Which place is cheaper, Nanjing 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 Nanjing?
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 Nanjing. 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 Nanjing?
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.
Nanjing
Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
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Kuala Lumpur Prices
Malaysia PricesNanjing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $83Nanjing $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $83, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $118. 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 Nanjing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $41Nanjing $47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $82Nanjing $94
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Nanjing
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Nanjing? 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 $7.21Nanjing $39
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$3.57
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.76
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Short Taxi Ride$3.57
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Taxi From Airport$21
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Bus from Airport$1.90
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.85
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 2 Way Transfer to or from Kuala Lumpur International Airport : $25
- AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort Hotel TO Kuala Lumpur Hotel Door to Door Transfer: $59
- Airport Transfer Private From/To KLIA, KLIA2 : $20
- Airport Transfer: Kuala Lumpur to Airport KUL by Business Car: $105
- Airport to Hotel Private Transfer - Welcome to Malaysia: $50
- Airport transfer : $100
- Aquaria KLCC Admission Ticket with One-Way or Round-Trip Transfer: $38
- Aquaria KLCC Admission Ticket with return Transfer: $49
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Car: $93
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Van: $125
- Arrival Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Airport: $43
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to IPOH: $169
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
- Zhenjiang Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $78
- Yangzhou Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $80
- Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
- Private Transfer to Zhenjiang from Nanjing City Center: $94
- Private Transfer to Yangzhou from Nanjing City Center: $89
- Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
- Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
- Private Transfer between Nanjing Jinniuhu Wild Animal Park and City Hotels: $62
- Private Transfer Between Tangshan Hot Spring Resort and Nanjing Lukou Airport: $49
- Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to Zhenjiang City: $110
Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Nanjing?
Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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 $29Nanjing $49
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$9.51
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Roti Bread$0.24
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Food Court Lunch$3.42
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$5.11
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:
- Private Night Tour Batu Caves and South Indian Dinner: $20
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $41
- Laksa Lanes Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $53
- Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur : $55
- Glowing Firefly Private Tour With Dinner: $59
- Malaysia Cooking Classes With Local: $60
- Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $60
- Kuala Selangor Fireflies and Blue Tears Tour with Dinner (SIC): $62
- Malaysian Hands-On Cooking Class : Masala Medley : $63
- Firefly Park Kuala Selangor Seafood Dinner and Free Boat Ride: $64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.
- 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $15Nanjing $9.41
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$1.19
Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- A Self Guided Tropical Adventure at Kuala Lumpur Hidden Treasures: $3.59
- Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park Ticket with Unlimited Rides: $5.39
- Urban Museum at Toffee Raja Chulan Admission Ticket: $6.35
- Genting Highlands: Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park Entry Ticket: $6.39
- Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass: $7.42
- KL Tower Admission E-Ticket with Options: $8.65
- REXPERIENCE: Immersive Art Gallery at REXKL: $9.77
- Museum Of Illusions Standard Admission Ticket: $9.89
- Kuala Lumpur Suburbs Batu Caves Half-Day Tour (SIC/Shared Tour): $10
- Kuala Lumpur Half Day Guided City Tour (SIC/Shared Tour): $10
- Malaysia Cruise Tasik Putrajaya: $10
- Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $11
Tours and Activities in Nanjing
Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
- 2-Day Unlimited Nanjing Private Flexible Tour with Lunch Option : $295
- 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
- 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour with Xiaoling Tomb and Sun Yatsen Mausoleum : $124
- 6-Hour Private Tour of Xiaoling Tomb,City Wall & Memorial Hall : $115
- All Inclusive Nanjing City Private Day Tour with Tailor-Made Highlights: $213
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $160
- Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $168
- Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
- Flexible Private Nanjing Layover Tour: $171
- Flexible Yangzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $212
- Half Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour with Night River Cruise: $206
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKuala Lumpur $6.58Nanjing $9.61
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
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing 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 Nanjing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Nanjing?
Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?
Nanjing 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 Nanjing in the Summer?
Both Nanjing 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 Nanjing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanjing averages at about 28°C (83°F).
Nanjing 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 less rain in July than Nanjing. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Nanjing 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Nanjing in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Nanjing. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.
In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Nanjing 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Nanjing in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Nanjing. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Nanjing can be very cold during winter. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Nanjing in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Nanjing. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Nanjing 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Nanjing in the Spring?
Both Nanjing 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 Nanjing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Nanjing averages at about 15°C (60°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Nanjing 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Nanjing and Kuala Lumpur
| Kuala Lumpur | Nanjing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 25 mm (1 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.