Which place is cheaper, Marrakech or Kuala Lumpur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech?
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 Marrakech. 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 modern, welcoming, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.
Marrakech
Marrakech is a cultural, high-energy, and fascinating city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.
Kuala Lumpur and Marrakech: Pros and Cons
Kuala Lumpur
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Petronas Twin Towers
Marrakech
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech?
Visitors will generally find more to do in Marrakech than Kuala Lumpur. While Kuala Lumpur is larger than Marrakech, Marrakech has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Marrakech is better known for its historical sights, while Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and big city activities. Marrakech is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is known for its colorful medina, festive night market, and beautiful palaces. Also, Marrakech is famous for Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Kuala Lumpur is well known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants.
How is Kuala Lumpur different from Marrakech?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Marrakech and Kuala Lumpur. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech?
Kuala Lumpur
Marrakech
Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Kuala Lumpur has many famous sights for visitors. 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.
Many visitors head to Marrakech specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While wandering the medina is an attraction in and of itself, there are also several sights that you should specifically check out. The iconic Djemaa el-Fnaa, or the city's main square, is best visited as the sun goes down. Other notable landmarks include Koutoubia Mosque, Majorelle Gardens, and Medersa Ben Youssef.
Is the Food Better in Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Kuala Lumpur
Marrakech
Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
For foodies, Kuala Lumpur is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.
With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Marrakech makes for a great culinary experience. Moroccan food is amazing and you'll enjoy grilled meats, tagines, couscous, and more. The city is more touristy than some parts of Morocco so you'll find the quality of the food can vary a bit, but it's still a culinary delight. Marrakesh is also a great city for taking a cooking class.
Is Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech Better for Nightlife?
Kuala Lumpur
Marrakech
Kuala Lumpur is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Marrakech is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.
Kuala Lumpur has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.
Marrakech has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Although alcohol is hard to come by, you'll find it in most western style restaurants and high end hotel chains. The city has more bars and nightclubs than you'd expect. There's also a great nighttime energy with many locals heading outside in the evening. Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, comes to life with street vendors, performers, and people during the nighttime hours.
Is Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech Better for its Old Town?
Kuala Lumpur
Marrakech
Marrakech is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.
The historic old town of Marrakech is revered around the world. The historic medina is filled with spices, antiques, art, and pottery. The culture and experience of wandering the medina will have you feeling like you stepped back in time.
Kuala Lumpur does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech?
Kuala Lumpur
Marrakech
Shoppers can find a variety of amazing stores in both Kuala Lumpur and Marrakech.
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.
The abundance of shops in Marrakech make it a world-class shopping destination. Shop your way through the street stalls and sample perfumes, spices, produce, and more. You'll find everything from souvenir trinkets to local items and authentic antiques.
Is Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech Better for Families?
Kuala Lumpur
Marrakech
Both Kuala Lumpur and Marrakech are superb 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.
Marrakech is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy exploring a new culture and wandering through the medina. The food is very kid-friendly and during the evening the main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, comes to life with street performers, vendors, and entertainment. Families can also take cooking classes or head into the desert for a camel trek.
Is Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech Better for Couples?
Kuala Lumpur
Marrakech
Marrakech is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.
Marrakech is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. There are many wonderful restaurants and fascinating places for couples to explores. Wandering the medina or visiting the gardens make for a romantic and adventurous getaway.
Couples visit Kuala Lumpur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.
Is Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Kuala Lumpur
Marrakech
Marrakech is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent Marrakech. The city is very affordable and there are countless riads that are budget-friendly. There are enough backpackers around town that it's not hard to meet fellow travelers.
Kuala Lumpur is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.
Is Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech Better for Students?
Kuala Lumpur
Marrakech
Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Marrakech is not popular with students.
Many students frequent Kuala Lumpur. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.
Marrakech is not popular with students.
Is Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Kuala Lumpur
Marrakech
Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Marrakech is lacking in options for its public transit.
Visitors in Kuala Lumpur can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.
Public transit is limited or non-existant in Marrakech. While there are local buses, most people take taxis around town when they can't walk. Taxis are affordable and convenient.
Is Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech a more walkable city?
Kuala Lumpur
Marrakech
Kuala Lumpur and Marrakech are superb 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.
Marrakech is a very walkable city. The medina is the best area to walk around but it's very easy to get lost. Outside of the medina you'll want to keep your eyes open for motorbikes and the occasional donkey.
For even more information, also check out Is Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting? and Is Marrakech Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Marrakech or Kuala Lumpur?
How long in Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech?
Both Kuala Lumpur and Marrakech have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Marrakech than in Kuala Lumpur. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 3-7 days is enough time in Marrakech.
Families should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Marrakech. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kuala Lumpur, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Marrakech than Kuala Lumpur. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Marrakech that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
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How many days in Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech? Ideal Length of StayKuala Lumpur 1-5Marrakech 3-7
One day in Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech?
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 Marrakech, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this ancient city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Marrakech?
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.
Marrakech is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the shopping. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.
Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech?
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 Marrakech, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this ancient big city offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the shopping. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.
A week in Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech?
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.
