Which place is cheaper, Guatemala City 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 Guatemala City?
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 Guatemala City. 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 Guatemala City?
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.
Guatemala City
Referred to by the locals as "Guate," Guatemala City is the largest and most modern city in Guatemala, as well as its capital. While the atmosphere of the place is big, dirty, and dangerous with city fumes and skyscrapers, it is the hub of the country. It is the place where travelers first step foot into Guatemala and, though it is a place of modern chaos, it does have some of the best galleries and museums as well as a selection of bars, cafes, and restaurants.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Kuala Lumpur, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Guatemala, and The Best Adventure Tours to Guatemala.
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Kuala Lumpur Prices
Malaysia PricesGuatemala City Prices
Guatemala Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $85Guatemala City $56
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $85, while the average daily cost in Guatemala City is $56. 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 Guatemala City in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $42Guatemala City $24
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $84Guatemala City $48
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Guatemala City
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Guatemala City? 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 Guatemala City Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kuala Lumpur $7.42Guatemala City $6.27
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$3.67
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.78
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Short Taxi Ride$3.67
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Taxi From Airport$22
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Bus from Airport$1.96
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.94
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Train to Airport$1.20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport Departure Transfer KLIA1/KLIA2: $13
- KUL Airport Private Transfer to/from City Center: $16
- Exclusive Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer: $17
- Private Kuala Lumpur Airport Arrival Transfer: $17
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer: $17
- Kuala Lumpur Hotels to Sunway Lagoon Theme Park Transfer: $17
- PVT Departure Transfer Kuala Lumpur to KLIA 1/2: $17
- Private Hotel Transfer to Kuala Lumpur Attractions: $17
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer (1-way): $17
- Kuala Lumpur Hotel to Airport Transfer: $18
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer: $18
- Kuala Lumpur Airport Arrival Transfer: $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guatemala City
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guatemala City:
- Transfer Private Group Airport to Antigua or Viceversa: $120
- San Salvadorz: Convenient bus transfer from/to Guatemala: $41
- Private transfer from La Aurora Airport to Panajachel: $78
- Private transfer from Airport to Panajachel: $78
- Private transfer - San Pedro la Laguna to Guatemala City: $200
- Private and Exclusive Transfer from Airport to Panajachel: $210
- Private Transfers from Guatemala city to Panajachel: $200
- Private Transfer: Guatemala City ⇄ Antigua – One-Way: $40
- Private Transfer: Guatemala City Airpot(GUA) to Antigua Guatemala: $29
- Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Puerto Quetzal Port: $200
- Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Panajachel or Atitlan: $254
- Private Transfer from Guatemala City to Antigua: $74
Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Guatemala City?
Prices for flights to both Guatemala City 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 $30Guatemala City $27
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$9.79
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Roti Bread$0.24
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Food Court Lunch$3.52
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$5.26
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
- Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $52
- Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur: $55
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
- Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $60
- Spiritual Healing and Authentic Cooking with Local Host: $61
- Kuala Selangor Fireflies & Blue Tears Guided Tour w Dinner (SIC): $62
- Kuala Lumpur Best Food Tour With A Guide: $64
- 'Kelip Kelip' Fireflies & Batu Caves Tour include Seafood Dinner & Boat Ride: $65
- Kuala Selangor Firefly & Batu Caves Tour include Dinner+Boat-Ride: $65
- Malaysian Hands-On Cooking Class : Masala Medley: $66
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guatemala City
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guatemala City.
- Guatemala: Wine and Pizza Tasting Experience: $35
- Antigua: Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class: $80
- Small-Group Cooking Class in Antigua from Guatemala City: $120
- Food Tour Zona 4: Dinner Date Experience: $125
- Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum from Guatemala City: $188
- Pacaya Volcano Vistas + Enjoy Pizza with Great Volcano Views: $205
- Pacaya Volcano. Tour and pizza making on Volcanic Heat: $275
- Puerto Quetzal: Private Tour Pacaya Volcano 4x4 and Pizza: $550
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $16Guatemala City $1.23
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$1.22
Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Kuala Lumpur at Your Own Pace: The Complete Self-Guided Tour: $1.12
- Sunway Lagoon Ticket: $3.76
- Genting Highlands Awana SkyWay Cable Car Ticket: $4.01
- Genting Highlands Premium Outlets Cable Car Ticket: $6.40
- Genting Highlands: Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park Entry Ticket: $6.42
- Urban Museum at Toffee Raja Chulan Admission Ticket: $6.53
- Podcast Tour Kuala Lumpur The Sensory and Spiritual Tapestry: $6.85
- Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass: $7.41
- KL Tower Admission E-Ticket with Options: $8.65
- Kuala Lumpur KL Tower Entry Ticket: $9.49
- Museum Of Illusions Standard Admission Ticket: $9.88
- Kuala Lumpur Suburbs Batu Caves Half-Day Tour (SIC/Shared Tour): $10
Tours and Activities in Guatemala City
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Guatemala City are as follows:
- 1 Day Lake Atitlan Tour from Guatemala City: $150
- 2-Day Tour: Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlan and Hobbitenango: $299
- 2in1 Tour: Avocado Farm + Private Tour in Antigua Guatemala: $199
- 3-Day Antigua Guatemala and Pacaya Volcano Adventure: $256
- 4-Hour Bike Tour Guatemala City: $70
- Antigua + Guatemala City Full Day Tour - History Lovers Favorite: $245
- Antigua City Tour Full Day From Guatemala City: $60
- Antigua City Tour from Guatemala City: $89
- Antigua Guatemala Cultural Tour History and Gastronomy: $85
- Antigua Guatemala Express Half Day Colonial Charm Tour: $45
- Antigua Guatemala Full Day Tour: $85
- Antigua Guatemala Full-Day Shared City Tour: $83
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKuala Lumpur $6.77Guatemala City $6.95
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Kuala Lumpur
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kuala Lumpur:
- Hidden Bar Hopping With A Local - Bar Crawl: $35
- Kuala Lumpur Nightlife Pub Crawl with 4 Venues and Drinks: $41
Sample the Local Flavors in Guatemala City
Also in Guatemala City, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Guatemala City Legends Tour + Craft Beers at El Cadejo Brewery: $105
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Guatemala City, we can see that Kuala Lumpur is more expensive. And not only is Guatemala City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kuala Lumpur is in Asia and Guatemala City is in Central 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 Guatemala City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guatemala City 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 Guatemala City.
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 Guatemala City Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Guatemala City?
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Guatemala City. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Guatemala City, 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.
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.