A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jerusalem vs. Kuala Lumpur for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Jerusalem or Kuala Lumpur?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Jerusalem or Kuala Lumpur, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Jerusalem or Kuala Lumpur?

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is the capital city of Israel, as well as one of the most historically rich cities in the world. It is also the largest city in the country. While Tel Aviv holds many of the responsibilities of a capital city, officially, Jerusalem is still considered the capital. It is important to note that most countries have their embassies in Tel Aviv, not in Jerusalem.

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 Religious Tours in Israel, The Best Luxury Tours to Israel, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.


Which place is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur or Jerusalem?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Jerusalem is $146, while the average daily cost in Kuala Lumpur is $83. 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 Jerusalem and Kuala Lumpur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jerusalem $72
    Kuala Lumpur $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jerusalem $144
    Kuala Lumpur $82
Compare Hotels in Jerusalem and Kuala Lumpur

Looking for a hotel in Jerusalem 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.

Hotels in Jerusalem


Hotels in Kuala Lumpur


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: Jerusalem Hotel Prices and Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jerusalem $7.51
    Kuala Lumpur $7.21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Local Bus
    $3.54
  • Light Rail Jerusalem
    $11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jerusalem

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Jerusalem:

  • Smooth Private Transfer: Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge: $180
  • Secure Private Transfer: Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge Service: $228
  • Reliable Private Transfer: Allenby Bridge to Jerusalem / Tel Aviv: $170
  • Private Transfer: From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $95
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: $247
  • Private Transfer from Jerusalem to Airport: $150
  • Private Transfer from Dead Sea Hotels to Aqaba Airport: $160
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) - Departure Private Transfer: $69
  • Jerusalem to Tel Aviv (TLV) Airport-Private Departure Transfer: $61
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Tel Aviv Airport: $85
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Petra: $290
  • Jerusalem Private Transfer To Beit She’an Border: $150

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.57
  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $0.76
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $3.57
  • Taxi From Airport
    $21
  • Bus from Airport
    $1.90
  • Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam
    $2.85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur

Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $17
  • Private Kuala Lumpur Airport Arrival Transfer: $17
  • Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer: $17
  • Private: Kuala Lumpur Departure Transfer: $17
  • PVT Departure Transfer <> Kuala Lumpur to KLIA 1/2: $17
  • PVT Arrival Transfer<>KLIA 1/2 to Kuala Lumpur: $17
  • Kuala Lumpur Airport Arrival Transfer: $17
  • Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer (1-way): $17
  • Kuala Lumpur Hotels to Sunway Lagoon Theme Park Transfer (1-way): $17
  • Kuala Lumpur City to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer: $18
  • Kuala Lumpur Hotel to Airport Transfer: $18
  • Kuala Lumpur Airport Arrival Transfer: $18

Is it cheaper to fly into Jerusalem or Kuala Lumpur?

Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur and Jerusalem 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Jerusalem $61
    Kuala Lumpur $29
Typical Food Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of dining costs in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Orange Juice
    $3.00
  • Watermelon
    $4.50
  • Lunch
    $13
  • Food at Market
    $17
  • Juice
    $3.00
  • Bagels
    $8.99
  • Lunch for 2
    $16
  • Snacks
    $6.29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jerusalem

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Jerusalem.

  • Mahane Yehuda Market food tour jerusalem: $99
  • Private Lunch or Dinner at a Local Traditional Restaurant from Dead Sea: $107
  • Private Madaba Haret Jdoudna Restaurant Lunch or Dinner from Dead Sea: $127
  • Experience Shabbat With Dinner In Jerusalem: $206

Typical Food Prices in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner at Ding Tai Fung
    $9.51
  • Roti Bread
    $0.24
  • Food Court Lunch
    $3.42
  • Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)
    $5.11

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:

  • Private Night Tour Batu Caves and South Indian Dinner: $20
  • Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $41
  • Laksa Lanes Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
  • Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
  • Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $53
  • Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur : $55
  • Glowing Firefly Private Tour With Dinner: $59
  • Malaysia Cooking Classes With Local: $60
  • Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $60
  • Kuala Selangor Fireflies and Blue Tears Tour with Dinner (SIC): $62
  • Malaysian Hands-On Cooking Class : Masala Medley : $63
  • Firefly Park Kuala Selangor Seafood Dinner and Free Boat Ride: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jerusalem $9.53
    Kuala Lumpur $15
Typical Entertainment Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Cooking Classes for 2
    $38

Tours and Activities in Jerusalem

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Jerusalem are as follows:

  • 2 Days Bethlehem, Herodion, Judean Desert Monasteries and Jericho Private Tour: $275
  • Political Private Tour Ramallah: $140
  • 1-Day : Jerusalem & Dead Sea Private Tour.      : $993
  • 2-Days Tour Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, and The Dead Sea : $300
  • 7-Hour Jerusalem Political Guided Tour from Jerusalem: $199
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Jerusalem's Old City: $9.99
  • Best of Jerusalem Full-Day Tour from Jerusalem: $89
  • Bethlehem & Dead Sea Day Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv: $155
  • Bethlehem Alternative Tour: $90
  • Bethlehem Christian Guided Tour: $30
  • Bethlehem Half Day Guided Group Tour : $30
  • Bethlehem Tour from Jerusalem: $68

Typical Entertainment Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • KL Tower Admission (for Two)
    $11
  • Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve
    $1.19

Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Self Guided Tropical Adventure at Kuala Lumpur Hidden Treasures: $3.59
  • Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park Ticket with Unlimited Rides: $5.39
  • Urban Museum at Toffee Raja Chulan Admission Ticket: $6.35
  • Genting Highlands: Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park Entry Ticket: $6.39
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass: $7.42
  • KL Tower Admission E-Ticket with Options: $8.65
  • REXPERIENCE: Immersive Art Gallery at REXKL: $9.77
  • Museum Of Illusions Standard Admission Ticket: $9.89
  • Kuala Lumpur Suburbs Batu Caves Half-Day Tour (SIC/Shared Tour): $10
  • Kuala Lumpur Half Day Guided City Tour (SIC/Shared Tour): $10
  • Malaysia Cruise Tasik Putrajaya: $10
  • Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jerusalem $18
    Kuala Lumpur $6.58
Typical Alcohol Prices in Jerusalem

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Jerusalem are as follows:


  • Beer
    $5.40

Typical Alcohol Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11


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


Which is Bigger, Jerusalem or Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Jerusalem. When comparing the sizes of Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem 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 Jerusalem or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Jerusalem during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Jerusalem 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. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in July than Kuala Lumpur. Jerusalem gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Jerusalem. In the summer, Jerusalem often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Jerusalem gets 364 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun.

Jerusalem is cooler than Kuala Lumpur in the summer. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Jerusalem 23°C (73°F) 
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Jerusalem and Kuala Lumpur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jerusalem 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. In October, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In Jerusalem, it's very sunny this time of the year. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during autumn. Jerusalem gets 274 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In the autumn, Jerusalem is cooler than Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Jerusalem in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Jerusalem 19°C (66°F) 
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Jerusalem as well as Kuala Lumpur. Jerusalem 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. Jerusalem usually gets less rain in January than Kuala Lumpur. Jerusalem 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 the winter, Jerusalem often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kuala Lumpur. Jerusalem gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun.

In January, Jerusalem is generally much colder than Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Jerusalem average around 8°C (46°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Jerusalem 8°C (46°F) 
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Jerusalem or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Jerusalem are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jerusalem 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, Jerusalem usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Jerusalem gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Jerusalem. Jerusalem usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during spring. Jerusalem gets 269 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun in the spring.

Jerusalem is much colder than Kuala Lumpur in the spring. The daily temperature in Jerusalem averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Jerusalem 16°C (61°F) 
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Jerusalem

Jerusalem Kuala Lumpur
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 200 mm (7.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 50 mm (2 in) 28°C (82°F) 260 mm (10.2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 200 mm (7.9 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 280 mm (11 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 250 mm (9.8 in)