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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Oslo?

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 Oslo. 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 welcoming, friendly, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Oslo

Oslo is a green, clean, and progressive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur and Oslo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Oslo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Oslo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kuala Lumpur is popular for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also home to The Petronas Twin Towers. Oslo is popular for its Viking history, its locally caught seafood, its maritime museums, and its access to winter sports.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Oslo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Oslo 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 Oslo?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its sights and museums. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Kuala Lumpur that are not to be missed. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Oslo. Famous sights around town include the Akershus Fortress, the Folk Museum of Norway, and the Munch Museum.

Is the Food Better in Kuala Lumpur or Oslo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kuala Lumpur is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Oslo has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has a reputation of serving a lot of cured meats and potato dishes, but there is actually a good amount of variation available. Local favorites include smoked salmon, meatballs, and meat stews.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Oslo Better for Nightlife?

Kuala Lumpur is notable for nightlife. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Kuala Lumpur has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Oslo. The city's high alcohol prices mean that many locals enjoy their drinks at home during pre-parties before heading out on the town. The atmosphere is usually laid-back and chill, with a diversity of entertainment venues that you can choose between.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Oslo?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for shopping. However, Oslo is a mediocre city for its shopping opportunities.

Kuala Lumpur is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Oslo has some nice offerings. The shopping that is available includes shopping malls and local boutique shops.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Oslo Better for Families?

Oslo is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Oslo is very family-friendly. The city goes out of its way to integrate kid-friendly activities into everyday life. From playgrounds and parks to interactive museums and nearby amusement parks, this city is among the most kid-friendly around.

Kuala Lumpur is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Oslo Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur is notable for romance. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Oslo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can explore castles, go on forest hikes, or enjoy a couple's massage.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Oslo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur is notable for backpackers. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Oslo is a good city to visit for backpackers. Notoriously expensive, this city does have some hostels, but it can be a bit challenging for those on a budget. Because many backpackers avoid the area due to the costs, it can be challenging to meet other backpackers.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Oslo Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Oslo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Kuala Lumpur is a great destination for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Students come from all over to stay in Oslo. The University of Oslo has an excellent reputation and welcomes many foreign students every year. The school does a lot to make sure international students feel at home here.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Oslo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find world-class public transit in both Kuala Lumpur and Oslo.

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 Oslo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trams, undergrounds, local trains, and ferries.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Oslo a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Oslo are great 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.

Oslo is a very walkable city. The city has a number of traffic-free areas so it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting? and Is Oslo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Oslo or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Oslo?

In either Kuala Lumpur or Oslo, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Kuala Lumpur has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Oslo. However, 1-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Oslo than Kuala Lumpur. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Oslo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Oslo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kuala Lumpur that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Oslo if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Oslo?

Kuala Lumpur is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Oslo, many people enjoy the food and museums that this clean city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Oslo?

Kuala Lumpur is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Oslo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Oslo?

Kuala Lumpur is a welcoming big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Oslo?

The modern city of Kuala Lumpur offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Oslo is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. 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 Polar Tours & Cruises in Norway, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Oslo, we can see that Oslo 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 Oslo is in Europe, 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 Oslo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oslo 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 Oslo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Oslo?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Oslo. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Oslo, 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 Oslo?

Oslo 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 Oslo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Oslo. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Oslo for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Oslo in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Oslo fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Oslo. 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 Oslo. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 246 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Oslo. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Oslo in the Autumn?

Both Oslo 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Oslo because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Oslo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Oslo averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 86 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Oslo. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Oslo in the Winter?

Both Oslo 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. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oslo this time of year.

It's quite cold in Oslo in the winter. In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Oslo. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Oslo fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Oslo. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Oslo receives 40 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Oslo. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Oslo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Oslo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Oslo for the activities around the city.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Oslo in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Oslo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Oslo during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Oslo receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Oslo. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Oslo receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Oslo and Kuala Lumpur