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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro?

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 Rio de Janeiro. 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 diverse, colorful, and historic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Kuala Lumpur travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a multicultural, festive, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Rio de Janeiro is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Kuala Lumpur and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rio de Janeiro than Kuala Lumpur. Rio de Janeiro is bigger than Kuala Lumpur, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is popular for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. Also, Rio de Janeiro is famous for Christ the Redeemer. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Spend time exploring the fantastic sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro.

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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rio de Janeiro are among the most recognizable in the world. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

Is the Food Better in Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Kuala Lumpur and Rio de Janeiro both to be fantastic 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.

For foodies, Rio de Janeiro is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

Is Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Rio de Janeiro just to party. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Rio de Janeiro offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Rio de Janeiro is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro?

Shoppers can find a variety of fantastic stores in both Kuala Lumpur and Rio de Janeiro.

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 Rio de Janeiro make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Rio de Janeiro is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

The beauty of Kuala Lumpur is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This city's beauty really comes from the welcoming and helpful personality of its residents, but the neighborhoods also have historic charm and character.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Rio de Janeiro are very good 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very kid-friendly city. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Rio de Janeiro both very good 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.

Couples visit Rio de Janeiro frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for students. However, Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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

Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit in Rio de Janeiro is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Rio de Janeiro are very good 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very walkable city. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

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

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro?

Kuala Lumpur and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rio de Janeiro than Kuala Lumpur because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro than Kuala Lumpur 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro?

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Rio de Janeiro, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this high energy city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Rio de Janeiro is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Rio de Janeiro, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this high energy big city offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Kuala Lumpur. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

Both Rio de Janeiro 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. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Rio de Janeiro 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 more rain in July than Rio de Janeiroin January. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Rio de Janeiro. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin April. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. Also, December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Rio de Janeiro. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Rio de Janeiroin July. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

Both Rio de Janeiro 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. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Rio de Janeiroin October. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Rio de Janeiro is May to November. The rainy season in Rio de Janeiro is December to April.

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Kuala Lumpur