Which place is cheaper, Beijing 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 Beijing. 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 diverse, colorful, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Beijing is a massive, jam-packed, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.
You'll generally find more things to do in Beijing than Kuala Lumpur. Beijing is bigger than Kuala Lumpur, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Beijing is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Also, Beijing is famous for The Forbidden City. Kuala Lumpur is well known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Beijing and Kuala Lumpur. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Spend time exploring the fantastic sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or Beijing.
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.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Beijing are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.
Foodies will find both Kuala Lumpur and Beijing both to be fantastic 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, Beijing is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.
The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kuala Lumpur and Beijing.
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.
Beijing is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.
Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
Kuala Lumpur is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.
Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Kuala Lumpur is known to be 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.
Beijing offers lots of family activities. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.
Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
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.
Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.
Kuala Lumpur and Beijing are both very 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.
Beijing is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.
Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Kuala Lumpur is a very popular city for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.
Many students visit Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.
Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
Visitors in Kuala Lumpur can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. 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 rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Beijing. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.
Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.
Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable destination. 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.
Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.
For even more information, also check out Is Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting? and Is Beijing Worth Visiting?.
Both Kuala Lumpur and Beijing have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than in Kuala Lumpur. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beijing.
Families should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Beijing. 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 Beijing. 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 Beijing 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.
Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
In Beijing, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural 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.
Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer.
Beijing is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.
Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
In Beijing, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this massive 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kuala Lumpur. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Beijing 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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Kuala Lumpur, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $62, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $78. 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 Kuala Lumpur and Beijing in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Beijing? 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:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
Prices for flights to both Beijing 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 Beijing:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
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 Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Beijing, we can see that Beijing 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing 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 Beijing Expensive?.
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Beijing, 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.
Beijing has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Both Beijing 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, the summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Beijing. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
In Beijing, 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 Beijing. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun.
Beijing 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 less rain in July than Beijing. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Beijing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Beijing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 227 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 Beijing. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Beijing. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Beijing averages at about -4°C (26°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun.
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Beijing. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Beijing 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 visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.
It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Beijing. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Kuala Lumpur | Beijing | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |