Which place is cheaper, Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay?
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 Montego Bay. 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 Montego Bay?
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 a fairly affordable city by global standards, 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.
Montego Bay
As with most places around the tropical oasis of Jamaica, Montego Bay (or "MoBay") is an ideal place to visit for a Caribbean getaway. It is Jamaica's second largest city and the capital of St. James parish on the northern coast. Montego Bay is considered to be the tourist capital of the country and is where the largest airport is located, bringing in many international travelers.
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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Kuala Lumpur Prices
Malaysia PricesMontego Bay Prices
Jamaica Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $86Montego Bay $257
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $86, while the average daily cost in Montego Bay is $257. 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 Montego Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $43Montego Bay $101
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $86Montego Bay $202
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Montego Bay
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Montego Bay? 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 Montego Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kuala Lumpur $7.51Montego Bay $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$3.71
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.79
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Short Taxi Ride$3.71
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Taxi From Airport$22
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Bus from Airport$1.98
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.97
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Train to Airport$1.21
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport Departure Transfer KLIA1/KLIA2: $13
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Private Transfer: $15
- Exclusive Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer: $17
- Private Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $17
- Private Kuala Lumpur Airport Arrival Transfer: $17
- Kuala Lumpur Hotels to Sunway Lagoon Theme Park Transfer: $17
- Private: Kuala Lumpur Departure Transfer: $17
- Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer: $17
- PVT Arrival TransferKLIA 1/2 to Kuala Lumpur: $17
- PVT Departure Transfer Kuala Lumpur to KLIA 1/2: $17
- Kuala Lumpur Hotels to Sunway Lagoon Theme Park Transfer (1-way): $17
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $17
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montego Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montego Bay:
- luxury VIP Airport Transfer to RIU Palace, Reggae,Montego bay: $140
- Zoetry Montego Bay Airport Transfers MBJ (Private Roundtrip Exclusive): $180
- VIP Luxury Airport Transfer Mobay, Ocho Rios, Negril, Lucea,: $150
- Tryall / Round Hill - Montego Bay Airport Transfers: $107
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Montego Bay HTL-APT (MBJ): $37
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Montego Bay APT-HTL (MBJ): $37
- Tropical Court Hotel Private Airport Transfer: $13
- Transfers from Montego Bay Airport to Negril: $53
- Transfer Service, Sangster MBJ Airport From/To Iberostar zone: $64
- Tobys Resort Private Airport Transfer: $20
- Sunset at the Palm Private Negril Airport Transfer: $52
- Sunscape Resorts Montego Bay Private Airport Transfers: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Montego Bay?
Prices for flights to both Montego Bay 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 $30Montego Bay $141
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$9.90
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Roti Bread$0.25
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Food Court Lunch$3.57
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$5.32
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:
- From Batu Caves Night Tour + Indian Set Dinner: $28
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $41
- Authentic Malaysian Street Food Tour With 15+ Tastings Near KLCC: $42
- Kuala Selangor Fireflies & Blue Tears Guided Tour w Dinner (SIC): $50
- Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $52
- Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $54
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $55
- Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur: $55
- Glowing Firefly Tour With Dinner (SIC): $59
- Spiritual Healing and Authentic Cooking with Local Host: $61
- 'Kelip Kelip' Fireflies Tour include Dinner + Free Boat-Ride: $65
- Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour Include Seafood Dinner (Free Boat Ride): $65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montego Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montego Bay.
