airport Transfer - Arrival: $55
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - DEPARTURE: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer - ARRIVAL: $40
- Islamabad International Airport Transfer: $35
- Islamabad International Airport Departure Drop off Transfer : $55
- Islamabad International Airport Arrival Pick up Transfer: $55
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:
- Legoland Transfer Private (per Vehichle) : $270
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Penang: $270
- *Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Car Transfer: $268
- Cameron Highlands One Way Transfer: $259
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Besut Transfer [Car]: $251
- KUL Hotel to Johor Bharu(One Way Transfer): $237
- Kuala Lumpur City Hotels to Singapore City Hotels 1-way Transfer: $230
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Desaru Transfer [Car]: $226
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Mersing Transfer [Car]: $225
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Car]: $220
- Airport Arrival Transfer-VIP Class: $200
- VIP Arrival Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Airport: $196
Is it cheaper to fly into Islamabad or Kuala Lumpur?
Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur and Islamabad 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 dayIslamabad $15Kuala 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
- 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.Islamabad $9.48Kuala Lumpur $13
Tours and Activities in Islamabad
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamabad.
- 5-Hour Private Guided Tour in Islamabad City: $130
- Best of Islamabad Half Day Tour With Meal At Monal Restaurant (Morn & Eve Slots): $100
- From 15 Day Trekking Tour of Thalay and Nangma: $3,070
- From 9-Day Colors of Hunza Valley Cultural Tour: $2,065
- From Full Day Guided Taxila Ruins Exploration Tour: $150
- From Full Day Historical Peshawar Guided City Tour: $160
- From Skardu and Baltistan Cultural Tour with Food: $2,339
- Full Day Private Guided Tour of Taxila Gandahara Civilization : $140
- Full-Day Sightseeing Tour Of Islamabad: $80
- Full-day Essential Islamabad Tour: $150
- Islamabad City Tour : $150
- Islamabad City Tour With Faisal Mosque, Pakistan Monument & Lunch : $110
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 dayIslamabad $2.88Kuala 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 Islamabad and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Kuala Lumpur is more expensive. And not only is Islamabad much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamabad would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamabad 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 Islamabad.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamabad Expensive? and Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Islamabad or Kuala Lumpur?
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Islamabad. When comparing the sizes of Islamabad 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 Islamabad or Kuala Lumpur?
Islamabad has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Islamabad or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamabad and Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
It's very hot in Islamabad this time of the year. Islamabad is a little warmer than Kuala Lumpur in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 32°C (90°F) in July, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kuala Lumpur this time of the year. In Islamabad, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during summer. Islamabad gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun in the summer.
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. Islamabad gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Islamabad usually receives more rain than Kuala Lumpur. Islamabad gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIslamabad 32°C (90°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Islamabad as well as Kuala Lumpur. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.
In the autumn, Islamabad is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamabad in October average around 26°C (80°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamabad this time of the year. In the autumn, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Islamabad gets 287 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. Islamabad usually gets less rain in October than Kuala Lumpur. Islamabad gets 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIslamabad 26°C (80°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Islamabad are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In January, Islamabad is generally much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Islamabad average around 14°C (57°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamabad. Islamabad usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during winter. Islamabad gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Islamabad usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Islamabad gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIslamabad 14°C (57°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Islamabad or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Islamabad during the spring are popular places to visit. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.
Islamabad is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamabad averages around 27°C (80°F) in April, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
It's quite sunny in Islamabad. In the spring, Islamabad often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Islamabad gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun.
Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamabad usually gets less rain in April than Kuala Lumpur. Islamabad gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIslamabad 27°C (80°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Islamabad
| Islamabad | Kuala Lumpur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (57°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 21°C (70°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (80°F) | 37 mm (1.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 32°C (89°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 35°C (94°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jul | 32°C (90°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 31°C (89°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Sep | 31°C (87°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (80°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
| Dec | 15°C (59°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.