Which place is cheaper, Havana or Kuala Lumpur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Havana?
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 Havana. 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 Havana?
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.
Havana
The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).
This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $62Havana $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $62, while the average daily cost in Havana 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 Havana in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $36Havana $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $72Havana $80
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Havana
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Havana? 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 $6.45Havana $19
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$3.16
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.68
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Short Taxi Ride$3.16
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Taxi From Airport$19
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Bus from Airport$1.69
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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: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Car Transfer: $268
- *Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Transfer [Van]: $175
- 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 Private Transfer: KLIA/ KLIA 2 to or from Hotel (6 seater): $48
- 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 Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Car: $85
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Van: $115
- Arrival Transfer - Kuala Lumpur Airport To Genting Highlands: $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Havana:
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Short Taxi Ride$0.68
Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Havana?
Prices for flights to both Havana 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 $15Havana $10
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$8.44
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Roti Bread$0.21
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Food Court Lunch$3.04
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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
- 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
- Eat Like a Local: Kuala Lumpur Hawker Center and Street Food Tour by Night: $62
- Petaling Street Heritage Food Tour: $63
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $64
Typical Food Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Havana:
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Pizza$0.03
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $13Havana $11
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)$9.49
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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: $3.95
- Malaysia: KL Tower Entry Ticket: $4.60
- Alive 3D Art Gallery Admission Ticket: $7.67
- Zoo Negara Instant Entry E-Ticket: $8.12
- Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $9.87
- 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: $13
- Malaysia: Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $13
- KL Tower Admission Ticket: $13
- Half-Day City Tour: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKuala Lumpur $6.25Havana $5.76
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$9.49
Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Havana:
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Mojito$0.15
When comparing the travel costs between Kuala Lumpur and Havana, we can see that Havana 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. Even though Kuala Lumpur is in Asia and Havana is in Caribbean Islands, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 Havana Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Havana?
Havana has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Havana, 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 Havana?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Havana in the Summer?
Both Havana 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Havana. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Havana. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Havana 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Havana in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Havana. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Havana. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Havana in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Havana fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Havana 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Havana in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Havana. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Havana. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Havana. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Havana averages at about 21°C (70°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Havana 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Havana in the Spring?
Both Havana 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. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Havana. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Havana. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Havana 24°C (75°F)
Typical Weather for Havana and Kuala Lumpur
| Kuala Lumpur | Havana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 30 mm (1.2 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.