- Lunch or Dinner with Pickup from Montego Bay: $45
- Montego Bay Jerk Tour and Rum Punch Mixology/Food Tour: $50
- Street Food Tour in Montego Bay: $59
- Club2727 Nightlife Experience With Optional Dinner In Montego Bay: $60
- Mystic Lagoon Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Lagoon Swim: $85
- Sunset Dinner at Bamboo Beach Club: $99
- 3 to 5 Hour Private Herbal Tour Shopping and Dinner at Ricks Cafe: $120
- Bar Hopping and Local Food Tour in Jamaica: $130
- Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios Dinner and Nightlife Experience: $150
- Restaurant Transportation for Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Montego Bay: $180
- Authentic Jamaican Cooking Experience in the Mountain from mobay: $210
- PRIVATE Food Tour of Local Jamaican Cuisine Montego Bay & Negril: $210
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $16Montego Bay $31
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$1.24
Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Kuala Lumpur at Your Own Pace: The Complete Self-Guided Tour: $3.55
- Genting Highlands Premium Outlets Cable Car Ticket: $6.40
- Urban Museum at Toffee Raja Chulan Admission Ticket: $6.62
- Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass: $7.41
- Kuala Lumpur Half Day City Guided Tour (SIC/Shared Tour): $8.50
- KL Tower Admission E-Ticket with Options: $8.65
- Kuala Lumpur Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
- Kuala Lumpur KL Tower Entry Ticket: $9.49
- Science Centre Visit Entry Ticket: $9.68
- Museum Of Illusions Standard Admission Ticket: $9.88
- Genting Highlands Premium Outlets Cable Car Ticket: $9.99
- Selangor: Zoo Negara E-Ticket: $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Montego Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Montego Bay are as follows:
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Admission to Doctor's Cave Beach$2.66
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Snorkeling Trip$19
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One Tank Dive$37
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1.5 Hr Horseback Ride$43
Tours and Activities in Montego Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Montego Bay are as follows:
- 1 Hour Horse Back Riding & Dunn's River Falls Tour Combo: $240
- 2 Hour Private Montego Bay City Tour with Souvenir’s Shopping: $80
- 27/27 Lounge, Pier 1 & Margaritaville Nightlife Tour In Jamaica: $80
- 3 Hours Private Tour in Montego Bay From Falmouth: $75
- 3-Hour Private Tour in the Highlights of Montego Bay: $58
- 4 Hours Party Boat Catamaran Cruise in Negril: $190
- 4 Hours Private Night Life Experience in Montego Bay: $66
- 4-Hour Catamaran Party Cruise with Open Bar from Montego Bay: $200
- 5 Hour Private Tour at Negril Beach and Rick's Cafe: $150
- 7 Mile Beach & Ricks Cafe with free Shopping experience: $50
- 7 Mile Beach Party Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling & Ricks Cafe: $115
- 7 in 1 Day Jamaican Adventure with Jhadano Tours: $50
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKuala Lumpur $6.85Montego Bay $13
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Montego Bay
Also in Montego Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Appleton Estate Admission Ticket & Distillery Tour with Tastings: $39
- Montego Bay Pub Crawl To Negril and Rick's Cafe: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Montego Bay, we can see that Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay is in Caribbean Islands, 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 Montego Bay would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montego Bay 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 Montego Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Montego Bay?
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Montego Bay. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Montego Bay, 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 Montego Bay?
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 Montego Bay in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Montego Bay. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Montego Bay throughout the year.
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Montego Bay. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kuala Lumpur this time of the year. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 257 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Montego Bay 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Montego Bay in the Autumn?
Both Montego Bay and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Montego Bay because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Montego Bay. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
It's quite sunny in Montego Bay. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 233 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Montego Bay. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Montego Bay fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Montego Bay 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Montego Bay in the Winter?
Both Montego Bay and Kuala Lumpur during the winter 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 Montego Bay year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Montego Bay. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Montego Bay, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Montego Bay. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montego Bay receives 226 hours of full sun.
Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Montego Bay in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Montego Bay fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Montego Bay 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Montego Bay in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Montego Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Montego Bay attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Montego Bay. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Montego Bay receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montego Bay this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Montego Bay during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Montego Bay receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Montego Bay. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Montego Bay averages at about 25°C (77°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Montego Bay 25°C (77°F)
Typical Weather for Montego Bay and Kuala Lumpur
| Kuala Lumpur | Montego Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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) | 28°C (82°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 100 mm (3.9 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.