A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Hong Kong for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

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Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong?

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 Hong Kong. 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.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a friendly, diverse, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a dense, cosmopolitan, and glamorous city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping.

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Hong Kong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Spend time exploring the signts and museum in either Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong.

Travelers visit Kuala Lumpur from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hong Kong can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's skyline is one of the most famous "landmarks", but you'll also want to visit Victoria Peak, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Avenue of Stars.


Is Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong better for Food?

Foodies will find both Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong both to be unique destinations.

Eat your way through Kuala Lumpur, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

Known for it's food scene, Hong Kong is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's population is famous for its frequency of dining out, and the prolific diversity of restaurants is obvious from the moment you arrive. There are street food stalls and night markets, as well as luxury award winning restaurants. The city holds tight to its culinary traditions, but fusion restaurants are creeping in as well. Some of the most famous Hong Kong foods include dim sum, sweet and sour pork, and roast goose.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong better for Nightlife?

The nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

Kuala Lumpur has a large number of nightlife venues. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

Hong Kong has a large number of nightlife venues. The city lights up after the sun sets. You'll find a diverse range of activities in the evening ranging from night markets to concerts and parties. Many of the most popular venues are found around Central and, like everything else in Hong Kong, the venues are often compact and crowded.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong better for Shopping?

Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Kuala Lumpur. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

Known for shopping, Hong Kong draws large crowds to its stores. There is a high concentration of shopping malls in the city, and you'll likely find yourself cutting through malls to access different parts of town. The city is arguably one of the best shopping cities in the world. Popular items to purchase in the city include designer clothes, handbags, electronics, jewelry, watches, and tailor-made suits.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong are family-friendly destinations.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Hong Kong is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. In addition to its many fascinating cultural experiences like visiting the markets and historical landmarks, this city also has a diversity of kid-friendly entertainment options. The most obvious is Disneyland, but there are also other amusement parks and aquariums like Ocean Park. Make sure you check out the Symphony of Lights in the evening and head to The Peak Tower during the day.


Is Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong both fun destinations for a couple.

Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Hong Kong has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This city is filled with luxury hotels, beautiful parks, and impressive restaurants. For a romantic evening, check out the Symphony of Lights over Victoria Harbour after the sun sets.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong are both good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Kuala Lumpur. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Hong Kong. The city is more expensive than many places, but cheap eateries and free activities are abundant. Many backpackers stay in the Tsim Sha Shui area of Kowloon. This is where you'll find the frequently talked about Chungking Mansions. Times are changing though, and you'll find more hostels on Hong Kong Island these days as well.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong better for Public Transit?

Visitors will find public transit in both Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

With a huge network, the transit system in Kuala Lumpur can get you around easily. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Visitors in Hong Kong can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Land transportation includes the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), buses, minibuses, and tramways. There are also ferries that connect the different parts of the city.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong are similar when it comes to walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Hong Kong. The city has many parks and walking paths that connect different areas.


Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong: Pros and Cons

Kuala Lumpur
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Hong Kong
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Should I spend more time in Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hong Kong than Kuala Lumpur.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Kuala Lumpur is 1-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Hong Kong is 3-7 days.


  • How many days in Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kuala Lumpur 1-5 
    Hong Kong 3-7

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong?

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Hong Kong, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cosmopolitan city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong?

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Hong Kong is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong?

People visit Kuala Lumpur because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

In Hong Kong, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this diverse big city offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. Plenty of people spend five days here when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong?

Kuala Lumpur is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Hong Kong is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire area has lots to do.

Which city is cheaper, Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $49, while the average daily cost in Hong Kong is $127. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kuala Lumpur $30
    Hong Kong $60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kuala Lumpur $60
    Hong Kong $120

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kuala Lumpur $5.17
    Hong Kong $6.96
Typical Local Transportation prices in Kuala Lumpur

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


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.40
  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $0.73
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $3.40
  • Taxi From Airport
    $20
  • Bus from Airport
    $1.82
  • Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam
    $2.72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur

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

  • i-City Shah Alam Theme Park Adventure with Return Transfer: $60
  • VIP Departure Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Airport: $196
  • Sunway Lagoon Theme Park Ticket With Return Transfer: $144
  • Sunway Lagoon One-Day Admission Tickets Including Transfer: $91
  • Sunway Lagoon Admission Ticket with Return Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $68
  • Subang Airport Private Car Transfer: $27
  • Skip the Line: Petrosains The Discovery Centre Ticket with One Way Transfer: $26
  • Skip the Line: Petronas Twin Tower Ticket Lunch & Round Trip Hotel Transfer: $80
  • Skip the Line: PETRONAS Twin Towers Admission + One Way Transfer: $25
  • Skip The Line: Petronas Twin Tower Tickets & Round Trip Transfers: $60
  • Skip The Line: Petronas Tower & KL Tower Ticket with Round Trip Hotel Transfers: $80
  • Skip The Line Petronas Twin Towers Admission Ticket with Return Transfer & Lunch: $77

Typical Local Transportation prices in Hong Kong

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hong Kong:


  • MTR (for 2)
    $2.80
  • Local Bus
    $2.80
  • Ferry Ticket
    $0.25
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Train Ticket
    $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hong Kong

Also for Hong Kong, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfers anywhere in Hong Kong: $141
  • Transfer in Private Minivan from Hong Kong City to Airport: $77
  • Tesla Airport Transfer - Hong Kong International Airport: $90
  • Shanghai Disneyland and Courtyard by Marriott Package with Transfers: $389
  • Round Trip Hong Kong Airport (HKG) Transfer to Hong Kong City Center: $158
  • Private transfer: Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong: $98
  • Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG): $98
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer: Hong Kong Airport - Hong Kong Island or City Center: $75
  • Private MPV Hong Kong International Airport Transfers (Group of 6): $75
  • Private Hong Kong To Shenzhen Transfer with Sightseeing: $235
  • Private Hong Kong Airport Transfer made easy with Hello Transfers!: $73
  • Private Departure Transfer from Hong Kong Island or City to Hong Kong Airport: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong?

Prices for flights to both Hong Kong 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 $10
    Hong Kong $26
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
    $9.08
  • Roti Bread
    $0.23
  • Food Court Lunch
    $3.27
  • Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)
    $4.88

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:

  • Amazing Local Food Tour in Kuala Lumpur: $29
  • Discover the Best Local Food Tour by Night in Kuala Lumpur: $39
  • Malaysian Ramadhan Buffet Dinner Cultural Show - nearby KLCC: $40
  • Small group epic food tour! Immerse yourself in the local culture too!: $44
  • Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur: $45
  • Market Visit & Garden-to-Table Cooking Class: $47
  • Yummy Yummy Street Food Tour - Kuala Lumpur By Night (Guided With Transport): $53
  • Old Markets & Beyond: Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $55
  • Cultural Night Tour with Dinner: $55
  • Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $59
  • Chef-Designed Small-Group Food Tour: $60
  • Withlocals The 10 Tastings: Kuala Lumpur Private Street Food Tour: $61

Typical Food prices in Hong Kong

For Hong Kong, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner for 2
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hong Kong

For Hong Kong, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • E-Ticket: Symphony of Lights Dinner Cruise and Free Transfer: $64
  • 2-Hour Dinner & Shows on Victoria Harbour Night Cruise: $81
  • Hong Kong Market Tour and Cantonese Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $154
  • Private Food Tour: The Best Bites of Mongkok: $204
  • Private Food Tour: The Best Bites of Hong Kong Island: $204
  • Private Romantic Dinner for 2 on Luxury Yacht: $1,549

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kuala Lumpur $12
    Hong Kong $76
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)
    $10
  • Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve
    $1.13

Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur

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

  • "Port Weld"+ Orang Utan Island + Eagle Feeding + Charcoal Factory (Private Tour): $234
  • "Waterfall In The Rainforest" Templer Park, Batu Caves & Natural Hotspring Tour: $46
  • (Base On Per Vehicle Price) KL Private City Tour: $123
  • 11 Hours Nostalgic Urban Car Tour to Sekinchan from Kuala Lumpur: $195
  • 11 Hours Nostalgic Urban Van Tour to Sekinchan from Kuala Lumpur: $56
  • 11 Top Attractions: Guided Kuala Lumpur City Tour: $45
  • 11 Top Attractions: Kuala Lumpur City Tour: $21
  • 12 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Flexible Full Day & Night Van Tour: $65
  • 12 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Ultimate Full Day & Night Car Tour: $193
  • 13 Attractions Half-Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour - SIC: $10
  • 13 Attractions Half-day Kuala Lumpur City Tour - Sic: $10
  • 13 Attractions: Kuala Lumpur Half-Day City Tour: $23

Typical Entertainment prices in Hong Kong

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Hong Kong's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Peak Tram
    $7.65
  • Madame Tussauds Hong Kong
    $24

Tours and Activities in Hong Kong

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

  • 1-Hour Guided Boat Tour Through Aberdeen Harbour in Hong Kong: $70
  • 3-in-1: Peak Tram, Madame Tussauds & Sky Terrace E-Tickets: $53
  • 4-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $237
  • 5-Hour Hiking Tour in The Green to Lion Rock in Hong Kong: $90
  • 5-Hour Private Customized Walking Tour in Hong Kong: $268
  • 6 hours worth seeing scenery in Hong Kong Island Private Tour by limo: $395
  • 6-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $294
  • 6-Hours Worth-Seeing Scenery in Kowloon Peninsula Private Tour By Limo: $124
  • 8-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $359
  • A Food Adventure in Hong Kong with a Local Foodie: $2.64
  • All inclusive VIP tickets for HKJC horse race SHATIN including pickup from hotel: $264
  • Authentic Home Visit Tour in Hong Kong: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kuala Lumpur $5.38
    Hong Kong $17
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
    $10

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, we can see that Hong Kong is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Hong Kong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hong Kong than you might in Kuala Lumpur.

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Kuala Lumpur vs. Hong Kong Travel Comparison

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