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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Shanghai?

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 Shanghai. 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 historic, modern, and welcoming city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a bustling, trendy, and modern port city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Shanghai?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Kuala Lumpur than Shanghai. While Shanghai is larger than Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kuala Lumpur is famous for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also well known for The Petronas Twin Towers. Shanghai is famous for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Shanghai?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the terrific sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or Shanghai.

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 Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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

Foodies will find both Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai both to be terrific 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, Shanghai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Shanghai Better for Nightlife?

Kuala Lumpur is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

Kuala Lumpur has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Shanghai?

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai.

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 Shanghai make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Shanghai Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Shanghai Better for Couples?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Shanghai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Couples visit Kuala Lumpur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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

Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai are both excellent 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.

Shanghai is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Shanghai Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for students. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place to visit for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Shanghai is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

The public transit in Shanghai can get you to most places easily. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Shanghai a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai are excellent 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.

Shanghai is a very walkable city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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

Should I spend more time in Shanghai or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Shanghai?

In either Kuala Lumpur or Shanghai, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Kuala Lumpur has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Shanghai. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 2-5 days is enough time in Shanghai.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Shanghai 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 Shanghai?

Kuala Lumpur is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Shanghai, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this modern port city offers. 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 Shanghai?

Kuala Lumpur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kuala Lumpur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Shanghai is a fun place to experience. 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 Shanghai?

Kuala Lumpur is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kuala Lumpur, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Shanghai, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this cosmopolitan big city offers. 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 Shanghai?

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Shanghai is a popular place to visit. 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 G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Malaysia, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai 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 Shanghai Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Shanghai?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai, 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 Shanghai?

Shanghai 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 Shanghai in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Shanghai. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.

In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Shanghai averages at about 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. 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 Shanghai. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Shanghai. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Shanghai in the Autumn?

Both Shanghai 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, many travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shanghai during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Shanghai in the Winter?

Both Shanghai 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, many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Shanghai in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Shanghai. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Shanghai in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Shanghai averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur