Which place is cheaper, Kuala Lumpur or Koh Samet?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Samet or Kuala Lumpur?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Koh Samet 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: Koh Samet or Kuala Lumpur?
Koh Samet
The country of Thailand is full of some of the world's most stunning beauty and peaceful settings. So it begs the question, where the Thai people go to get away from it all? They go to Ko Samet on the eastern gulf coast. Located just outside of Bangkok, Ko Samet provides visitors an easily accessible and desirable weekend getaway spot. With white beaches and coral of every other color, this island has steadily developed over the last few years without an intense construction increase like many other Thai beaches. Once thought to be the home of pirates, this island provides plenty to wonder about including, are there hidden treasures under that gorgeous white sand?
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Thailand, 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 dayKoh Samet $96Kuala Lumpur $62
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Samet is $96, 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 Koh Samet and Kuala Lumpur in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Samet $32Kuala Lumpur $36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Samet $64Kuala Lumpur $72
Compare Hotels in Koh Samet and Kuala Lumpur
Looking for a hotel in Koh Samet 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: Koh Samet Hotel Prices and Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Samet $68Kuala Lumpur $6.41
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 Koh Samet or Kuala Lumpur?
Prices for flights to both Kuala Lumpur and Koh Samet 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 dayKoh Samet $27Kuala 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.Koh Samet $8.96Kuala Lumpur $13
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 dayKoh Samet $4.68Kuala 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 Koh Samet and Kuala Lumpur, we can see that Koh Samet is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Koh Samet would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Samet 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 Koh Samet Expensive? and Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samet 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 Koh Samet or Kuala Lumpur in the Summer?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Koh Samet during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Samet 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 Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually gets more rain in July than Kuala Lumpur. Koh Samet gets 174 mm (6.9 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. In the summer, Koh Samet often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kuala Lumpur. Koh Samet gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 200 hours of full sun.
In July, Koh Samet is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 28°C (82°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Samet 28°C (82°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Kuala Lumpur in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Samet and Kuala Lumpur. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Samet 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. Koh Samet gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Koh Samet usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kuala Lumpur. Koh Samet gets 276 mm (10.9 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 280 mm (11 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Koh Samet usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kuala Lumpur during autumn. Koh Samet gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Samet averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Samet 27°C (81°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Kuala Lumpur in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Koh Samet as well as Kuala Lumpur. Koh Samet 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. Koh Samet usually gets less rain in January than Kuala Lumpur. Koh Samet gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Kuala Lumpur receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Koh Samet this time of the year. In the winter, Koh Samet often gets more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur. Koh Samet gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kuala Lumpur receives 185 hours of full sun.
In the winter, Koh Samet is around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Samet in January average around 25°C (77°F), and Kuala Lumpur averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Samet 25°C (77°F)Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Koh Samet or Kuala Lumpur in the Spring?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Koh Samet are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Samet 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, Koh Samet usually receives less rain than Kuala Lumpur. Koh Samet gets 74 mm (2.9 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 Koh Samet. Koh Samet usually receives more sunshine than Kuala Lumpur during spring. Koh Samet gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Kuala Lumpur receives 199 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Koh Samet is generally around the same temperature as Kuala Lumpur. Daily temperatures in Koh Samet average around 29°C (84°F), and Kuala Lumpur fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Samet 29°C (84°F)Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Kuala Lumpur and Koh Samet
| Koh Samet | Kuala Lumpur | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 25°C (77°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 276 mm (10.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) |
| Nov | 26°C (79°F) | 380 mm (15 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) |
| Dec | 25°C (77°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.