A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Buenos Aires, Argentina for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

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 Buenos Aires, Argentina. 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.

Where Should I go: Kuala Lumpur or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, often referred to as KL, is the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia. It is also the largest city in the country, having grown out of a small Chinese mining village. Today Kuala Lumpur is a microcosm of the country of Malaysia. The population is split between the Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures which you can see reflected in the city's neighborhoods, cuisine, and entertainment. It's also a fairly affordable city by global standards, even if you're looking for the comforts of a five star hotel or a luxury restaurant. Prices are almost always a fraction of what you would pay in Europe or the United States.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, federal capital of Argentina, also known as "The City of Tango", is best known for its energetic and unpredictable character. Like a restless child, Buenos Aires is a dynamic and modern city full of surprises. While its French-style palaces, rooftop restaurants, wide avenues and green plazas resemble European-style architecture, Buenos Aires preserves its musical, literary and culinary traditions. You can't miss dining in front of a Tango show, walking around the colourful streets of La Boca and visiting the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, designed by Argentina's most important architects and home to hundreds of illustrious corpses.

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 Buenos Aires, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Buenos Aires.


Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Kuala Lumpur?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Kuala Lumpur Prices
    Malaysia Prices
    Buenos Aires, Argentina Prices
    Argentina Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kuala Lumpur $88
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $59

The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $88, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $59. 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kuala Lumpur $44
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kuala Lumpur $88
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $84
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Buenos Aires, Argentina? 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.

Hotels in Kuala Lumpur


Hotels in Buenos Aires, Argentina


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices and Buenos Aires, Argentina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kuala Lumpur $7.63
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $2.20
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.78
  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $0.81
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $3.78
  • Taxi From Airport
    $23
  • Bus from Airport
    $2.01
  • Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam
    $3.02
  • Train to Airport
    $1.23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur

Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • °Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Transfer [Van]: $112
  • 2 Way Transfer to or from Kuala Lumpur International Airport: $25
  • AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort Hotel TO Kuala Lumpur Hotel Door to Door Transfer: $60
  • AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort Hotel To Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA KLIA2 Transfer: $51
  • Airport Transfer From KLIA T1 /KLIA T2 to KL City Centre: $25
  • Airport Transfer Private From/To KLIA, KLIA2: $22
  • Airport transfer: $100
  • Arrival Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Airport: $25
  • Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Lumut Jetty: $186
  • Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Port Dickson: $85
  • Arrival Transfer to you Hotel: KLIA/KLIA2 to Genting Highlands: $46
  • Base on Group: Kuala Lumpur Airport Arrival Transfer: $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Buenos Aires HTL-APT (EZE): $109
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires Port to Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE): $72
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Cruise Terminal: $137
  • Transfer from Buenos Aires Int Airport (EZE) to Buenos Aires Port: $72
  • Transfer Van 6 pax Airport Pistarini Buenos Aires to Hotel Port: $145
  • Transfer VIP airport EZEIZA (EZE) Buenos Aires: $67
  • Transfer Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Downtown Hotel: $116
  • Transfer Airports-Cruise Port: $190
  • Ticket Museum and Stadium Express Boca Juniors With Transfers: $75
  • Temaiken Biopark Tour with Transfer Included: $95
  • Tango Show in Tango Porteño - no transfers -: $47
  • Small group local Tango milonga with lesson and transfers: $96

Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Prices for flights to both Buenos Aires, Argentina 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kuala Lumpur $31
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $7.95
Typical Food Prices in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner at Ding Tai Fung
    $10
  • Roti Bread
    $0.25
  • Food Court Lunch
    $3.63
  • Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)
    $5.41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • From Batu Caves Night Tour + Indian Set Dinner: $28
  • Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $41
  • Authentic Malaysian Street Food Tour With 15+ Tastings Near KLCC: $42
  • Kuala Selangor Fireflies & Blue Tears Guided Tour w Dinner (SIC): $50
  • Glowing Firefly Tour With Dinner (SIC): $50
  • Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $52
  • Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
  • Laksa Lanes Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $55
  • Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur: $55
  • Malaysia Cooking Class With Local (Hands-On!): $60
  • Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $60
  • Firefly Tour en-route Batu Caves Include Dinner + Boat-Ride: $65

