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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Austin?

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 Austin. 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 welcoming, friendly, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is beautiful destination to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Kuala Lumpur and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Austin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Austin, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its museums, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Austin is known for its nightlife, music, and hiking. Kuala Lumpur is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also home to The Petronas Twin Towers. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Austin 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 Austin?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Kuala Lumpur that are not to be missed. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Austin. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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

Foodies will find both Kuala Lumpur and Austin both to be world-class destinations.

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.

For foodies, Austin is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Austin just to party. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is a world-class destination for live music. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Austin is known as a music capital around the world. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Austin?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Kuala Lumpur is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Austin Better for Families?

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Austin Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Kuala Lumpur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

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

Kuala Lumpur and Austin are both great 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.

Austin is a great city to visit for backpackers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Austin Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for students. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Students come from all over to stay in Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Austin a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of 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.

Austin is generally not a very walkable city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Austin?

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

Families should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Austin. 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 Austin. 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 Austin 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 Austin?

Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Austin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this lively 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.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Austin?

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Austin 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.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the eccentric destination of Austin. 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 Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming big city of Kuala Lumpur. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Austin is a popular place to visit. 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 Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Austin?

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

Austin 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 Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Kuala Lumpur during the summer 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 Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Austin. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 318 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 Austin. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Austin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Austin this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Austin during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 214 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 Austin. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Austin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Austin. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Austin. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Austin. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Austin. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Austin during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Austin. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Austin and Kuala Lumpur