A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Grand Cayman for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Grand Cayman?

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 Grand Cayman. 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 Grand Cayman?

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.

Grand Cayman

When people think of the Cayman Islands, they typically think of offshore bank accounts and sunny, cruise ship ports. Grand Cayman has more to offer travelers than a playground for the wealthy or a short stopover for cruise passengers. This tropical island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, it is a shopper's heaven, a center for global finance and an ideal vacation spot.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.


Which place is cheaper, Grand Cayman or Kuala Lumpur?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $62, while the average daily cost in Grand Cayman is $215. 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 Grand Cayman in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kuala Lumpur $36
    Grand Cayman $150
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kuala Lumpur $72
    Grand Cayman $300
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Grand Cayman

Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Grand Cayman? 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 Grand Cayman


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 Grand Cayman Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kuala Lumpur $6.45
    Grand Cayman $31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kuala Lumpur

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.16
  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $0.68
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $3.16
  • Taxi From Airport
    $19
  • Bus from Airport
    $1.69
  • Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam
    $2.53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur

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

  • ~Chauffeur: KLIA Airport to Kuala Lumpur City Centre Transfer : $136
  • VIP Arrival Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Airport: $196
  • VIP Airport Transfer - Departure: $183
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Kuala Lumpur HTL-APT (KUL): $28
  • Transfer To Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort : $30
  • Taman Negara Kuala Tahan Transfer Private Hyundai Starex: $120
  • Sunway Lagoon: Ticket with Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $88
  • Sunway Lagoon: Admission Ticket & 2-Way Transfer: $72
  • Sunway Lagoon Theme Park with Round-Trip Transfer: $83
  • Sunway Lagoon Theme Park Ticket and 1 WAY Transfer (SIC – shared transfer): $55
  • Sunway Lagoon Theme Park 2-Way Transfer: $20
  • Sunway Lagoon One-Day Admission (With & Without Transfer): $77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Grand Cayman

Also for Grand Cayman, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from George Town or 7 Mile to George Town Port: $54
  • Private Transfer from George Town Port to Owen Roberts AirportGCM: $54
  • Private Transfer from George Town Port to George Town or 7-Mile: $54
  • Privat Transfer from Owen Roberts Airport GCM to George Town Port: $54
  • George Town Port to Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) - Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • George Town Port to George Town / 7-Mile Beach area -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $108
  • George Town Cruise Port to George Town or 7-Mile Beach -Arrival Private Transfer: $54
  • George Town / 7- Mile Beach area to George Town Port -Departure Private Transfer: $54
  • Airport Transfers to North Side Accommodation (GCM Grand Cayman): $265
  • Airport Transfer - Owen Roberts Intl Airport to GeorgeTown or Seven Mile Beach: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Grand Cayman?

Prices for flights to both Grand Cayman 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 $15
    Grand Cayman $39
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
    $8.44
  • Roti Bread
    $0.21
  • Food Court Lunch
    $3.04
  • Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)
    $4.54

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:

  • ARAS Restaurant at KL Tower Buffet Dinner: $29
  • 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
  • Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Cultural Night Experience with Buffet Dinner : $53
  • From Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour with Dinner: $53
  • Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur : $55
  • Spiritual Healing and Authentic Cooking with Local Host: $61
  • Kuala Lumpur by Night and Malaysian Food Tour: $61
  • Eat Like a Local: Kuala Lumpur Hawker Center and Street Food Tour by Night: $62
  • Petaling Street Heritage Food Tour: $63

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kuala Lumpur $13
    Grand Cayman $41
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)
    $9.49
  • 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:

  • Adventure Sports & Thrilling White-water Rafting in Kampar River: $242
  • Batu Caves And Countryside Tour: $24
  • Full Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour with Petronas Twin Tower Tickets: $95
  • Full Day Melaka Tour with The Shore Sky Tower 43rd Floor - Unesco Heritage: $189
  • History, Heritage & Culture Of Malaysia Tour: $62
  • Kuala Lumpur (Genting Highlands 7.5 hours Private Tour): $66
  • Kuala Lumpur Full Day City & Shopping Tour with Lunch (PRIVATE TOUR): $77
  • Kuala Lumpur Morning Food Experience Tour: $88
  • Malacca Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $184
  • Malaysia: Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $13
  • Shah Alam Islamic Arts and Culture Tours : $31
  • *12 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Van Tour from Bentong w' Tour Guide: $90

Tours and Activities in Grand Cayman

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

  • 2-stop Adventure: Stingray City and snorkeling at Cayman Reefs: $79
  • Acquarius Stingray City and Snorkel Tours: $80
  • Cayman Adventure: Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Gardens: $99
  • Cayman Classic Food Tasting Walking Tour Shore Excursion : $159
  • Cayman Crystal Caves Tour in Grand Cayman Island: $126
  • Cayman's Classic Food Tasting & Cultural Experience: $179
  • East End Activities and Tour in Grand Cayman: $158
  • East Island Tour : $298
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $278
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in George Town from George Town Port: $264
  • Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour: $95
  • Grand Cayman Cruise: Starfish Point, Stingray City, Coral Garden: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kuala Lumpur $6.25
    Grand Cayman $13
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
    $9.49

Typical Alcohol Prices in Grand Cayman

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Grand Cayman:


  • Beer
    $4.97

Sample the Local Flavors in Grand Cayman

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Grand Cayman:

  • Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only: $24


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


Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Grand Cayman?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Grand Cayman. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Grand Cayman, 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 Grand Cayman?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Grand Cayman in the Summer?

Both Grand Cayman and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Grand Cayman because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Grand Cayman. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives less rain than Grand Cayman. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F) 
    Grand Cayman 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Grand Cayman in the Autumn?

Both Grand Cayman and Kuala Lumpur during the autumn 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 Grand Cayman year-round.

Grand Cayman 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 October than Grand Cayman. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Grand Cayman in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F) 
    Grand Cayman 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Grand Cayman in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Grand Cayman. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Grand Cayman attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Grand Cayman. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Grand Cayman. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Grand Cayman averages at about 24°C (76°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F) 
    Grand Cayman 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Grand Cayman in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Grand Cayman. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Grand Cayman throughout the year.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Grand Cayman. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Grand Cayman receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Grand Cayman. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Grand Cayman fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F) 
    Grand Cayman 26°C (79°F)

Typical Weather for Grand Cayman and Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur Grand Cayman
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 239 mm (9.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 131 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 212 mm (8.3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 280 mm (11 in) 27°C (81°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 141 mm (5.6 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 250 mm (9.8 in) 25°C (78°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)