Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Kuala Lumpur?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Suzhou?
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 Suzhou. 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 Suzhou?
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.
Suzhou
Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.
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 Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKuala Lumpur $62Suzhou $101
The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $62, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $101. 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 Suzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKuala Lumpur $36Suzhou $38
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKuala Lumpur $72Suzhou $76
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Suzhou
Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Suzhou? 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 $6.41Suzhou $57
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$3.14
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Metro Ride (for Two)$0.67
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Short Taxi Ride$3.14
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Taxi From Airport$19
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Bus from Airport$1.68
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Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam$2.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur
Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport Departure Transfer KLIA1/KLIA2: $13
- Exclusive Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer: $14
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer Services: $15
- Private Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $15
- Private: Kuala Lumpur Departure Transfer: $17
- Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $17
- Kuala Lumpur Hotels to Sunway Lagoon Theme Park Transfer (1-way): $17
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer to City Hotels: $17
- Kuala Lumpur Hotel to Airport Transfer: $18
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer : $18
- Kuala Lumpur City to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer: $18
- Kuala Lumpur Airport Arrival Transfer: $18
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:
- Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
- Suzhou Private Arrival Transfer:Railway Station to City Hotel: $27
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
- Shanghai Pudong Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
- Shanghai Pudong Airport - Suzhou Chauffeur Service,Shanghai Airport Transfer: $280
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
- Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport - Suzhou Chauffeur Service,Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
- Private Transfer to Hangzhou City from Suzhou: $113
Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Suzhou?
Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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 $15Suzhou $32
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$8.39
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Roti Bread$0.21
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Food Court Lunch$3.02
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Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)$4.51
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: $28
- 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
- Petaling Street Heritage Food Tour: $62
- Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals: $63
- Kuala Selangor Fireflies Tour Include Seafood Dinner (Free Boat Ride): $65
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.
- Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals: $55
- Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
- Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kuala Lumpur $13Suzhou $9.32
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)$9.43
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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: $3.92
- Malaysia: KL Tower Entry Ticket: $4.60
- Alive 3D Art Gallery Admission Ticket: $7.67
- Zoo Negara Instant Entry E-Ticket: $9.81
- Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $9.81
- 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: $12
- Malaysia: Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $13
- KL Tower Admission Ticket: $13
- Half-Day City Tour: $13
Tours and Activities in Suzhou
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:
- 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $71
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
- 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
- 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
- 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $145
- All Inclusive Suzhou Highlight Tour with Boat Ride and Lunch: $179
- Essential Suzhou City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $248
- Flexible Shanghai Private Day Tour from Suzhou by Bullet Train: $208
- Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Day Tour with Authentic Lunch: $153
- Full Day Luzhi Water Town Day Tour From Suzhou: $178
- Full- Day Private Suzhou Tour Guide Service: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKuala Lumpur $6.21Suzhou $6.40
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$9.43
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou 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 Suzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Suzhou 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 Suzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Suzhou?
Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Suzhou. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?
Suzhou 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 Suzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Suzhou. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Suzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. 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 Suzhou. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Suzhou. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in July than Suzhou. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Suzhou 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Suzhou in the Autumn?
Both Suzhou 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.
In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Suzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Suzhou averages at about 19°C (65°F).
Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou 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 Suzhou. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Suzhou 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Suzhou in the Winter?
Both Suzhou 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.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Suzhou. In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou 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 Suzhou. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F)Suzhou 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Suzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Suzhou. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.
Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Suzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.
Suzhou 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 Suzhou. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F)Suzhou 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Suzhou and Kuala Lumpur
| Kuala Lumpur | Suzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 280 mm (11 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 290 mm (11.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 250 mm (9.8 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.