Which place is cheaper, Rio de Janeiro or Kuala Lumpur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
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.
Where Should I go: Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro?
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.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is the most popular travel destination in Brazil. It is the second largest city in Brazil and the sixth largest in the Americas. A portion of the city has been designated a World Heritage Site. It's also famous for Carnival, it's gorgeous beaches, and world-famous landmarks. Rio's appeal as a travel destination is apparent year round due to the great weather and plenty of fun activities. The city has a wonderful natural harbor that is surrounded by Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Peak, and the hills of Tijuca, creating an absolutely breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $62Rio de Janeiro $105
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $62, while the average daily cost in Rio de Janeiro is $105. 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 Rio de Janeiro in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $36Rio de Janeiro $66
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $72Rio de Janeiro $132
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Rio de Janeiro
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro? 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 Rio de Janeiro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kuala Lumpur $6.41Rio de Janeiro $7.97
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
-
Taxi Ride$3.14
-
Metro Ride (for Two)$0.67
-
Short Taxi Ride$3.14
-
Taxi From Airport$19
-
Bus from Airport$1.68
-
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:
- Private Airport Transfer in Kuala Lumpur: $34
- *Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Car Transfer: $268
- *Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Transfer [Van]: $173
- *Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Van Transfer: $76
- AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort Hotel To Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA KLIA2 Transfer: $50
- Airport Arrival Transfer-VIP Class: $200
- Airport Private Transfer: KLIA/ KLIA 2 to or from Hotel (6 seater): $48
- Airport Transfer from/to KLIA /KLIA 2: $25
- Airport to Hotel Drop Off Transfer (Kuala Lumpur): $50
- Airport transfer : $40
- Aquaria KLCC E-Ticket with One Way Transfer: $42
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Van: $114
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rio de Janeiro
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rio de Janeiro:
-
Taxi Ride$2.93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rio de Janeiro
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rio de Janeiro:
- Visit to Madureira Park in Rio de Janeiro with Transfer: $66
- Two Brothers Trail- one of the best views of Rio (transfer is included): $55
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (SDU): $25
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Rio de Janeiro APT-HTL (GIG): $52
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer Rio de Janeiro HTL-APT (SDU): $25
- Transfer to GIG or SDU International Airport in Rio de Janeiro: $39
- Transfer service from / to Rio de Janeiro / Paraty: $97
- Transfer service from / to Rio - Barra da Tijuca Airports: $25
- Transfer service from / to Porto Maravilha - Zona Sul: $18
- Transfer service from / to International Airport (GIG) - Zona Sul: $21
- Transfer service from / to Buzios / Arraial do Cabo / Cabo Frio: $76
- Transfer in Rio: $35
Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Rio de Janeiro?
Prices for flights to both Rio de Janeiro 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
-
Food Meals for one dayKuala Lumpur $15Rio de Janeiro $20
Typical Food Prices in Kuala Lumpur
For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Dinner at Ding Tai Fung$8.39
-
Roti Bread$0.21
-
Food Court Lunch$3.02
-
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 Rio de Janeiro
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rio de Janeiro:
-
Popcorn$0.59
-
Corn on the Cob$0.78
-
Hamburger$0.98
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rio de Janeiro
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rio de Janeiro.
- Waterfront Dinner & Live Music Experience: $45
- Barra da Tijuca Food Tour with Drinks: $71
- THE BEST FOOD TOUR: $79
- Feijoada Food Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Hotel pick-up and drop-off: $80
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local: $81
- 9-Recipe Boozy Brazilian Cooking Class: $85
- Dinner & Rio Scenarium Nightclub Admission with Transfer: $85
- Copacabana Local Street Bars Food Tour: $88
- Food Tour Rio de Janeiro - The Best Typical Brazilian Dishes: $92
- Rio Bar Food Tour with a Local - All Included: $99
- Rio Scenarium Entrance, Dinner, and Open Bar: $103
- Rio Scenarium: Fast Track Entrance, Dinner & Open Bar: $115
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $13Rio de Janeiro $22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
KL Tower Admission (for Two)$9.43
-
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:
- KL Tower Admission E-Ticket with Options: $3.91
- Malaysia: KL Tower Entry Ticket: $4.60
- Alive 3D Art Gallery Admission Ticket: $7.67
- Zoo Negara Instant Entry E-Ticket: $9.78
- Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $9.78
- KL Tower Observation Deck Entry Ticket: $11
- KL Tower Admission Ticket: $12
- Berjaya Times Square Theme Park Entry Ticket: $12
- KL Tower Admission Ticket: $13
- Suburbs and Batu Caves Half-Day Tour: $13
- Half-Day City Tour: $13
- Kl Tower Admission Ticket: $13
Tours and Activities in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few actual costs in Rio de Janeiro for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Favelas do Vidigal or Rocinha's experience: $49
- Ilha Grande Tour Full day - Rio de Janeiro by Rio Eco Trip: $105
- 03 - Guided Tour to the Grande Rio Academics Barracão: $120
- 1 day tour Rio de Janeiro to Christ and Cable car and much more: $98
- 10-hour Private Tour Rio In One Day: Christ, Sugarloaf, Selarón, Downtown: $260
- 14 - Guided Tour to Quadra Do Salgueiro with Samba Show: $75
- 15 - Guided Tour to Santa Marta Favela: $150
- 16 - Guided Tour to Favela da Rocinha: $75
- 19 - Guided Tour to the Museum of Tomorrow and Olympic Boulevard: $90
- 2 Days in Rio: Tijuca Forest & Two Brothers Hiking Tours: $273
- 2 Hours Paradisiac Sailboat Tour in Rio de Janeiro: $275
- 2 hours Hang Gliding Paragliding Full Package experience in Rio : $173
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayKuala Lumpur $6.21Rio de Janeiro $12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Kuala Lumpur
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine$9.43
Sample the Local Flavors in Rio de Janeiro
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rio de Janeiro:
- Rio: Pub Crawl in Lapa with Cachaça Tasting and Live Samba: $27
- Pub Crawl in Lapa: $29
- Rio de Janeiro Pub Crawl (Lapa district): $35
- Petropolis Bohemia: Historic tour and visit to the Bohemian Brewery: $55
- Walking tour + Pub crawl + Samba in Lapa: $64
- Petropolis City Tour + Bohemia Brewery + Lunch: $77
- Petrópolis City and Brewery Bohemia Tour - Best of Rio's Mountains: $110
- Rio: Sitio Burle Marx and Cachaça Distillery Private Tour: $129
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.
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.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Rio de Janeiro 26°C (79°F)
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.
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.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Rio de Janeiro 25°C (77°F)
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.
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.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Rio de Janeiro 21°C (70°F)
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.
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.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Rio de Janeiro 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Kuala Lumpur
| Kuala Lumpur | Rio de Janeiro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 169 mm (6.7 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.