Which place is cheaper, Saint John's or Kuala Lumpur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Saint John's?
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 Saint John's. 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 Saint John's?
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.
Saint John's
If you've been to St. John's, Antigua, you were likely on a cruise - which means you likely did not have enough time to truly experience the magic of this tiny island getaway.
St. Johns is the capital of the tiny islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Located on Antigua, this tropical city lives up to its status as a tropical paradise. With 365 beaches on the island, you can enjoy the luxury of lounging in the sand every day of the year.
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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $62Saint John's $222
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $62, while the average daily cost in Saint John's is $222. 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 Saint John's in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $36Saint John's $120
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $72Saint John's $240
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Saint John's
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Saint John's? 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 $6.45Saint John's $17
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$3.16
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.68
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Short Taxi Ride$3.16
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Taxi From Airport$19
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Bus from Airport$1.69
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.53
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- *Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Car Transfer: $268
- *Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Transfer [Van]: $175
- 2 Way Transfer to or from Kuala Lumpur International Airport : $25
- AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort Hotel To Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA KLIA2 Transfer: $50
- Airport Private Transfer: KLIA/ KLIA 2 to or from Hotel (6 seater): $48
- Airport Transfer Hotel - KL Airport (KLIA / KLIA 2 || Private): $40
- Airport Transfer from/to KLIA /KLIA 2: $25
- Airport to Hotel Drop Off Transfer (Kuala Lumpur): $50
- Airport transfer : $40
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Car: $85
- Arrival Private Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Van: $115
- Arrival Transfer - Kuala Lumpur Airport To Genting Highlands: $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint John's
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Saint John's:
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Local Bus$1.52
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Taxi From Airport$6.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint John's
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint John's:
- VIP Meet and Greet Fast Track on Arrival at Antigua Airport - without Transfers : $74
- Shared Roundtrip Taxi Transfer from Antigua Airport to Royalton Antigua Resort: $45
- Round-Trip Transfer between Antigua Airport and Antigua Hotels: $32
- Private Transfer from St. John's Port to Antigua Island Hotels: $79
- Private Transfer from St. John's Port to Antigua Airport (ANU): $50
- Private Transfer from Antigua Airport (ANU) to St. John's Port: $50
- Private Transfer from Antigua & Barbuda V.C. Bird Airport (ANU) to island: $113
- Private Roundtrip Airport Transfers & Tour in Antigua & Barbuda: $200
- Private Round Trip Transfer From Antigua Airport To NonSuch Bay: $99
- Private One-Way Antigua Airport Transfer To/From Antigua: $45
- Private Airport Transfers to Antigua and Barbuda: $60
- Private Airport Transfers 1- 2 Pax. Zone C: Hotels: $120
Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Saint John's?
Prices for flights to both Saint John's 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 $15Saint John's $68
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$8.44
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Roti Bread$0.21
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Food Court Lunch$3.04
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$4.54
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:
- ARAS Restaurant at KL Tower Buffet Dinner: $29
- Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $43
- Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
- Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Cultural Night Experience with Buffet Dinner : $53
- From Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour with Dinner: $53
- Cultural Night Tour with Dinner: $55
- Malaysia Cooking Classes: $60
- Kuala Lumpur by Night and Malaysian Food Tour: $61
- Eat Like a Local: Kuala Lumpur Hawker Center and Street Food Tour by Night: $62
- Petaling Street Heritage Food Tour: $63
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint John's
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint John's.
- City Lime Food Tour: Taste our culture on Antigua's only food tour in the city!: $105
- Discover the Flavors of St. Johns Food Tour: $125
- Private Art Tour or Food Tour: $150
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $13Saint John's $103
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)$9.49
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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: $3.95
- Malaysia: KL Tower Entry Ticket: $4.60
- Alive 3D Art Gallery Admission Ticket: $7.67
- Zoo Negara Instant Entry E-Ticket: $8.12
- Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $9.87
- KL Tower Observation Deck Entry Ticket: $11
- KL Tower Admission Ticket: $12
- Kuala Lumpur's Cultural Highlights and Landmarks: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
- Berjaya Times Square Theme Park Entry Ticket: $13
- Malaysia: Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $13
- KL Tower Admission Ticket: $13
- Half-Day City Tour: $13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint John's
Here are a few typical costs in Saint John's for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Museum of Antigua & Barbu$3.00
Tours and Activities in Saint John's
Here are a few actual costs in Saint John's for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 6-Hours Guided Stingray Tour in the East Coast of Antigua: $161
- Adventure Antigua - Eli's Original Eco Tour: $125
- Adventure Antigua - The Xtreme Circumnavigation: $190
- Adventure Power Boat Tour Antigua and Private Laviscount Island: $170
- Animal Lovers Dream Tour: $180
- Antigua Historical Sites Island Tour: $75
- Antigua Reef Riders Self-Drive Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $180
- Antigua Round Island Tour: $85
- Antigua Seafood Lunch Cruise From St. John's: $135
- Antigua Shore Excursion: City of St John's Sightseeing Tour: $59
- Antigua Shore Excursion: Round Island Tour: $110
- Antigua Sunset Catamaran Cruise From St. John's: $116
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKuala Lumpur $6.25Saint John's $18
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$9.49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Saint John's, we can see that Saint John's 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 Saint John's 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 Saint John's would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint John's 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 Saint John's Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Saint John's?
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Saint John's. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Saint John's, 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 Saint John's?
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 Saint John's in the Summer?
Both Saint John's 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Saint John's year-round.
Saint John's 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 around the same amount of rain in July as Saint John's. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint John's, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Saint John's. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint John's receives 245 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Saint John's. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint John's averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Saint John's 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Saint John's in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Saint John's. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Saint John's attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Saint John's 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 Saint John's. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint John's this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Saint John's during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Saint John's receives 217 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Saint John's. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint John's fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Saint John's 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Saint John's in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Saint John's. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint John's throughout the year.
Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Saint John's. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Saint John's. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint John's receives 236 hours of full sun.
Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Saint John's in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Saint John's fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Saint John's 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Saint John's in the Spring?
Both Saint John's 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. Plenty of visitors come to Saint John's because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint John's. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Saint John's. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Saint John's receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Saint John's. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Saint John's during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Saint John's receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Saint John's. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint John's averages at about 26°C (78°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Saint John's 26°C (78°F)
Typical Weather for Saint John's and Kuala Lumpur
| Kuala Lumpur | Saint John's | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 198 mm (7.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 220 mm (8.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 137 mm (5.4 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.