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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Baltimore?

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 Baltimore. 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 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.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a diverse, colorful, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Baltimore?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Baltimore. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. 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. It is also well known for The Petronas Twin Towers. Baltimore is famous for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kuala Lumpur are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Baltimore has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Baltimore is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Baltimore?

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

The abundance of shops in Kuala Lumpur make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Baltimore Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is a very kid-friendly city. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Baltimore is a good city for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

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

Kuala Lumpur is well known for backpackers. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kuala Lumpur is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Baltimore Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for students. However, Baltimore is not popular with 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.

Baltimore is not popular with students.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Baltimore are high quality 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.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Baltimore?

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

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

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 Baltimore, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic 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 Baltimore?

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.

Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Baltimore. 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 Baltimore?

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.

Baltimore 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Baltimore?

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

Baltimore 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 Baltimore in the Summer?

Both Baltimore 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. Also, many visitors come to Baltimore in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Baltimore averages at about 78°F (25°C).

In Baltimore, 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 Baltimore. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun.

Baltimore gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Baltimore. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Baltimore in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Baltimore. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Also, most visitors come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Baltimore fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 196 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 Baltimore. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Baltimore in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Baltimore. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Baltimore can be very cold. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Baltimore in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Baltimore. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Baltimore in the Spring?

Both Baltimore 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, the activities around the city are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Baltimore averages at about 54°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Baltimore. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Baltimore during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Kuala Lumpur