Marrakech is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $62Marrakech $69
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $62, while the average daily cost in Marrakech is $69. 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 Marrakech in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $36Marrakech $46
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $72Marrakech $92
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Marrakech
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech? 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 Marrakech Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kuala Lumpur $6.41Marrakech $6.30
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:
- VIP Transfer by Mercedes Benz : Airport to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $75
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Kuala Lumpur HTL-APT (KUL): $19
- Transfer To Avani Sepang Goldcoast Resort : $30
- Sunway Lagoon: Ticket with Transfer from Kuala Lumpur: $87
- Sunway Lagoon: Admission Ticket & 2-Way Transfer: $72
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park with Round-Trip Transfer: $83
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer: $17
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park Ticket and 1 WAY Transfer (SIC – shared transfer): $55
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park 2-Way Transfer: $20
- Sunway Lagoon One-Day Admission Tickets Including Transfer: $68
- Sunway Lagoon One-Day Admission (With & Without Transfer): $77
- Sunway Lagoon Day Tour With Transfer (SIC): $62
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marrakech
Also for Marrakech, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- transfers from Marrakech to Fez Airport or city: $229
- Try find your better than us!Airport transfer service in Marrakesh HTL-APT (RAK): $11
- Transfert privé vers ou depuis RAK aéroport: $13
- Transfert Privée Aéroport Marrakech vers Essaouira : $98
- Transfert Departure Marrakech City to Casablanca Airport: $265
- Transfers from Marrakech airport to the city and the medina: $16
- Transfers Marrakech to Essaouira or Essaouira to Marrakech: $66
- Transfer from el Jadida to Marrakech riad or hotel or Airport : $184
- Transfer from and to Marrakech Menara airoport: $20
- Transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca airport: $27
- Transfer from Marrakech to Casa-Airport or Casa-Airport to Marrakech: $150
- Transfer from Marrakech city or Marrakech airport to Casablanca city: $167
Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech?
Prices for flights to both Marrakech 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 $15Marrakech $13
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:
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $43
- Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $48
- Laksa Lanes Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Authentic Malaysian Street Food Tour in Kampung Baru: $50
- From Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour with Dinner: $55
- ARAS Restaurant at KL Tower Buffet Dinner: $58
- Kuala Lumpur by Night and Malaysian Food Tour: $61
- Petaling Street Heritage Food Tour: $62
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $63
- Private Malaysian Cooking Class With A Professional Chef: $64
- Firefly Park Kuala Selangor Seafood Dinner and Free Boat Ride: $64
Typical Food Prices in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Orange Juice on the Square$0.30
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Breakfast$1.20
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Dates$0.60
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Olives$0.90
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Sandwich$1.29
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Souvenir Spices$6.18
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Online Moroccan Cooking Class: $17
- Cooking Lesson at the Ouirgane Ecolodge with Lunch: $18
- Magical dinner in agafay desert with camel ride: $19
- Marrakech desert: Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner Show: $20
- Restaurant Dinner Experience with Hotel Pickup: $21
- Sunset in Agafay: Dinner, Camel, Quad-Book Adventure with Viator: $22
- Desert Dinner, Camel Ride, Sunset & Show: $23
- Dinner in Desert Marrakech and Camel ride at Sunset: $23
- Moroccan Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $24
- From Agafay Desert Sunset Dinner with Live Show: $25
- Dinner Magic in Agafay desert with transport from Marrakech: $26
- Desert Agafay Dinner at Nomad Camp and Camel Ride: $26
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $13Marrakech $7.01
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:
- Adventure Sports & Thrilling White-water Rafting in Kampar River: $241
- Batu Caves And Countryside Tour: $24
- Full Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour with Petronas Twin Tower Tickets: $95
- Half-day Kuala Lumpur City Tour: $19
- History, Heritage & Culture Of Malaysia Tour: $62
- KL Tour with Petronas Twin Towers Observation Deck & Batu Cave: $145
- KLCC Lake Symphony & The River of Life Tour from Kuala Lumpur: $33
- Malacca Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $184
- Shah Alam Islamic Arts and Culture Tours : $31
- *10 Hrs Kuala Lumpur Flexible Van Tour w' Tour Guide: $90
- *12Hrs Kuala Lumpur Van Tour from Genting Highlands w' Tour Guide: $90
- *13 Hrs Bentong Van tour from Kuala Lumpur w' Tour Guide: $81
Typical Entertainment Prices in Marrakech
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Marrakech's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Palace Tickets$1.99
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Golf at Atlas Golf$56
Tours and Activities in Marrakech
For Marrakech, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 3 Day Private Desert Tour From Marrakech To Merzouga Dunes With Camel Trek: $271
- 3 Day Sahara Desert Tour From Marrakech ending in Fez city: $249
- Agafay Desert: Three Valley Guided Tour From Marrakech : $21
- Atlas Mountains Horseback Ride Day Tour From Marrakech : $50
- Atlas Mountains, Berber Villages & Waterfall Tour: $25
- Biking Tour in atlas Mountain day trip form Marrakech : $139
- Desert Agafay and Atlas Mountains Day Tour & Camel ride From Marrakech: $17
- Experience Moroccan Hammam and Massage: $70
- Food Tasting Tour in Marrakech medina : $70
- Full-Day Tour in Atlas Mountain from Marrakech with Lunch: $21
- Half-Day Quad Bike Experience in Marrakech: $45
- Historical and Cultural Tour. : $24
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKuala Lumpur $6.21Marrakech $15
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Marrakech
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marrakech:
- Bar Crawl with Local Guide: $28
- Moroccan wine tasting workshop in Marrakech: $70
When comparing the travel costs between Kuala Lumpur and Marrakech, we can see that Marrakech 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 Marrakech is in Africa, 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 Marrakech Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Marrakech?
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Marrakech. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Marrakech, 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.