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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Seattle?

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 Seattle. 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, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Seattle

Seattle is a progressive, cultural, and outdoorsy city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and beaches.

Kuala Lumpur and Seattle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Seattle?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Seattle than Kuala Lumpur. While Kuala Lumpur is larger than Seattle, Seattle has more sights and attractions for tourists. Seattle is better known for its theatre productions, music, beaches, and hiking, while Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. 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. Seattle is well known for its beautiful waterfront setting, diverse culinary scene, thriving art and cultural venues, and being the home of many international tech companies. Also, Seattle is famous for The Space Needle.

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Seattle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Kuala Lumpur on the map. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Seattle. The city's most iconic landmark is the Space Needle. There's also a zoo, aquarium, and a handful of nice museums. Several favorites include the Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of History & Industry, and the Seattle Art Museum.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Seattle Better for Theater?

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

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Seattle. There are a handful of theaters where you can enjoy traveling Broadway shows or smaller productions.

Kuala Lumpur is not a theatre destination.

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

Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kuala Lumpur is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Seattle. The city has many diverse dining options that make it a popular foodie destination. The seafood is world-class with many restaurants offering fresh caught salmon and oysters. There are also many great Asian restaurants with Pho, sushi, and dim sum all being popular around town. Seattle is also famous as the birthplace of Starbucks coffee, and both chain and independent coffee shops are common. Finally, make sure you check out the donuts at Pike's Place Market.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Seattle Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kuala Lumpur and Seattle.

Kuala Lumpur has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Seattle is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is known for its breweries and eclectic nightlife scene. There is a thriving theater scene as well as many bars and trendy restaurants. The best neighborhoods for nightlife include Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Downtown.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Seattle Better for Music?

Seattle is a very popular place for live music. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Seattle while you're in town. The city has developed its own music culture around several genres including alternative rock and grunge.

Kuala Lumpur is not a live music destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Seattle Better for Beaches?

Seattle is a good destination for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Seattle offers a nice beach destination. The city is surrounded by water so there are a number of rocky and sandy beaches nearby. Some beaches are more popular with locals while others attract a large amount of tourists. Alki Beach Park, Discovery Park, and Golden Gardens Park are among the best.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Seattle Better for Hiking?

Seattle is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Seattle. It's famously an outdoorsy city and the hiking will not disappoint. Within a half hour drive of town you'll find beautiful forests and stunning natural beauty. Head into the Cascades, to the coastal rainforests, or around Mount Rainier for all kinds of diverse landscapes. Seattle is well situated for you to experience hiking through the diverse Pacific Northwest landscapes.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Seattle?

Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Kuala Lumpur is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Seattle. Shopping in town has an eclectic mix of high end brands, local vendors, and vintage shops. There are farmers markets as well as the famous Pike Place Market, but also major malls with all of the standard department stores.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Seattle Better for Families?

Kuala Lumpur is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Kuala Lumpur is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Seattle is a family-friendly city. This is an outdoor city with plenty of places where kids can run around and experience nature. There are several good museums as well as outdoor activities, parks, and a zoo. Make sure you check out the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Volunteer Park, and Artists at Play Playground.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Seattle Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur is notable for couples. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Seattle is a nice destination for couples. The city has a laid back vibe, a nice downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are a diversity of restaurants to enjoy and a great nightlife scene that makes for a good couple's getaway.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Seattle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur is notable for backpackers. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Seattle is a good city to visit for backpackers. Although it's not the most popular city for backpackers in America, the city's chill vibe, fun breweries, and lively setting make it a great spot for young backpackers.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Seattle Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is renowned for students. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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 Seattle. It is a major IT center with a large university, so international students will have plenty of opportunities here. It's also a vibrant city with many outdoor recreational opportunities and a fun nightlife scene.

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

Kuala Lumpur is renowned for its public transit. Also, Seattle is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Kuala Lumpur has a great public transit system. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Seattle has some public transit options. There is a light rail system, a monorail, a street car, and buses.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Seattle a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Seattle 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.

Seattle is a very walkable city. Many neighborhoods are very walkable, particularly in the downtown and major tourist areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Seattle or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Seattle?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kuala Lumpur and Seattle. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than in Seattle. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 2-3 days is enough time in Seattle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Seattle 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Seattle?

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Seattle, many people enjoy the live music and food that this laid-back 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 Seattle?

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Seattle is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Seattle?

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the cultural big city of Seattle. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Seattle?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kuala Lumpur. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Seattle 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Las Vegas, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Seattle?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Seattle. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Seattle, 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 Seattle?

Seattle 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 Seattle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Seattle. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Seattle 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 a little warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Seattle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kuala Lumpur this time of the year. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Seattle. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 313 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Seattle. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Seattle in the Autumn?

Both Seattle and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Seattle 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 Seattle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Seattle fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Seattle during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 143 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Seattle. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Seattle in the Winter?

Both Seattle and Kuala Lumpur during the winter 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 museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Seattle this time of year.

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Seattle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Seattle averages at about 42°F (5°C).

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Seattle. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Seattle receives 67 hours of full sun.

Seattle 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 January than Seattle. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 5.4 inches (136 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Seattle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Seattle. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Seattle for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Seattle. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Seattle fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Seattle this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Seattle during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Seattle receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Seattle. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Seattle receives 2.5 inches (64 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Seattle and Kuala Lumpur