Which place is cheaper, Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil?
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 Guayaquil. 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 Guayaquil?
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.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and seaport. From a tourist perspective, the city acts primarily as a transportation gateway to the country and the Galapagos Islands. While the city can be skipped altogether, should you have a free day to spend here, there are a few noteworthy things to do, as well as some terrific dining and nightlife options. Guayaquil’s main tourist attraction is Las Penas, a hill with old, colorfully painted buildings at the north end of the Malecon, where you can walk the 400 steps to the lighthouse at the top for good views of the city. The neighborhood is filled with cafes, bars, restaurants, and art galleries and is relatively safe. Other important sights include the Malecon 2000, a massive urban development project that has brought new life to the riverside in the city center and the Parque Seminario, filled with fountains, trees and iguanas, located at 10 de Agosto Ave and Chile Ave.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Ecuador, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ecuador.
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Kuala Lumpur Prices
Malaysia PricesGuayaquil Prices
Ecuador Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $83Guayaquil $116
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $83, while the average daily cost in Guayaquil is $116. 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 Guayaquil in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $41Guayaquil $32
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $82Guayaquil $64
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Guayaquil
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Guayaquil? 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 Guayaquil Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kuala Lumpur $7.21Guayaquil $15
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:
- ~Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [Van]: $77
- ~Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [MPV]: $268
- VIP Transfer by Mercedes Benz : Airport to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $87
- VIP Departure Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Airport: $202
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Kuala Lumpur APT-HTL (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: $99
- Sunway Lagoon: Admission Ticket & 2-Way Transfer: $72
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park with Round-Trip Transfer: $94
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer (1-way): $17
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer: $17
Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Guayaquil?
Prices for flights to both Guayaquil 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 $29Guayaquil $50
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
- 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: $53
- 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
- Firefly Park Kuala Selangor Seafood Dinner and Free Boat Ride: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $15Guayaquil $21
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:
- Adventure Sports & Thrilling White-water Rafting in Kampar River: $182
- Cameron Highland Day Tour From Kuala Lumpur By Group: $155
- Full Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour with Petronas Twin Tower Tickets: $95
- Half Day Kuala Lumpur Culture And Communities Exploration Tour: $30
- Historic And Heritage Melaka Tour: $55
- KL Tour with Petronas Twin Towers Observation Deck & Batu Cave: $145
- KLCC Lake Symphony & The River of Life Tour from Kuala Lumpur: $33
- Kuala Lumpur (Genting Highlands 7.5 hours Private Tour): $61
- Kuala Lumpur Full Day City Tour Cruise Excursion from Port Klang: $65
- Kuala Lumpur Half Day Family Tour With Aquaria KLCC : $105
- Malacca Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $184
- Petronas Twin Tower Tickets with City Tour: $80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKuala Lumpur $6.58Guayaquil $17
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 Guayaquil, we can see that Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil 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 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 Guayaquil would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Guayaquil?
Guayaquil has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Guayaquil, 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 Guayaquil?
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 Guayaquil in the Summer?
Both Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guayaquil. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Guayaquil in the Autumn?
Both Guayaquil 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 Guayaquil year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Guayaquil. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Guayaquil in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Guayaquil fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Guayaquil in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Guayaquil. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Guayaquil attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Guayaquil receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Guayaquil. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Guayaquil averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Guayaquil in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Guayaquil. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Guayaquil throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Guayaquil. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Guayaquil. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Guayaquil receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Guayaquil. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Guayaquil fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Guayaquil 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Guayaquil and Kuala Lumpur
| Kuala Lumpur | Guayaquil | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.