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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco. 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 modern, welcoming, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a scenic, beautiful, and outdoorsy coastal city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and beaches.

Kuala Lumpur and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco?

Visitors will generally find more to do in San Francisco than Kuala Lumpur. While Kuala Lumpur is larger than San Francisco, San Francisco has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. San Francisco is better known for its theatre productions, music, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its nightlife. San Francisco is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. Also, San Francisco is famous for The Golden Gate Bridge. 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 San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the world-class sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco.

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 San Francisco are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

Is Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a good destination for theatre. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in San Francisco. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Kuala Lumpur is not a theatre destination.

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

Foodies will find both Kuala Lumpur and San Francisco both to be world-class 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, San Francisco is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

Is Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Kuala Lumpur has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a good destination for live music. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

San Francisco is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Many people visit San Francisco for it's beautiful beaches. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

San Francisco is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco?

Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Kuala Lumpur and San Francisco.

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 San Francisco make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

Is Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco 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, San Francisco is very family-friendly. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and San Francisco both great 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 San Francisco frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur and San Francisco are both great destinations for backpackers.

Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

San Francisco is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Is Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for students.

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 San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Is Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

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 San Francisco can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

Is Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is a very walkable city. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco?

Both Kuala Lumpur and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Kuala Lumpur. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco?

Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In San Francisco, many people enjoy the live music and food that this outdoorsy coastal 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco 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 San Francisco?

Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In San Francisco, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this one-of-a-kind 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 San Francisco?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of San Francisco. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

San Francisco 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 San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and San Francisco. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as San Francisco. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or San Francisco in the Spring?

Both San Francisco 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. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than San Francisco. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Kuala Lumpur