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

  • Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $35
  • Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
  • BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class in Palermo: $39
  • Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $40
  • Tango Porteño Show in Buenos Aires (with optional dinner): $43
  • BA: Premium Empanadas Cooking Class & Wine Tasting in Palermo: $43
  • BA: Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $43
  • Early Tango Dinner Show with Optional Traditional Bus Transfer: $46
  • El Viejo Almacen Tango Show with Optional Dinner and Transfers: $47
  • El Aljibe Tango Show in Buenos Aires with Optional Dinner: $47
  • Tango Dinner Show Homero Manzi menu Sur: $49
  • BA: Empanadas and Alfajores Cooking Experience in Palermo: $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kuala Lumpur $16
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • KL Tower Admission (for Two)
    $11
  • Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve
    $1.26

Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Sunway Lagoon Ticket: $3.83
  • Genting Highlands Awana SkyWay Cable Car Ticket: $4.63
  • Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park Ticket with Unlimited Rides: $5.64
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass: $7.41
  • Kuala Lumpur Suburbs Batu Caves Half-Day Tour (SIC/Shared Tour): $8.00
  • Kuala Lumpur Half Day City Guided Tour (SIC/Shared Tour): $8.00
  • Kuala Lumpur at Your Own Pace: The Complete Self-Guided Tour: $8.27
  • KL Tower Admission E-Ticket with Options: $8.65
  • Museum Of Illusions Standard Admission Ticket: $9.88
  • Selangor: Zoo Negara E-Ticket: $11
  • Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $11
  • Malaysia KualaLumpur Avenue K - Breakout Escape Game Entry Ticket: $12

Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Único tour sobre la Historia del Tango (sin mitos): $60
  • "SAILING TOUR: Tango and Choripan (typical Argentine food): $300
  • 3 Hours Ultimate Buenos Aires Bar Tour: $34
  • 5 Hour Private Driving and Walking Tour of Buenos Aires: $185
  • 5hs Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires (Optional Street Food): $54
  • Adventure in Parque de la Costa: $95
  • Argentina Polo Experience by La Guapeada Polo: $267
  • Argentine Asado by Maru. Private experience in Buenos Aires: $140
  • Argentine Women Bike Tour: $45
  • Argentinian Cocktail Experience in Palermo to Mix and Connect: $54
  • Asado Experience at Parrilla Don Julio: $273
  • Asado and Parrilla Tour in BA with Optional Michelin Upgrade: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kuala Lumpur $6.97
    Buenos Aires, Argentina $9.69
Typical Alcohol Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Also in Buenos Aires, Argentina, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Exclusive Malbec Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $42
  • Argentine Wine Tasting in Caminito with Appetizers Included: $45
  • BA: Small Group Wine Tasting and Blending in Palermo: $54
  • Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $60
  • Tango Lesson and Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires, Argentina: $65
  • Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $65
  • Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $85
  • Private Malbec Wine Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires: $95
  • Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $129
  • Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting Experience (BBQ): $150
  • Bodega Gamboa Premium Wine Tasting with Lunch: $159
  • Private Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Experience: $160


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Buenos Aires, Argentina, we can see that Kuala Lumpur is more expensive. And not only is Buenos Aires, Argentina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kuala Lumpur is in Asia and Buenos Aires, Argentina is in South 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Kuala Lumpur would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kuala Lumpur than you might in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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 Buenos Aires, Argentina Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires, Argentina has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Buenos Aires, Argentina, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Summer?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina 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.

In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 25°C (77°F)in January.

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, 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 Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 279 hours of full sun.

Buenos Aires, Argentina 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 Buenos Aires, Argentinain January. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.

In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Buenos Aires, Argentina this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 220 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Buenos Aires, Argentina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain April. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Buenos Aires, Argentina. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Buenos Aires, Argentina fluctuates around 12°C (53°F)in July.

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 143 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Buenos Aires, Argentinain July. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Buenos Aires, Argentina in the Spring?

Both Buenos Aires, Argentina 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.

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Buenos Aires, Argentina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Buenos Aires, Argentina averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Buenos Aires, Argentina during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 227 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Buenos Aires, Argentinain October. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Buenos Aires, Argentina receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F) 
    Buenos Aires, Argentina 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Buenos Aires, Argentina and Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur Buenos Aires, Argentina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 239 mm (9.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 142 mm (5.6 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 280 mm (11 in) 18°C (64°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 250 mm (9.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)