Which city is cheaper, Amsterdam or Kuala Lumpur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Kuala Lumpur is a historic, modern, and welcoming city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Amsterdam is a laid-back, scenic, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, shopping, and museums.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Spend time exploring the sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam.
Travelers visit Kuala Lumpur from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.
Amsterdam offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace.
For a nice culinary experience, head to Kuala Lumpur, which is well known for it's local dishes and restaurants.
Eat your way through Kuala Lumpur, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.
You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Amsterdam. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!
The nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam.
Kuala Lumpur has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.
The nightlife in Amsterdam is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.
Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam.
People travel from around the world to go shopping in Kuala Lumpur. 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.
Amsterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.
Families may find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Amsterdam.
Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. 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.
Amsterdam doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.
Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam both fun destinations for a couple.
Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for 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.
Couples visit Amsterdam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.
Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam are both good destinations for backpackers.
Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.
Visitors will find public transit in both Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam.
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.
Visitors in Amsterdam can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.
Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam are similar when it comes to walkability.
Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. 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.
Getting around Amsterdam on foot is easy. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.
Both Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than Kuala Lumpur.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Kuala Lumpur is 1-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Amsterdam is 2-7 days.
People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
In Amsterdam, many people enjoy the live music and shopping that this laid-back city offers. 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.
People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.
People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
In Amsterdam, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this canal-lined big city offers. 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 popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Amsterdam is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. 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.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $51, while the average daily cost in Amsterdam is $149. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Amsterdam? 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.
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Amsterdam:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
Prices for flights to both Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur 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.
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Amsterdam:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Here are a few typical costs in Amsterdam for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Amsterdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
Also in Amsterdam, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kuala Lumpur is in Asia and Amsterdam is in Europe, 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam than you might in Kuala Lumpur.
Amsterdam has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a tropical climate with fairly warm weather most of the year.
Both Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July are around 28°C (82°F), and Amsterdam is about 17°C (62°F).
In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Amsterdam. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Amsterdam. Temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Amsterdam stays around 11°C (51°F).
Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Amsterdam. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.
It's quite cold in Amsterdam in the winter. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Amsterdam in the winter. The temperature in Kuala Lumpur is usually 27°C (81°F) in January, and Amsterdam stays around 2°C (36°F).
In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun.
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Amsterdam. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Amsterdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April are around 28°C (82°F), and Amsterdam is about 8°C (46°F).
Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Amsterdam. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Kuala Lumpur | Amsterdam | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
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