Which place is cheaper, Buenos Aires, Argentina or Kuala Lumpur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 an incredibly affordable city, 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Argentina, and The Best Photography Tours in Argentina.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $62Buenos Aires, Argentina $10
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $62, while the average daily cost in Buenos Aires, Argentina is $10. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $36Buenos Aires, Argentina $4.13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $72Buenos Aires, Argentina $8.26
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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kuala Lumpur $6.41Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.58
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
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Taxi Ride$3.14
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.67
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Short Taxi Ride$3.14
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Taxi From Airport$19
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Bus from Airport$1.68
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Genting Highlands (1 way transfer): $28
- *Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Transfer [Van]: $174
- 2 Way Transfer to or from Kuala Lumpur International Airport : $25
- AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort Hotel To Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA KLIA2 Transfer: $50
- Airport Transfer Kuala Lumpur (KLIA / KLIA 2 || Private): $22
- Airport to Hotel Drop Off Transfer (Kuala Lumpur): $50
- Airport transfer : $40
- Aquaria KLCC E-Ticket with One Way Transfer: $42
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Car: $84
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Van: $114
- Arrival Transfer - Kuala Lumpur Airport To Genting Highlands: $41
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to IPOH: $169
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Taxi from Airport$0.13
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Local Bus$0.00
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Metro Ride$0.00
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Taxi to airport$0.03
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Taxi$0.09
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 APT-HTL (EZA): $36
- Transfers from or to the airport In Argentina Your Best Choice: $83
- Transfer from Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Cruise Terminal: $80
- Transfer from Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal to International Airport (EZE): $80
- Transfer between airports (EZE-AEP): $70
- Transfer Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) to Downtown Hotel: $68
- Transfer Buenos Aires Downtown Hotel transfer to International Airport (EZE): $68
- Transfer Airports-City Tours-Connections between airports-Airport Transfers //: $110
- Tango Show in Tango Porteño - no transfers - : $62
- Tango Show La Ventana only show exclusive with transfer: $76
- Tango Porteño Show With Private Transfers From Port & Hotels In Buenos Aires: $70
- Skip the line Boca Juniors & River Plate Stadium and Museum tour with transfer: $196
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
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Food Meals for one dayKuala Lumpur $15Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.25
Typical Food Prices in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner at Ding Tai Fung$8.39
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Roti Bread$0.21
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Food Court Lunch$3.02
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$4.51
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:
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $43
- Malaysian Culture and Street Food Tour : $44
- Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- From Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour with Dinner: $56
- Kuala Lumpur by Night and Malaysian Food Tour: $61
- Petaling Street Heritage Food Tour: $62
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $63
- Firefly Park Kuala Selangor Seafood Dinner and Free Boat Ride: $64
- Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour Include Seafood Dinner (Free Boat Ride): $65
- Kuala Selangor Firefly Seafood Dinner Tour Include Free Boat Ride: $65
- Firefly Tour en-route Batu Caves Include Dinner + Boat-Ride: $65
Typical Food Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
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Lunch$0.03
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Cup of Coffee$0.01
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Empandas$0.02
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Espresso$0.01
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Dinner (Pizza)$0.02
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Ice Cream$0.01
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Breakfast at Airport$0.04
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Dinner (Sandwiches)$0.01
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Sweets$0.01
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Hot Dog$0.01
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Breakfast (Take-Away)$0.01
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Lunch for 2$0.16
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Cake and Coffee$0.53
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Dinner$1.88
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Powerade$0.12
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Lunch$0.83
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Dinner$1.21
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Chocolate$3.12
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.
- Small-Group Empanadas Cooking Class: $35
- Tango Show and Optional Dinner at Esquina Homero Manzi: $37
- Esquina Homero Manzi Tango Show Ticket Including Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $39
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner and Tango Class: $43
- Private tour Argentinian Flavours food tours on foot : $46
- Premium Empanadas & Alfajores Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires: $47
- Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner : $53
- Tango Porteño Show with Private Transfers (with optional dinner): $54
- Tango Porteño Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $54
- Aljibe Earlier Tango Show Skip the Line Ticket W/Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires: $55
- Argentine Cooking Experience in Palermo: $55
- Catulo Tango: Tango Show & Folklore with Optional Dinner: $57
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $13Buenos Aires, Argentina $3.34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:
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KL Tower Admission (for Two)$9.43
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Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve$1.05
Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Malaysia: Genting Awana Skyway Entry Ticket: $3.41
- KL Tower Admission E-Ticket with Options: $3.93
- Malaysia: KL Tower Entry Ticket: $4.64
- Alive 3D Art Gallery Admission Ticket: $7.67
- Kuala Lumpur Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $9.81
- Batik Colouring Workshops Experience: $11
- KL Tower Observation Deck Entry Ticket: $11
- KL Tower Admission Ticket: $12
- Kuala Lumpur's Cultural Highlights and Landmarks: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Berjaya Times Square Theme Park Entry Ticket: $12
- KL Tower Admission Ticket: $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few typical costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Japanese Gardens (for 2)$0.04
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Movie Ticket$0.02
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Tango Class$0.03
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Bar entrance$0.58
Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few actual costs in Buenos Aires, Argentina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Experience the Night of Buenos Aires with electric bikes: $59
- Private Full Day City Tour by Iconic Buenos Aires: $290
- Small Group Walking Tour: Urban Art Palermo: $50
- 100% Gaucho Experience in a Traditional Estancia: $239
- 2 Hours Football and Street Art Walking Tour in Buenos Aires : $30
- 2 hrs. Walking Tour in San Telmo & Market : $10
- 3 hours Private La Boca Street Art Walking Tour: $127
- 3-Hour Private Street Art Tour in La Boca and Barraca: $45
- 3-Hour Tour in Buenos Aires Parisian: $45
- 5hs Premium Small Group City Tour of Buenos Aires: $55
- 8 Hours Guided Bike Tour in Delta El Tigre: $140
- 8-Hour Tour of the South Bank of the Río de la Plata: $200
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKuala Lumpur $6.21Buenos Aires, Argentina $1.81
Typical Alcohol Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine$9.43
Typical Alcohol Prices in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Buenos Aires, Argentina from other travelers:
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Beer$0.01
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Beer (0.66L)$0.02
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Cocktail$0.03
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Alcohol$0.67
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:
- Wine tasting at the Barolo Palace: $35
- Wine Tasting in Palermo, City of Buenos Aires.: $38
- Wine Tasting of Argentina's Most Classic and Popular Wines: $42
- Unique Wine Tasting in a Boutique Hotel : $45
- Wine Tasting at Downtown Buenos Aires Ego Experience: $53
- Buenos Aires Small-Group Wine Tasting: $55
- Buenos Aires Premium Wine Tasting: $58
- Wine Tasting and Tapas with Expert Sommelier in Buenos Aires: $60
- Buenos Aires Wine Tasting Tour: $65
- Upscale Asado & Wine Tasting (BBQ): $70
- Argentinian Private Premium Wine Tasting Live+Guided Walking tour: $76
- Premium Wine Tasting in Buenos Aires: $79
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryKuala 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilKuala 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyKuala 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberKuala 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) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.