Which city is cheaper, Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. 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 friendly, diverse, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.
Edinburgh is a charming, character-filled, and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include live music, shopping, and museums.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Edinburgh and Kuala Lumpur. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Spend time exploring the sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or Edinburgh.
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 Edinburgh are among the most recognizable in the world. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland.
For a nice culinary experience, head to Kuala Lumpur, which is well known for it's local dishes and restaurants.
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.
You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Edinburgh. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon.
The nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kuala Lumpur and Edinburgh.
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.
Edinburgh is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars, clubs and pubs to choose from.
Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both Kuala Lumpur and Edinburgh.
People travel from around the world to go shopping in Kuala Lumpur. 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.
Edinburgh is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds.
Both Kuala Lumpur and Edinburgh are 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.
Edinburgh is a very kid-friendly city. There are a variety of unique activities for families in town including exploring Edinburgh Castle, a visit to the Edinburgh Dungeon, and of course, following the Harry Potter Trail.
Kuala Lumpur and Edinburgh both fun destinations for a couple.
Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for 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.
Couples visit Edinburgh frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels.
Kuala Lumpur and Edinburgh are both 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.
Edinburgh is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with.
Both Kuala Lumpur and Edinburgh are popular destinations for students.
Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place to visit for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.
Edinburgh is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.
Kuala Lumpur generally offers a better public transit system than Edinburgh.
With a huge network, the transit system in Kuala Lumpur can get you around easily. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.
You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.
Kuala Lumpur and Edinburgh are similar 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.
Getting around Edinburgh on foot is easy. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around
In either Kuala Lumpur or Edinburgh, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place.
The ideal length of time for a trip to Kuala Lumpur is 1-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Edinburgh is 1-5 days.
People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the museums and theater that this charming city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.
People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
Edinburgh is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.
People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
In Edinburgh, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this ancient destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.
Kuala Lumpur is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Edinburgh is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $51, while the average daily cost in Edinburgh is $144. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kuala Lumpur and Edinburgh in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Edinburgh? 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:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Edinburgh:
Also for Edinburgh, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Edinburgh 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:
For Edinburgh, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Edinburgh, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Edinburgh's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Edinburgh, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Edinburgh from other travelers:
Also in Edinburgh, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Edinburgh, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh is in Europe, 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 Edinburgh would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Edinburgh than you might in Kuala Lumpur.
Edinburgh has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a tropical climate with fairly warm weather most of the year.
Both Edinburgh and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July are around 28°C (82°F), and Edinburgh is about 14°C (58°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 163 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Both Edinburgh and Kuala Lumpur during the autumn are popular places to visit. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and tropical climate. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Edinburgh this time of year.
In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Edinburgh. Temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Edinburgh stays around 10°C (49°F).
In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 90 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Edinburgh. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Edinburgh. The warm tropical climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Edinburgh. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Edinburgh in the winter. The temperature in Kuala Lumpur is usually 27°C (81°F) in January, and Edinburgh stays around 3°C (38°F).
Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Edinburgh during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Edinburgh receives 48 hours of full sun in the winter.
Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Edinburgh. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
The spring brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Edinburgh. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm tropical climate that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Edinburgh in the spring for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Edinburgh. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April are around 28°C (82°F), and Edinburgh is about 7°C (45°F).
In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Edinburgh. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Edinburgh receives 132 hours of full sun.
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Edinburgh. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Edinburgh receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Kuala Lumpur | Edinburgh | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
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