Which place is cheaper, Cuenca 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.
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Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Cuenca?
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 Cuenca. 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 Cuenca?
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.
Cuenca
Cuenca is a vibrant colonial city in southern Ecuador, the third largest in the country, and the capital of Azuay Province. Cuenca is considered as Ecuador's most important and beautiful colonial city after Quito. Dating from the 16th century, Cuenca's historic center, a Unesco World Heritage Site with its trademark skyline of massive rotundas and soaring steeples, is a magical sight in which you will feel like you are moving back in time. Cuenca is the center of many craft traditions, including ceramics, metalwork and the internationally famous panama hat. The nearby villages also offer many other handicrafts. Tourists enjoy wandering the ancient streets discovering picturesque alleys and hidden corners, where nuns march along cobblestone streets and kids in Catholic-school uniforms skip past historic churches. Fascinating historic monuments and fabulous views are found at every turn. Cuenca also has outstanding art museums and festivals. For a rewarding cultural experience, visit during Easter to attend the Festival of Religious Music.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Wildlife Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ecuador.
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Kuala Lumpur Prices
Malaysia PricesCuenca Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $83Cuenca $53
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $83, while the average daily cost in Cuenca is $53. 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 Cuenca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $41Cuenca $13
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $82Cuenca $26
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Cuenca
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Cuenca? 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 Cuenca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kuala Lumpur $7.21Cuenca $11
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$3.57
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.76
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Short Taxi Ride$3.57
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Taxi From Airport$21
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Bus from Airport$1.90
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 2 Way Transfer to or from Kuala Lumpur International Airport : $25
- AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort Hotel TO Kuala Lumpur Hotel Door to Door Transfer: $59
- Airport Transfer Private From/To KLIA, KLIA2 : $20
- Airport Transfer: Kuala Lumpur to Airport KUL by Business Car: $105
- Airport to Hotel Private Transfer - Welcome to Malaysia: $50
- Airport transfer : $100
- Aquaria KLCC Admission Ticket with One-Way or Round-Trip Transfer: $38
- Aquaria KLCC Admission Ticket with return Transfer: $49
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Car: $93
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Van: $125
- Arrival Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Airport: $43
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to IPOH: $169
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cuenca:
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Taxi Ride$2.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cuenca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cuenca:
- Cuenca to/from Guayaquil Private Transfer: $80
- Cuenca Airport Transfer: $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Cuenca?
Prices for flights to both Cuenca 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 $29Cuenca $26
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$9.51
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Roti Bread$0.24
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Food Court Lunch$3.42
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$5.11
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:
- Private Night Tour Batu Caves and South Indian Dinner: $20
- From Batu Caves Night Tour + Indian Set Dinner: $28
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $41
- Laksa Lanes Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $52
- Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur : $55
- Glowing Firefly Private Tour With Dinner: $59
- Malaysia Cooking Classes With Local: $60
- Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $60
- Kuala Selangor Fireflies and Blue Tears Tour with Dinner (SIC): $62
- Malaysian Hands-On Cooking Class : Masala Medley : $63
Typical Food Prices in Cuenca
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cuenca:
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Lunch$10
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Snacks$5.00
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Empanada$1.50
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Hot Dog$1.00
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cuenca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cuenca.
- Street food Tour in Cuenca,Ecuador: $33
- Cooking Class & Market Tour in Cuenca: $55
- Experience Ecuador: Join an Andean Cooking Class in Cuenca: $85
- Private Cooking Class: $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $15Cuenca $16
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)$11
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Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve$1.19
Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- A Self Guided Tropical Adventure at Kuala Lumpur Hidden Treasures: $3.59
- Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park Ticket with Unlimited Rides: $5.39
- Urban Museum at Toffee Raja Chulan Admission Ticket: $6.35
- Genting Highlands: Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park Entry Ticket: $6.39
- Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass: $7.41
- KL Tower Admission E-Ticket with Options: $8.65
- REXPERIENCE: Immersive Art Gallery at REXKL: $9.77
- Museum Of Illusions Standard Admission Ticket: $9.88
- Kuala Lumpur Suburbs Batu Caves Half-Day Tour (SIC/Shared Tour): $10
- Kuala Lumpur Half Day Guided City Tour (SIC/Shared Tour): $10
- Malaysia Cruise Tasik Putrajaya: $10
- Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $11
Tours and Activities in Cuenca
Here are a few actual costs in Cuenca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cuenca-Ec- Highlights City Tour : $16
- Amazing Cajas National Park Tour from Cuenca: $47
- Azuay Cuenca Ecuador Tour: $1,300
- Biking Cuenca City Tour: $50
- Birdwatching Tour Cajas Park and Tamarindo Tropical Forest area from Cuenca: $130
- Birdwatching Tour in Cajas National Park from Cuenca: $100
- Birdwatching Tour, Via Gualaceo to the Eastern slope from Cuenca: $130
- Cajas National Park FULL-DAY Tour from Cuenca: $55
- Cajas National Park Half Day Tour from Cuenca: $39
- Cajas National Park Small-Group tour from Cuenca: $48
- Cajas National Park and Cuenca City private Tour: $110
- Complete excursion Ingapirca & Gualaceo Chordeleg Tour Archaeological Artisanal: $60
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKuala Lumpur $6.58Cuenca $14
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$11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Cuenca, we can see that Kuala Lumpur is more expensive. And not only is Cuenca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kuala Lumpur is in Asia and Cuenca 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 Cuenca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cuenca 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 Cuenca.
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 Cuenca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Cuenca?
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cuenca. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Cuenca, 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 Cuenca?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Cuenca in the Summer?
Both Cuenca 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cuenca year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Cuenca. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Cuenca averages at about 22°C (72°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Cuenca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Cuenca in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Cuenca. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Cuenca attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Cuenca. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Cuenca fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Cuenca in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Cuenca. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cuenca throughout the year.
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Cuenca. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Cuenca can get quite cold in the winter. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Cuenca in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Cuenca fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Cuenca 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Cuenca in the Spring?
Both Cuenca 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. Plenty of visitors come to Cuenca because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Cuenca. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Cuenca receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Cuenca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Cuenca averages at about 10°C (50°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Cuenca 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Cuenca and Kuala Lumpur
| Kuala Lumpur | Cuenca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 15 mm (0.6 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.