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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Auckland?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kuala Lumpur and Auckland. 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

Kuala Lumpur is a friendly, diverse, and colorful 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Auckland

Auckland is a adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking, and cosmopolitan city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur and Auckland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Auckland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Auckland than Kuala Lumpur. While Kuala Lumpur is larger than Auckland, Auckland has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Auckland is very popular for its beaches and hiking, while Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Kuala Lumpur is famous for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. Auckland is famous for its waterfront setting, diverse beaches, and active and adrenaline-filled environment. It is also well known for the Sky Tower.

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Auckland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur are world-renowned. 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 Auckland can be an interesting and educational experience. The waterfront is filled with sights for tourists, and many of the city's attractions are geared towards thrill seekers. The Sky Tower is a popular landmark with its Sky Walk and Sky Jump. There are also many thrilling experiences that you can have along the Harbour Bridge. For museums, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Art Gallery, or the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Auckland is an experience not to be missed. The city has a diverse selection of restaurants, but you'll also find many places that highlight local ingredients such as seafood and lamb. You'll often find the standard dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, and green-lipped mussels on the menus.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Auckland Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kuala Lumpur and Auckland.

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.

Auckland is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and there are many bars and clubs that you can explore in the evening. Some of the best nightlife options are found in the vibrant Britomart precinct and around the trendy Ponsonby Road. Other popular areas include Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Auckland Better for Beaches?

Auckland is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Auckland for it's beautiful beaches. You don't have to head too far from the city to find some impressive beaches that are diverse and beautiful. There are beaches that are secluded and private as well as more lively beaches with all of the amenities and activities that you might want.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Auckland Better for Hiking?

Auckland is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Auckland offers some nice hiking trails. Locals love to get outdoors, and you'll find many local hikes in the area. There are easy paths that are family-friendly and perfect for a stroll, as well as longer stretches that present more of a challenge.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Auckland?

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Kuala Lumpur draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Auckland. The city centre is cosmopolitan and full of diverse shopping venues that sell international brands as well as local designers. Some of the most popular shopping areas are Britomart, High Street, and Queen Street.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Auckland Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Auckland are high quality family-friendly destinations.

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.

Auckland is a very kid-friendly city. There's a big focus on getting kids outside in the city, so you'll find many outdoor parks and play spaces. Popular activities for families include visiting the Huia Lodge Discovery Centre, going to the Museum of Transport and Technology, and wandering through the botanical garden.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Auckland Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Auckland both high quality 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 Auckland frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic restaurants in the city, as well as spas, cocktail bars, and evening venues. Couples will also enjoy one of the many thrill-seeking activities that New Zealand is famous for.

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

Kuala Lumpur and Auckland are both high quality 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.

Auckland is a great city to visit for backpackers. Auckland is high on many backpackers' wish list, and usually they pass through the city at some point during their trip. You'll find a number of hostels in the city that are perfect for socializing and saving money.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Auckland Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Kuala Lumpur. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Auckland is a great city to visit as a student. Some of the country's best universities are found in the city, many of which are popular with international students.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auckland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Kuala Lumpur has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

You'll find some public transit in Auckland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a mishmash of different public transit options, and trips often include a variety of modes of transport. In the city you'll find ferries, trains, and buses to help you get around.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Auckland a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Auckland is lacking in options for its ease of walking around.

Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable city. 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.

Auckland is generally not very walkable. It is a very car-centric city and it can be challenging to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Auckland or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Auckland?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kuala Lumpur and Auckland. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than in Auckland. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 2-3 days is enough time in Auckland.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Auckland 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 Kuala Lumpur or Auckland?

Kuala Lumpur is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Auckland, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this adventurous city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Auckland?

Kuala Lumpur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kuala Lumpur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Auckland is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Auckland?

Kuala Lumpur is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kuala Lumpur, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cosmopolitan big city of Auckland. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Auckland?

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Auckland is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in New Zealand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Auckland, we can see that Auckland 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 Auckland is in Pacific, 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 Auckland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Auckland 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 Kuala Lumpur Expensive? and Is Auckland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Auckland?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Auckland. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Auckland, 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 Kuala Lumpur or Auckland?

Auckland 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 Kuala Lumpur or Auckland in the Summer?

Both Auckland and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Auckland in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Auckland. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Auckland averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Auckland. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Auckland during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Aucklandin January. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Auckland in the Autumn?

Both Auckland and Kuala Lumpur during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Auckland for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Aucklandin April. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Auckland fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aucklandin April. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 162 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Aucklandin April. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Auckland in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Auckland. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Auckland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Auckland in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Auckland fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Auckland during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Auckland receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

Auckland receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Aucklandin July. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Auckland in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Auckland. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Auckland this time of year.

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Auckland. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Auckland averages at about 14°C (58°F)in October.

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aucklandin October. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auckland receives 192 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Aucklandin October. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Auckland receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auckland and Kuala Lumpur