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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Brisbane?

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 Brisbane. 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 modern, welcoming, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kuala Lumpur travel costs.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a active, relaxed, and diverse coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Brisbane travel costs.

Kuala Lumpur and Brisbane: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Brisbane?

You'll generally find more things to do in Kuala Lumpur than Brisbane. Kuala Lumpur is bigger than Brisbane, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is better known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Brisbane is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Kuala Lumpur is more touristy than Brisbane and is known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. Also, Kuala Lumpur is famous for The Petronas Twin Towers. Brisbane is well known for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Brisbane?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Kuala Lumpur has many famous sights for visitors. 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 Brisbane can be an interesting and educational experience. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

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

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Brisbane offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Brisbane Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Brisbane is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Brisbane Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Brisbane Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Brisbane for it's beautiful beaches. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Brisbane Better for Hiking?

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

Brisbane offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Brisbane?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

Many people travel to Kuala Lumpur specifically to go shopping. 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.

Brisbane is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Brisbane More Beautiful?

Kuala Lumpur is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors from all around. This city's beauty really comes from the welcoming and helpful personality of its residents, but the neighborhoods also have historic charm and character.

Brisbane is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Brisbane Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Brisbane 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.

Brisbane is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Brisbane Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur is great for couples. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Kuala Lumpur is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Brisbane is a nice destination for couples. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

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

Kuala Lumpur and Brisbane 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.

Brisbane is a great city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Brisbane Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Brisbane is a great city to visit as a student. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

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

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its public transit.

Public transit in Kuala Lumpur is top-notch. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Brisbane has a few public transit options. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Brisbane a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Brisbane 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.

Brisbane is a very walkable city. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Brisbane or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Brisbane?

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

Couples should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Brisbane. 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane?

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 Brisbane, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural coastal 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 Brisbane?

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.

Brisbane 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 Brisbane?

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 nightlife and food around the diverse destination of Brisbane. 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 Brisbane?

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.

Brisbane 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Brisbane?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Brisbane. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Brisbane, 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 Brisbane?

Brisbane 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 Brisbane in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Brisbane. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Also, many visitors come to Brisbane in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Brisbanein January. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 256 hours of full sun in the summer.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives less rain than Brisbanein January. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Brisbane in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Brisbane. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Brisbane for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Brisbane in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Brisbane fluctuates around 22°C (71°F)in April.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein April. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 214 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Brisbanein April. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Brisbane in the Winter?

Both Brisbane and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Brisbane. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Brisbane averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Brisbane during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Brisbane receives 226 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Brisbanein July. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Brisbane in the Spring?

Both Brisbane and Kuala Lumpur during the spring 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 beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Brisbanein October. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Brisbane fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Brisbanein October. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brisbane receives 259 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Brisbanein October. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Brisbane receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Brisbane and Kuala Lumpur