Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Kuala Lumpur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou. 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 Hangzhou?
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.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to China, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $62Hangzhou $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $62, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $65. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $36Hangzhou $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $72Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Hangzhou? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kuala Lumpur $6.41Hangzhou $8.11
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$3.14
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.67
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Short Taxi Ride$3.14
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Taxi From Airport$19
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Bus from Airport$1.68
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Airport Transfer in Kuala Lumpur: $34
- *Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Car Transfer: $268
- *Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Transfer [Van]: $173
- 2 Way Transfer to or from Kuala Lumpur International Airport : $25
- AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort Hotel To Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA KLIA2 Transfer: $50
- Airport Arrival Transfer-VIP Class: $200
- Airport Transfer Hotel - KL Airport (KLIA / KLIA 2 || Private): $40
- Airport Transfer from/to KLIA /KLIA 2: $25
- Airport to Hotel Drop Off Transfer (Kuala Lumpur): $50
- Airport transfer : $40
- Arrival Private Transfer Kuala Lumpur Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur by Minivan: $48
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Van: $115
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
- Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $87
- Water Town and West Lake Sightseeing with Hangzhou Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $217
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show with Private Transfer: $83
- Transfer from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to City Center: $55
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show VIP Seat Ticket with Pick-up Transfer: $82
- Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Yellow Mountain from Hangzhou: $196
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Private Transfer to Shanghai City from Hangzhou: $119
Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 $15Hangzhou $18
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$8.39
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Roti Bread$0.21
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Food Court Lunch$3.02
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$4.51
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: $28
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $43
- 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
- Cultural Night Tour with Dinner: $55
- Malaysia Cooking Classes: $60
- Kuala Lumpur by Night and Malaysian Food Tour: $61
- Petaling Street Heritage Food Tour: $62
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $63
- Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour Include Seafood Dinner (Free Boat Ride): $65
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.35
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $13Hangzhou $20
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)$9.43
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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:
- KL Tower Admission E-Ticket with Options: $3.92
- Malaysia: KL Tower Entry Ticket: $4.60
- Alive 3D Art Gallery Admission Ticket: $7.67
- Zoo Negara Instant Entry E-Ticket: $9.81
- Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $9.81
- KL Tower Observation Deck Entry Ticket: $11
- KL Tower Admission Ticket: $12
- Kuala Lumpur's Cultural Highlights and Landmarks: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Berjaya Times Square Theme Park Entry Ticket: $12
- Malaysia: Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $13
- KL Tower Admission Ticket: $13
- Half-Day City Tour: $13
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Private Day Tour of West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Tea Village: $199
- West Lake Private Tour with Boat Ride and Enduring Memories Night Show VIP Seat: $242
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- A Depth-Tour to Explore Xixi Wetland Park in Hangzhou: $246
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
- China Academy of Art Architecture & Longjing Tea Plantation Private Tour: $212
- Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
- Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKuala Lumpur $6.21Hangzhou $10
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$9.43
When comparing the travel costs between Kuala Lumpur and Hangzhou, we can see that Hangzhou is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Hangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Hangzhou?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?
Hangzhou has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Hangzhou in the Summer?
Both Hangzhou 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.
In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 29°C (85°F).
Hangzhou 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 July than Hangzhou. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Hangzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.
In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Hangzhou in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Hangzhou. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Hangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Hangzhou. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Hangzhou in the Spring?
Both Hangzhou 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.
In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Kuala Lumpur
| Kuala Lumpur | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.