Which place is cheaper, Saint Thomas 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 Saint Thomas?
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 Thomas. 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 Thomas?
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 Thomas
Saint Thomas is a beautiful island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Together with St. John, St. Croix, and Water Island, it forms the unincorporated territory of the United States. The island is also home to the territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie. The island's population is just over 50,000, which is slightly less than half of the territory's total population.
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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Kuala Lumpur Prices
Malaysia PricesSaint Thomas Prices
USVI Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $83Saint Thomas $258
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $83, while the average daily cost in Saint Thomas is $258. 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 Thomas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $41Saint Thomas $131
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $82Saint Thomas $262
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Saint Thomas
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Saint Thomas? 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 $7.21Saint Thomas $37
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:
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Singapore: $270
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Penang: $270
- ~Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan Transfer [MPV]: $268
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Penang Island Transfer [Car]: $266
- Cameron Highlands Transfer Private (Per Vehicle): $260
- Cameron Highlands One Way Transfer: $259
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Desaru Transfer [Car]: $240
- Private Transfer from Shah Alam city to Malacca Cruise Port: $239
- KUL Hotel to Johor Bharu(One Way Transfer): $237
- Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to Johor Bharu: $237
- Chauffeur: Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands Transfer [Car]: $234
- Kuala Lumpur City Hotels to Singapore City Hotels 1-way Transfer: $230
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saint Thomas
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Saint Thomas are as follows:
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Scooter Rental$65
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Taxi Ride$5.00
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Thomas
Also for Saint Thomas, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Vi Top Taxi & Tours -Airport Transfer to Bolongo Bay/ Limetree: $110
- VI Top Taxi and Tours - St. Thomas - Airport Transfer to Red Hook Ferry: $90
- Transfer from Cyril E. King Airport(STT) to Charlotte Amalie Port: $83
- St.Thomas to St.Thomas Airport (STT) - Departure Private Transfer: $115
- St.Thomas island to Cyril E. King Airport(STT)-Departure Transfer: $135
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to the Redhook Ferry: $144
- St. Thomas USVI Airport Transfer to The Ritz Carlton Resort: $144
- ST.Thomas Private Airport One-Way Transfers: $180
- Private Hotel and Resorts Transfers: $173
- Private Ground Transfers: $120
- Private Arrival Transfer from Cyril E King Airport to Redhook Bay: $175
- Private Airport Transfer in Luxury Vehicle- St. Thomas, USVI: $179
Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Saint Thomas?
Prices for flights to both Saint Thomas 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 $29Saint Thomas $94
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
- From Batu Caves Night Tour + Indian Set Dinner: $28
- 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: $52
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Thomas
For Saint Thomas, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Flavors: Cultural Cooking Class, St Thomas, USVI, USA : $81
- St. John Sail with Bar and Hors d'Oeuvres to Lovango Dinner: $119
- Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove: $119
- Afternoon Snorkel, Pizza & Sunset Tour departing from St. Thomas & St. John: $120
- Local Experience, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands Food Tour: $125
- Pizza Pi Shuttle (Official) - Jet Ski Trip St Thomas: $148
- St. John PiZZA Pi Snorkel Sail with Beach Stop, Lunch & Open Bar - Westin: $149
- Christmas Cove and Pizza Pi Happy Hour Sail Tour: $185
- Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip: $295
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $15Saint Thomas $60
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:
- Adventure Sports & Thrilling White-water Rafting in Kampar River: $182
- Cameron Highland Day Tour From Kuala Lumpur By Group: $155
- Full Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour with Petronas Twin Tower Tickets: $95
- Half Day Kuala Lumpur Culture And Communities Exploration Tour: $30
- Historic And Heritage Melaka Tour: $55
- KL Tour with Petronas Twin Towers Observation Deck & Batu Cave: $145
- KLCC Lake Symphony & The River of Life Tour from Kuala Lumpur: $33
- Kuala Lumpur (Genting Highlands 7.5 hours Private Tour): $61
- Kuala Lumpur Full Day City Tour Cruise Excursion from Port Klang: $65
- Kuala Lumpur Half Day Family Tour With Aquaria KLCC : $105
- Malacca Instagram Tour: Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive): $184
- Petronas Twin Tower Tickets with City Tour: $80
Tours and Activities in Saint Thomas
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Saint Thomas.
- Island Icons & Treasures Tour - St. Thomas USVI : $199
- Magens Bay Trail Hiking Tour: $60
- Two-Hour Sightseeing Excursion : $58
- Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour : $68
- 1 Hour Jet Ski Tour in the Virgin Islands from Westin St. John: $169
- 1-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour in St. Thomas from Frenchman's Reef: $159
- 1.5 Hour Private Mini Jeep Tour on St. Thomas: $220
- 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour: $139
- Admission Ticket to Coral World & Coki Point Beach with Snorkeling: $40
- Best of Mangrove Lagoon Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure with Picnic Lunch: $159
- Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!: $150
- Children's Treasure Hunt Walking Tour: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKuala Lumpur $6.58Saint Thomas $27
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 Saint Thomas, we can see that Saint Thomas 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 Thomas 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 Thomas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Thomas 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 Thomas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Saint Thomas?
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Saint Thomas. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Saint Thomas, 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 Thomas?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Saint Thomas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Saint Thomas. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Saint Thomas attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Thomas this time of the year. In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Saint Thomas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Saint Thomas. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Saint Thomas throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Saint Thomas. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Saint Thomas. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Thomas. In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 235 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Saint Thomas in the Winter?
Both Saint Thomas and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Saint Thomas because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Saint Thomas. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
It's quite sunny in Saint Thomas. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Saint Thomas during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Thomas receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Saint Thomas. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Saint Thomas 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Saint Thomas in the Spring?
Both Saint Thomas and Kuala Lumpur during the spring 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 Thomas year-round.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Saint Thomas. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Saint Thomas receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Saint Thomas, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Saint Thomas. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Thomas receives 272 hours of full sun.
Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Saint Thomas in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Saint Thomas fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Saint Thomas 27°C (80°F)
Typical Weather for Saint Thomas and Kuala Lumpur
| Kuala Lumpur | Saint Thomas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 146 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 126 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 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.